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Scientific Name: Astronotus ocellatus
Family: Cichlidae
It is native to Peru, Colombia, Brazil and French Guiana and occurs in the Amazon river basin.
It’s known as the Red, Albino and Tiger Oscar, and some other names, but I prefer to call it Apaiari, because it is its original indigenous name.
They can get quite large, usually 12-14 inches, but have been reported to grow to a length of 45 cm (approximately 18 in) and a mass of 1.6 kg (3.5 lb).
The eyespot on the tail is a common feature among cichlids. The spot is believed to provide a diversion to misdirect the attack of a potential predator toward the tail. The species is also able to rapidly alter its coloration, a characteristic which facilitates ritualized territorial and combat behaviors.
They are popular as pets, because they can learn to associate their owners and food and despite their large size, and predatory nature, this fish is relatively placid, that i
s a good quality to a resident of an aquarium.