Animal Guide

Tiger Oscar

15 destinations · 12 states

Native Range: Amazon and Orinoco river basins of South America

The tiger oscar is a freshwater fish that can make an aquarium visit surprisingly interactive. Its dark body is marked with orange or reddish patterns, often including a noticeable patch near the tail, and the expressive eyes seem to follow movement outside the tank. Oscars are intelligent and curious fish, so watch what happens when someone approaches the glass. An individual may swim forward to investigate, hover nearby, or follow a familiar keeper during feeding. Their powerful mouths are built for eating fish, crustaceans, and other prey, but they can also crush and handle surprisingly large pieces of food. In a spacious exhibit, notice how an oscar uses its fins to turn almost in place before accelerating across the tank. Wild oscars live in warm, slow-moving waters of the Amazon and Orinoco basins, often around vegetation, submerged branches, and other cover. The tiger-like pattern is only part of their appeal. Their curious behavior and ability to recognize activity around them often become the real reason visitors linger at the glass.

Tiger Oscar

Where to see Tiger Oscar

15 destinations across 12 states

15 destinations

Audubon Aquarium

New Orleans, LA

East Idaho Aquarium

Idaho Falls, ID

Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den

Scranton, PA

Memphis Zoo

Memphis, TN

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

Nashville, TN

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium

Omaha, NE

Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach, SC

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Gatlinburg, TN

SEA LIFE New Jersey Aquarium

East Rutherford, NJ

SeaWorld Orlando

Orlando, FL

Shedd Aquarium

Chicago, IL

Smithsonian National Zoological Park

Washington, DC

Tennessee Aquarium

Chattanooga, TN

VIA Aquarium

Schenectady, NY

Wonders Of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium

Springfield, MO

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