Bumblebee Oscar - (Astronotus crassipinnis)

🐟 Bumblebee Oscar – (Astronotus crassipinnis)

The Bumblebee Oscar is a captivating and rare variant of the Oscar cichlid, distinguished by its striking yellow and black banded pattern reminiscent of a bumblebee. Native to South America’s Amazon Basin, this species combines the robust size and personality of the Oscar with a unique and eye-catching coloration, making it a prized fish among experienced aquarists.

🌊 Habitat & Care

• Origin: Amazon Basin, South America.
• Tank Size: Minimum 125 gallons.
• Water Conditions: Prefers warm, slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH of 6.0–7.5 and temperature between 74–82°F (23–28°C).
• Tank Setup: Provide a large tank with plenty of open swimming space, along with sturdy decorations such as rocks and driftwood.

🍽️ Diet

• Carnivorous — feeds on high-quality pellets, live and frozen foods such as shrimp, insects, and small fish.

⚖️ Temperament

• Aggressive and territorial, especially during breeding.
• Best kept alone or with similarly sized robust fish.

🧠 Behavior & Special Considerations

• Size: Up to 14 inches (35 cm).
• Intelligent and interactive, capable of recognizing owners.
• Requires excellent filtration and frequent water changes due to large bioload.

📋 At a Glance

💡 The Bumblebee Oscar is a bold and intelligent predator, perfect for experienced hobbyists who can provide a large tank and proper care.