Origin
Astronotus ocellatus is native to South America, French Guiana, and northern parts of the Paraguay drainage. Oscar were introduced to the United States as deliberate stockings of aquarium fish farms and sport fishing.

Life Cycle
A. ocellatus is typically grey-brown to olive-green in coloration with a distinct orange-ringed black ‘eye’ spot at the tail. Oscar are stocky fish approximately 16 in. (40 cm) in length. A. ocellatus form breeding pairs that aggressively defend their young. The diet of A. ocellatus includes small fish, crustaceans, gastropods, and aquatic insects. Oscar are extremely tolerant of low oxygen conditions but have a lower lethal limit of 54 degrees F (12 degrees C).

Distribution
A. ocellatus is established in Florida, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. Failed introductions in many other states.

Control Efforts
The effects of introduced A. ocellatus is largely unknown.

https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?speciesID=436
https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/discover-fish/species-profiles/astronotus-ocellatus/
 

Resources

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• Florida's Exotic Wildlife Species Detail - Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
• Wikipedia - Wikimedia Foundation, Inc
• Animal Diversity Web - University of Michigan Museum of Zoology
• Ichthyology - Florida Museum of Natural HIstory

Selected Images

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Maps

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Invasive Listing Sources

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• Everglades Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area
• Florida Invasive Species Partnership
• Maryland Aquatic Nuisance Species Plan
• Nonnative Invasive Species in Southern Forest and Grassland Ecosystems

References

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Common Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.

Scientific Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.