Collection: American cichlid

Albino Tiger Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus)

The Albino Tiger Oscar is a striking variation of the popular Tiger Oscar, known for its vibrant albino coloration and bold, contrasting markings. This large, predatory cichlid is prized for its intelligence, personality, and dramatic appearance. Albino Tigers are well-suited for aquarists with larger tanks and those looking for a fish with character and presence in their aquarium.

Product Details

• Species: Astronotus ocellatus
• Common Names: Albino Tiger Oscar, Albino Oscar
• Origin: South America (Amazon River Basin and other regions)
• Diet: Carnivorous
• pH Range: 6.0 – 7.5
• Temperature: 24°C – 30°C
• Maximum Size: Up to 40 cm (16 inches)
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Available Size: Juvenile 8–10 cm

Care Guidelines

Aquarium Setup:
Due to their large size, Albino Tiger Oscars require a spacious tank of at least 200 liters, preferably larger for adult fish. The tank should have sturdy decorations and hiding spots, such as rocks and driftwood, but be free of sharp edges, as Oscars can be prone to injury. The substrate should be soft, and the tank must have a strong filtration system to manage the waste produced by this large fish.

Water Parameters:
Maintain a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, and keep the water temperature between 24°C and 30°C. Oscars are sensitive to water quality, so regular water changes and efficient filtration are essential for keeping them healthy.

Diet:
Albino Tiger Oscars are carnivorous and should be fed a varied diet of high-quality pellets, frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, shrimp, and small fish, as well as occasional treats like earthworms or feeder fish. They can also eat occasional vegetable matter, but protein should be the primary focus.

Behavior and Compatibility:
While Albino Tiger Oscars are generally peaceful towards their owners and can recognize their caretakers, they can be semi-aggressive, especially when they are guarding territory or during feeding time. They should be kept with larger, more robust tankmates that can hold their own and are not easily intimidated. Avoid keeping them with small or slow-moving fish, as they may be viewed as food.

Breeding Information

Breeding Albino Tiger Oscars in captivity is possible with the right setup. They are monogamous and typically form pair bonds. To encourage breeding, provide a spacious tank with flat surfaces or rocks for egg laying. After the female lays her eggs, the male will fertilize them, and both parents will guard and protect the eggs until they hatch. Fry can be fed infusoria or finely crushed pellets until they grow large enough to accept regular foods.

Availability:
The Albino Tiger Oscar is available at Cradle Coast Pet & Aquarium. Visit or contact the store to check availability and add this fascinating, dynamic species to your aquarium today!

Apisto Viejita Gold (Apistogramma viejita macmasteri)

The Apisto Viejita Gold, also known as Apistogramma viejita macmasteri, is a stunning and vibrant dwarf cichlid species native to the Amazon River Basin. With its bright gold and orange coloration, this species is a popular choice for aquarists looking to add color and character to their aquariums. Known for its peaceful nature and captivating behavior, the Apisto Viejita Gold is ideal for community tanks and makes a beautiful centerpiece in well-planted aquascapes.

Product Details

• Species: Apistogramma viejita macmasteri
• Common Names: Apisto Viejita Gold, Gold Apistogramma
• Origin: South America (Amazon River Basin)
• Light Requirements: Moderate
• pH Range: 6.0 – 7.5
• Temperature: 24°C – 28°C
• Maximum Size: 5 – 6 cm (2 – 2.5 inches)
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
• Available Size: Juvenile

Care Guidelines

Aquarium Setup:
The Apisto Viejita Gold thrives in aquariums with a well-planted setup, as it enjoys hiding in plants and caves. A soft, slightly acidic substrate, such as fine gravel or sand, is ideal for this species. It is recommended to provide plenty of hiding places and territories, especially in tanks with multiple individuals, to avoid aggression. Moderate lighting is preferred, as it helps enhance the beautiful colors of the Apisto Viejita Gold. Regular water changes are important to maintain water quality, as this species prefers stable, clean conditions.

Water Parameters:
Apisto Viejita Gold prefers water with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 and temperatures between 24°C and 28°C. This species thrives in slightly acidic to neutral water with moderate hardness. Regular water changes are essential to keep the environment stable and clean, and good filtration will support their health.

Diet:
As a carnivorous species, the Apisto Viejita Gold enjoys a varied diet of live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia. It can also accept high-quality cichlid pellets and flakes. A varied diet will ensure it receives the necessary nutrients for vibrant health and color. For best results, feed small amounts 2–3 times a day, adjusting for the number of fish in the tank.

Growth and Maintenance:
The Apisto Viejita Gold has a slow to moderate growth rate, reaching a maximum size of 5–6 cm. It is a peaceful species, especially when compared to other cichlids, and can be kept in community tanks with similarly sized peaceful fish. Regular monitoring of water parameters and avoiding overly aggressive tank mates will help maintain a healthy and stress-free environment for this species.

Compatibility:

Apisto Viejita Gold is a peaceful fish that does well in community tanks with other calm species. Ideal tankmates include tetras, small cichlids, and livebearers. Due to their peaceful nature, avoid keeping them with aggressive or overly active fish. This species also benefits from a planted tank, where they can display natural behaviors like territorial guarding and nesting. Males may show territorial aggression toward each other, so it's best to keep one male per tank or a harem of females with a single male.

Availability:
Apisto Viejita Gold (Apistogramma viejita macmasteri) is available at Cradle Coast Pet & Aquarium. Visit or contact the store to check availability and bring home this stunning and peaceful dwarf cichlid for your aquarium today!

Apistogramma cacatuoides Super Red

The Apistogramma cacatuoides Super Red is a stunning and colorful dwarf cichlid known for its striking red, orange, and yellow hues. This fish is a popular choice for aquarists looking to add vibrant color to their tanks. With its peaceful temperament and fascinating behavior, it’s well-suited for community aquariums. The Super Red variation of Apistogramma cacatuoides is especially appreciated for its intense coloration and robust health, making it an ideal addition to any aquascape.

Product Details

• Species: Apistogramma cacatuoides
• Common Names: Super Red Cockatoo Cichlid
• Origin: South America (Amazon River Basin)
• Light Requirements: Moderate
• pH Range: 6.0 – 7.5
• Temperature: 24°C – 28°C
• Maximum Size: 6 – 7 cm (2.5 – 3 inches)
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Available Size: Juvenile

Care Guidelines

Aquarium Setup:
The Apistogramma cacatuoides Super Red thrives in a well-planted aquarium with soft, sandy or fine gravel substrate. It enjoys hiding among plants and rocks, so it is important to provide plenty of hiding places and territories. This fish is peaceful but territorial during breeding, so it’s ideal to provide adequate space for them to establish their own space. Moderate lighting is sufficient, as it enhances their beautiful coloration while not stressing the fish.

Water Parameters:
Apistogramma cacatuoides Super Red prefers water with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 and temperatures between 24°C and 28°C. It does best in slightly acidic to neutral water with moderate hardness. Regular water changes are crucial to maintain the quality of water, and good filtration will support a healthy environment for the fish.

Diet:
As an omnivorous species, the Apistogramma cacatuoides Super Red thrives on a varied diet of high-quality cichlid pellets, live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia. A balanced diet will help bring out the vibrant colors and healthy growth. Feed small portions 2-3 times per day, adjusting based on the number of fish in the tank.

Growth and Maintenance:
This species grows at a moderate rate, reaching a maximum size of 6–7 cm. It is an easy-to-care-for cichlid, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced aquarists. Regular trimming of tank plants and removing uneaten food will help keep the tank clean and promote healthy growth for the fish.

Compatibility:

Apistogramma cacatuoides Super Red is a peaceful fish that works well in community tanks with other small, calm species. It is best housed with tetras, small rasboras, and peaceful livebearers. Avoid keeping it with aggressive fish, as the Super Red may become stressed. During breeding, males can show territorial behavior, so it’s recommended to have one male with a few females in the tank. This species thrives in tanks with plenty of plant cover and hiding spaces.

Availability:
Apistogramma cacatuoides Super Red is available at Cradle Coast Pet & Aquarium. Visit or contact the store to check availability and add this beautiful and colourful dwarf cichlid to your aquarium today!

Assorted Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus)

The Assorted Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus) is a popular freshwater cichlid admired for its striking patterns, vibrant colors, and engaging personality. Known for their intelligence and bold behavior, Oscars quickly become a centerpiece in aquariums and form bonds with their keepers. Available in a variety of color morphs, including red, tiger, albino, and lemon, these fish are ideal for aquarists looking for a large, interactive species to care for.

Product Details

• Species: Astronotus ocellatus
• Common Names: Oscar, Tiger Oscar, Red Oscar, Albino Oscar
• Origin: South America (Amazon River Basin)
• Diet: Carnivore
• Maximum Size: 30–35 cm (12–14 inches)
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Care Level: Moderate

Care Guidelines

Aquarium Setup:
Oscars require a spacious aquarium of at least 200 liters for juveniles and 400 liters or more for adults. Use a sturdy substrate and provide hiding spots with driftwood or rocks. Ensure there is ample swimming space and a secure lid, as Oscars can jump. Powerful filtration is essential to handle the waste produced by these large fish.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 22°C – 28°C
• pH Range: 6.0 – 7.5
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (5 – 15 dGH)

Diet:
Oscars are carnivorous and thrive on a protein-rich diet. Feed them high-quality cichlid pellets or sticks as a staple, supplemented with live or frozen foods like shrimp, bloodworms, and mealworms. They also enjoy occasional treats of fresh vegetables, such as peas or spinach. Avoid overfeeding to maintain water quality.

Behavior and Compatibility:
Oscars are semi-aggressive and territorial, particularly as they grow. They are best housed with other large, robust fish, such as other cichlids, plecos, or large catfish. Avoid keeping them with small or delicate species, as Oscars may view them as prey. Provide plenty of space to reduce territorial aggression.

Growth and Maintenance:

Oscars grow rapidly and can reach their full size within 1–2 years. With proper care, they can live up to 15 years. Regular water changes, consistent monitoring of water quality, and a varied diet are essential to keeping them healthy and vibrant. Their engaging behavior and interactive nature make them a rewarding choice for dedicated aquarists.

Availability:
Assorted Oscars (Astronotus ocellatus) are available at Cradle Coast Pet & Aquarium. Visit or contact the store to check availability and bring home one of these striking and interactive fish for your freshwater aquarium today!

Due to variations within species and age of fish, your item may not look identical to the image provided.

Neon Blue Balloon Ram (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi)

The Neon Blue Balloon Ram (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi) is a captivating freshwater fish, renowned for its vibrant electric blue coloration, compact balloon-shaped body, and peaceful demeanor. This selectively bred variety of the Ram Cichlid adds a unique and eye-catching element to aquariums. Ideal for community tanks or as a centerpiece fish, the Neon Blue Balloon Ram is perfect for aquarists looking for a striking yet manageable addition to their setup.

Product Details

• Species: Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
• Common Names: Neon Blue Balloon Ram, Electric Blue Balloon Ram
• Origin: South America (wild ancestor); selectively bred in captivity
• Diet: Omnivore
• Maximum Size: 5–6 cm (2–2.5 inches)
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Care Level: Moderate

Care Guidelines

Aquarium Setup:
Neon Blue Balloon Rams thrive in tanks of at least 40 liters with soft, sandy substrates and plenty of live plants, driftwood, and rocks for hiding and territorial boundaries. These fish prefer calm waters with gentle filtration and warm, stable water conditions. Include open swimming areas to accommodate their active behavior.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 25°C – 28°C
• pH Range: 6.0 – 7.5
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (3–12 dGH)

Diet:
Neon Blue Balloon Rams are omnivores and enjoy a varied diet. Provide high-quality cichlid pellets or flakes as a staple, supplemented with live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Occasional plant-based foods like spirulina or blanched vegetables can also enhance their health and coloration. Feed them 2–3 times daily in small portions.

Behavior and Compatibility:
These peaceful cichlids are well-suited for community tanks with other non-aggressive species such as tetras, Corydoras, and rasboras. Avoid keeping them with large or aggressive fish that may intimidate them. Neon Blue Balloon Rams can be kept singly, in pairs, or in small groups, provided the tank has sufficient space and hiding spots to minimize territorial disputes.

Growth and Maintenance:

Neon Blue Balloon Rams grow to about 6 cm and require stable water conditions and regular maintenance. Perform frequent water changes and monitor water quality closely, as they are sensitive to poor conditions. Their vibrant blue coloration and unique body shape make them a standout addition to any aquarium.

Availability:
Neon Blue Balloon Rams (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi) are available at Cradle Coast Pet & Aquarium. Visit or contact the store to check availability and bring home this beautiful and peaceful fish today!

Due to variations within species and age of fish, your item may not look identical to the image provided.