XL Bumblebee Oscar (8”+)

Scientific Name:

Astronotus crassipinnis

Maximum Size and Lifespan:

• Maximum Size: Up to 12–14 inches (30–36 cm)

• Lifespan: Typically 10–15 years in captivity with good care

Recommended Aquarium Size:

• Minimum tank size: 75 gallons for a single adult

• For a pair or community: 125-180 gallons or more

• Requires ample swimming room and robust filtration due to size and waste output.

Water Changes and General Care:

• Water changes: 30–50% weekly

• Water parameters:

  • Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C)

  • pH: 6.0–7.5
    

• Filtration: Strong biological and mechanical filtration (canister or dual HOB filters recommended)

• Care Level: Moderate to advanced. Sensitive to poor water quality and cramped tanks.

Tankmates:

• Best kept with robust, similarly sized fish with a peaceful to semi-aggressive temperament. Good tankmates include:

  • Severums, Large catfish, Silver Dollars, Large Plecos, Geophagus species (with caution), Peacock Bass, Arowana. (With Appropriate Sizing)

• Avoid:

  • Small fish (will be seen as food)

  • Aggressive Central American cichlids (e.g., Dovii, Midas)

  • Delicate or slow fish (e.g., Angelfish)

Diet:

• Omnivorous with a strong preference for protein

• Staple foods:

  • High-quality cichlid pellets (e.g., Hikari, NLS)

  • Frozen or freeze-dried krill, bloodworms, and shrimp

• Supplementary foods:

  • Earthworms, mealworms

  • Chopped seafood (tilapia, shrimp, squid)

  • Blanched vegetables occasionally (peas, spinach)

• Avoid feeder fish due to parasite and nutritional risks.

Overview:

Astronotus crassipinnis, is closely related to Astronotus ocellatus but less commonly seen in the aquarium hobby. It tends to display more muted or darker base coloration, often lacking the bright ocelli ("eye spots") on the tail common in A. ocellatus. It also has slightly thicker fins and a more robust body shape.

They exhibit the same intelligence, curiosity, and personality traits as common Oscars—recognizing their owners, accepting food by hand, and even interacting with their environment.

They are, however, a bit more reclusive and sensitive than their ocellatus counterparts and may not be as showy in appearance.

Natural Environment:

Native to the Paraguay-Paraná River Basin, especially southern tributaries in Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and northern Argentina. Their habitats are typically slow-moving rivers, oxbow lakes, and floodplain backwaters, where they shelter among roots, submerged wood, and leaf litter.

These environments are often murky and warm, with a soft substrate and dense vegetation or cover. They are adapted to fluctuating water levels and temperatures. Currently most/all Bumblebee Oscars are wild caught.

Breeding:

• Breeding in captivity is rare but similar to A. ocellatus

• Breeding setup:

  • A bonded pair in a 75–100 gallon tank

  • Flat rock or clean surface for egg-laying

  • Slightly raised temperatures (~80°F/27°C)

• Spawning behavior:

  • Female lays eggs on a prepared site

  • Male fertilizes them

  • Parents guard the eggs and fry aggressively

• Eggs hatch in 2–3 days, and fry become free-swimming in about a week

• Fry can be fed Live to baby brine shrimp and crushed flakes/pellets  once they put on a little size