Taxonomy of Finfish (1+2)

4.2.13 Astronotus ocellatus

Family: Chchlidae

Genus: Astronotus

English name: Oscar, Velvet Cichlid and Peacock-Eye Cichild

Origin: Northern South America

Size: Maximum 33 cm

Habitat: Found in a wide variety of waters.

Shape, coloring and, markings:

The body is fairly slender and laterally compressed. The head is blunt: the mouth large with a protruding lower jaw. The basic coloration is variable, but usually a dark olive green to chocolate: on the flanks lie irregular, generally black bordered, ivory or reddish stripes. S large round dark mark, ringed with red, lies at the base of the caudal fin. The fins are olive green, flecked with black and gold.

Females are as described above.

Males often have two or three dark patches at the base of the dorsal fin.