Albino Oscar – Complete Aquarium Guide

The albino Oscar fish is a stunning variety of the extremely popular Oscar fish. It is a species of the cichlid family and they have irregular blotches or splattering. An albino oscar is a white and red- orange variant of the classic Tiger oscar. They also share most of the characteristics of a tiger oscar. An essential part of their care is keeping their environments clean. Typically, they are found in the Amazon river and its surrounding areas. However, they are famous for their territorial and aggressive behavior, which could sometimes make one doubt purchasing it.

Despite the aggressive nature of an albino oscar fish, there are people who have successfully nurtured them, therefore, you can too. Then the question is; how do you nurture them? Typically, an albino oscar is found in its natural environment and this is an important factor that should be considered when grooming them. Although they are semi-aggressive, they co-exist fairly well with some other types of fishes. Therefore, I am glad to inform you that the requirement for an albino Oscar fish is not much more than you can bear, because, they usually require a moderate level of care.

In this article we will share extensively, the size of an albino Oscar, how fast they grow, their lifespan, diet and behavior. Furthermore, we would share some known and unknown facts about them, the various species of fishes that are compatible as tank mates. Also, there might be some questions regarding the attributes listed earlier you might have been pondering on. All this answers and more, you will get from this article.

Where are albino oscars found?

An albino oscar natural environment is a typically slow-moving white-water habitat. Its primary range is the Amazon River basin, but you can also find it in Peru, Brazil, French Guiana, Colombia and Ecuador. Humans have also released this species outside of its native range as a by-product of the ornamental fish trade. They have been observed to be sheltering under submerged branches, as a result, they love to rest under cover

Albino oscar color

Albino Oscars, as the name recommends, are white in shading and they have shiny, velvety skin and red eyes. Similarly, they can also be found in a blend of red and orange. Also, they are monomorphic, which means both males and females look exactly alike and this makes them one of the most intriguing tropical freshwater fish. Often, juvenile albino oscars have a different coloration from adults, and are striped with white and orange wavy bands with spotted heads.

Albino oscar size and lifespan

Albino oscars can get quite large, usually 12 to 14 inches and should be kept in a 75 gallon or larger aquarium. Typically, they can live up to 10 to 12years and sometimes 15 years, depending on the quality of care given to it. An albino oscar similarly grow fasts like other oscars. Furthermore, providing the right diet to your oscar can increase its life expectancy.

Albino oscar behavior

Albino oscar fish are popular tropical fish for the home aquarium, but they can be aggressive and territorial. However, they usually lay claim to a particular area and attack any fish that encroaches their territory. Once the oscar establishes a territory, it will vigorously defend it by chasing away other fishes. Therefore, this could make them a difficult species to handle.

Albino oscar diet

Albino oscars are typically omnivores, they can eat anything you give to them. In the wild, they typically eat:

• Insects
• Worms
• Smaller fishes
• Plants
• Berries and fruit that falls into their environment

When keeping Oscars as aquarium fish, choose a commercial fish food suitable for fishes like Oscars and other cichlids. Also, they will eat other fish, so be careful about placing smaller fish such as guppies or goldfish in the tank with them unless choosing feeder fish specifically to enhance your Oscar fish’s diet.

You can also supplement their diet with live/frozen mealworms and insects (which are protein-rich). Some examples are bloodworms, grasshoppers, brine shrimp, and daphnia. This encourages them to catch their food and bring out their natural hunting instincts.

Remember that your Oscar is primarily carnivorous (eats meat), so provide them with a high quality, high protein diet. Also, many high quality processed fish foods are available on the market today, and most frozen fish foods are also appropriate for feeding your Oscar.

Albino oscar tank requirements

To keep your albino oscar healthy in your home aquarium, always remember to provide them with plenty of clean, warm water. In addition, your Oscar’s temperature should be about 77° Fahrenheit (25° Celsius), and ide`ally should remain between 74° and 81° F (23.5° and 27° C), so you need an aquarium heater and a thermometer.

Keeping your Oscar too warm for long periods of time will result in Oxygen deprivation, which can cause nerve damage, heart damage, and can seriously hamper the immune system. Similarly, keeping them too cool or exposing them to sudden chill can also hamper their immune system. In addition, an impaired immune system makes them more susceptible to many diseases, from easily treatable Ich to more difficult diseases such as hole-in-the-head.

Oscar tank size requirement

Your Oscar aquarium should provide at least 30 gallons of space (about 114 liters) per Oscar, plus any space needed for any other fish. A minimum fish tank size of 40 gallons (about 152 liters) is recommended if you are keeping an Oscar. Moreover, anything smaller than 55 gallon size will be stressful for your Oscar and a burden to its owner.

Oscars are a very messy fish, so tank maintenance is paramount. Therefore, perform your weekly 10-15% water changes, so that your Oscar always has clean water and the waste that is not processed by the aquarium filter is removed.

Your Oscar needs good filtration to keep the water from becoming toxic, and you need to keep the filter(s) well maintained. Also, when selecting a filter, remember to make sure that the filter provides excess filtration for a fish tank with the large capacity that your Oscar requires. Many people use multiple smaller filters to maintain a large aquarium like this. Remember, it is very important that your filters provide filtration in excess of your total aquarium volume.

Water pH Level for Oscars

Your goal with any aquarium should be to maintain the tank in the same conditions as your fish would encounter in the wild. Oscar fish require a water pH of around 7.2, or alkaline. Also, use a cichlid buffer or a water conditioner especially for cichlid fish and use an aquarium water pH test kit to measure water pH.

Albino oscar tank mates

These species are not usually friendly, and they are mostly tagged as threats to other fishes. Oscars do best if kept alone. However, you can select as tank mates other large South or Central American Cichlids, though it is imperative that you select ones that are neither too aggressive nor too passive, as the aggressive ones will beat up your Oscar and the passive ones will get beaten up. When they still live naturally in ponds they are quite familiar with a lot of fish varieties. But, having them in ponds is not the same. As the space is limited and tension rises.

If you do want to keep your Oscar with other fish, the fish should either be raised together or should be moved into a new fish tank together so that none of them have an established territory. Moreover, fellow cichlids are the most common tank mates since they can usually hold their own against an Oscar.

Oscar fish tank mates may be only large or especially spiny fishes – jaguar cichlid, green terror, Jack Dempsey cichlid and other cichlids, large armored salfin pleco and common pleco. All other fishes except these fishes listed above will be eaten or at least bitten by an Oscar fish.

Can albino Oscar live with African cichilds?

Most Cichilds are from either Africa or South America. The albino Oscars is not as territorial as most other cichilds when full grown but will consume anything that can fit into their mouth. They can live with African cichlid which is slightly bigger than them. Moreover, Oscars coexist fairly with other cichilds. When selecting an African cichlid, you should pick wisely because there is a wide variety of African cichlid. Usually, they can live up to 20 years if kept in good health.

Can albino oscars live with Cichlids?

Albino Oscars can live fairly with several type of cichilds. These types of Cichilds include: Convict Cichlids, African Cichilds, Firemouth Cichlids, Jaguar Cichlids, etc. Therefore, fellow cichlids are the most common tank mates since they can usually hold their own against an Oscar.

Can albino oscars live with Convict Cichlids?

Convict Cichilds are very fascinating and can easily fend off attack, therefore, they can co-exist fairly with albino oscars. They are relatively tolerant of cool water, allowing them to colonise their habitat. Many Cichlids can easily establish any type of dominance, but they will however breed and live together with oscars. In other words, they relate well with other species, thereby, oscars do not get lonely and they almost always live happy. Most importantly, all you need is to ensure you meet their water conditions and make it match what they live in, in their natural habitat.

Can Oscar live with Black Convict Cichlid?

These species usually stay under 6 inches, but they are still a great fish to put in the same tank with Oscar. Black Convict is hardy, fierce and tough enough to stand against Oscar. However, it is important you select the appropriate size for each type of fish to match them together.

 If your Oscar is 8inches long, keeping it with a Convict of 2.5inches in length is not the best idea to ensure the survival of the Convict fish. When comparing both sides, ensure there is a minimum difference in both sizes. The appropriate temperature you should set the tank at is 74-82 F. Compatibility level on a scale of 10, is ranked 10/10.

It is advisable that you put this species together with smaller Oscar. If otherwise, be sure that these Convicts are exposed to continuous nipping or chasing behavior.

Can albino oscars live with Firemouth?

Firemouth Cichlid has similar characteristics with Convict Cichlid, which makes them more compatible to live in the same tank with Oscar. The main difference is the less aggressive nature of Firemouth and the high growth rate (they grow up to 6 inches in length). They are less aggressive than Convict and are great at staying away from conflict.

Although Firemouths can defend themselves when there is a need for it, they rather avoid a fight than engaging in it, it is better to place rocks that will provide adequate spots for hiding. The appropriate temperature for the tank is 75-84 F, and their level of compatibility is on the rank 8/10.

Can albino oscars live with Bettas?

Albino oscars can live with bettas, but there is a high probability they may likely feed on their fins. You should put lots of plants in the tank, rather than rocks. Also, you can get some extras you will like to include in the tank, such as a micro worm culture, culture brine shrimp and some vinegar eels. But then, try not to place both male and female betta in the same tank with Oscar. This alone can cause aggressive behavior among these three. Most importantly, all you need is a tank of at least 5-gallon size, you are good to go with the fish.

Can albino oscars live with Blood Parrots?

You can certainly keep these two species together, all you need to do is to keep feeding them regularly. These fish are typically territorial, so one thing to note is providing enough space that will not allow them to trespass each other’s way.

Can albino oscars live with Catfish?

Catfish often possess spines on their fins that can cause death to Oscar if swallowed. However, large catfish are the better choices of tank mate for Oscars. Since, there is little or no difference in their size, they can co-exist fairly without one feeding on the other. Most importantly, all you need is a perfect tank size to accommodate both species of fish.

Can albino oscars live with Goldfish?

Albino Oscars are known to reach a bigger size compared to Goldfish. Even when you breed these two together at a younger age, there is a probability the Oscar will grow past the Goldfish in size. At this point, the Goldfish will need a separate habitat, as the Oscar may continue to feed on it. However, with the right living conditions; a clean environment and adequate feeding, a Goldfish can outgrow an Oscar.

Oscars are better kept in an optimum water condition. If you are introducing Goldfish into your Oscar tank, the amount of waste that will be produced will increase. This may lead to a high nitrate level, which results in a head disease called HITH.

Can Oscar live with Arowana?

Just like most types of fish, gallon size is a major contributor to survival in a community tank. It is best when you don’t mix Arowana with an Oscar, until they are 10-11 inches long, or it’s twice the size of the Oscar. Arowana grows very quickly in size and can be sometimes faster than an Oscar. You shouldn’t confuse their strength with the size of these two fish, as Arowana tend to grow faster, especially when you feed them properly.

Your tank size can also determine how these two fish can size can be when you place them in the same habitat. A small tank will only contain a small amount of water, which is easy to pollute. The fish then releases some metabolic waste that accumulates and stresses them out. In this situation, the outside body of the fish stops growing, while the inside continues to develop. It always ends up killing the fish, as the organs compress together after a long time.

Can albino Oscars live with Guppies?

Albino Oscar fish are semi-aggressive, and carnivorous. They’ll eat small fish like guppies. Therefore, albino Oscar cannot live with guppies. Although, they can co-exist fairly well with several other type of fishes, especially fishes that are bigger than it in size. Guppies are usually used as feeder fish, because they are prolific feeders. Moreover, this type of fish is very healthy and an appropriate food for Oscars.

Can albino Oscars live with Mystery Snails?

Due to the small size of snails, they can easily be crushed by albino Oscars, Therefore, they are used as snacks when you put them in the same tank as Oscar. However, those who find their way to the bottom of the tank, fortunately, escape being eaten by an Oscar fish.

Fish that you should avoid keeping with an Oscar

• Delicate species; This is because oscars are usually aggressive, with large body size. So, they tend to bully tank mates. Some of this fishes include as Discus, which needs to thrive in a peaceful environment, and not with an oscar.

• Smaller species that can be easily consumed: Try to avoid anything that is small including catfish, because it can enter an oscars mouth within a short period. Also, catfish often possess spines on their fins that can cause death to an oscar if swallowed. Generally, small species pose as a threat for Oscars. Especially, the slow-moving ones.

• Species that are sensitive to water conditions: Some species require pristine water conditions to thrive. Oscars are usually messy eaters, so they tend to have high nitrate levels in their tanks. While, other species are very sensitive to water conditions, and won’t survive in an environment that doesn’t best suit them.

Albino Oscar diseases

There are typically five diseases that strike albino Oscar fish frequently. These diseases are usually easy to recognize. They include Hole in the Head disease (HITH), ich (white spot disease), fin and tail rot, popeye disease, and bloat. More importantly, you should learn how to spot a sick Oscar fish and determine which treatment it needs. And always ensure you treat them immediately.

How to Care for Oscar Fish

Albino Oscars require more care than most other species because of their size and large appetite. Truly, this means that they produce a lot of mess. Therefore, cleaning the tank regularly is very important, or conditions will deteriorate quickly. Also, their water should be changed at least once a week, and ideally twice.

Oscars don’t get sick often because they are hardier than most fish, but they can get ill just like all species. Furthermore, a common problem for this type of fish is “hole in the head” disease. Usually, this is where cavities and holes begin to form. Typically, this can be a sign that they’re not getting enough nutrients in their food. Therefore, you are to change their diet if you see signs of this disease.

Albino Oscar facts

Some interesting facts about albino oscars are:

• Diseases are uncommon
• They have bright colors
• Albino oscars are one of the most long-lived aquarium fish when given the right habitat.
• Also, they have unique social behaviors
• In addition, they have a wide range of choices for their diet

Albino Oscar breeding

Obviously, you are not going to be able to stop a pair of oscars breeding if they want to. However, purposely, you are to make sure you have a breeding pair of oscar fish adults. Albino oscars display common signs and behaviors when they are ready to mate. And this could often confuse fish owners and this makes it one of the hardest fish to breed in an aquarium.

Their frequency and timing of breeding naturally are related to the occurrence of rain, but this can be controlled. Therefore, to signal rainy season in an aquarium try lowering the temperature a couple of degrees. Also, water changes every couple of days and sprinkling water on the surface for a few minutes each day will also help.

More on Albino Oscar Breeding

As long as this fish thinks they’ve found a suitable mate, you can breed any combination of individuals from different varieties. Also, when the fish is ready to spawn they’ll flare their gill and use their fins to indicate to their mate. Usually, this can be a simple fin waggling or vibration.

They usually lay their small white eggs on a rock or on a clean flattened horizontal or vertical surface. , Usually, the adhesive eggs are about a millimeter in diameter and opaque white, resembling dead eggs of other fish. Typically, they produce up to 3000 opaque white eggs.

They reach sexual maturity around one year of age and continue to reproduce until 9 to 10 years. Therefore, it is one of the tedious fish to breed in captivity. Furthermore, detailed information regarding their reproduction in the wild is scarce.

FAQs

There are some frequently asked questions related to Albino Oscar, this section answers these questions:

Are albino Oscars less aggressive?

The albino oscar is considerably less aggressive than most other medium and large cichilds. But, they do have a voracious appetite and will eat any fish or invertebrate that will fit (or nearly fit) in its mouth. Furthermore, of all the oscars the albinos are the least aggressive.

Why is my Oscar fish turning white?

Your oscar fish turning white could be a symptom of Ich known as white spot disease which s a very common disease problem of all aquarium fish including oscars. It is caused by Ichthyophthirius multifillis, a protozoan parasite. Usually, this disease is most commonly brought into an aquarium by the addition of new fish, live plants or live food items.

Do albino oscar change color?

There are several factors that can change an oscar color. They include nutrition, water quality, stress level and tank mates. And a change in water quality or water parameters can cause a color change in an oscar. Also, an albino oscar can change color during feeding. They could also change color when they are spooked or agitated by tank mates. It could also be a sign of general unhappiness.

Where do Albino Oscars live in the wild?

Wild populations are found in China, Northern Australia, and Florida, the USA as a byproduct of the ornamental fish trade.

Can different type of Oscars be kept together?

Oscars can be kept together, and this is the safest option. Only ensure to follow the stocking guidelines. Majorly, you are to ensure they have enough space in other to reduce territory dispute. In addition, you are to move juveniles to a new tank with a sponge filter for the best chance of survival. Also, you are to feed them around 2-4 times a day to help them grow quickly. Furthermore, you will have to move them again as they get bigger. Mainly because the tank will get too small and their growth will be stunted.

How many Oscar fish can be kept together?

Despite Oscar’s aggressive behavior, they enjoy staying together or living as pairs. Therefore, you can keep 2 Oscars together, or even 5, depending on how large your tank is. However, you may not enjoy keeping 3 together, as two of the fish may bond, leaving the remaining one lonely.

Do albino Oscars bite?

They bite, but it does not hurt and it rarely draws blood.

Conclusion:

Remember, Oscars are beautiful living creatures. Therefore, It is the responsibility of the pet owner to care for their pet and provide a healthy environment. So give your Oscar space, clean, warm water, plenty of hiding places, and high-quality, highly varied foods and he should be a good companion for a long time.