Albino Lemon Tiger Oscar Cichlid (Astronotus ocellatus)

Albino Lemon Tiger Oscar — Astronotus ocellatus
Personality in bright yellow armor

The Albino Lemon Tiger Oscar takes the classic Oscar attitude and wraps it in high-contrast color. A bold lemon-yellow base splashed with white tiger barring creates a striking pattern that stands out in any large aquarium. As they mature, the yellow deepens and the white markings sharpen, giving the fish a powerful, almost molten look.

Native to slow-moving waters of the Amazon basin, Oscars are not subtle fish. They are interactive, intelligent, and highly aware of their surroundings. The Albino Lemon Tiger carries the same reputation — quickly recognizing its keeper, begging for food, rearranging décor, and reacting to activity outside the tank. This is a fish with personality as strong as its appearance.

Growing to 12–14 inches, the Albino Lemon Tiger Oscar becomes a substantial centerpiece. While generally manageable compared to more extreme predators, it is still a territorial cichlid and requires proper space and tank mates that can handle its confidence.

Aquarium Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons for one adult (180+ gallons preferred for long-term or tank mates)

• Substrate: Sand or smooth gravel

• Flow: Moderate

• Décor: Heavy driftwood, sturdy décor (they will move lighter items)

• Lighting: Moderate

• Cover: Secure lid recommended

Tank Mates

Works best with robust species of similar size:

• Silver Dollars

• Larger plecos

• Bichirs

• Large catfish

• Some Central/South American cichlids (space dependent)

Avoid small fish — they will be eaten.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)

• pH: 6.0–7.5

• Hardness: Soft to medium

• Filtration: Strong — heavy waste producer

• Water Quality: Regular maintenance required

Diet

Omnivorous with strong carnivorous preference:

• Quality cichlid pellets

• Shrimp / prawn

• Fish fillet

• Insects

• Occasional vegetable matter