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/