OSCAR BLACK NEMO VEILTAIL 7.5-8cm

Black Nemo Veiltail Oscar is a selectively bred colour-and-fin form of the same species as every other Oscar: Astronotus ocellatus. “Nemo” is a trade name for high-contrast paint-splatter marbling (inky black with orange/red and cream blotches). “Veiltail” means extra-long, flowing dorsal, anal and caudal fins.

They are intelligent, territorial, interactive fish pets to keep. They are the “wet puppy” of cichlids: they recognise people, beg at the glass, learn routines, and move décor when they feel like it. That personality is the whole point of keeping one.

Colour in a Black Nemo comes from genetics, diet, and clean water — pellets with decent carotenoids help the orange/red pop against the black.

APPEARANCE: Juveniles look nothing like adults. They start small and banded; the black-and-Nemo pattern and veil fill in as they grow.

TANK SET UP: Wide footprint more than a tall tank.

• Smooth sand or rounded gravel (they dig and blow pits)

• Heavy, stable wood and rounded rock only — they rearrange everything

• No sharp edges, no thin plastic plants that can snag veil fins

• Tight lid — they jump, especially at feed time

NOTE: Extra width lets the fish turn without folding the tail against the glass. Tight tanks = frayed fins and stress colour.

TANK MATE: Same-size or larger robust fish: other large South American cichlids, big catfish, silver dollars in a very large tank.

FILTRATION: Aim for 6–10× turnover per hour (a canister rated well above tank volume, plus a powerhead or extra internal filter if needed).

MAINTENANCE: Ammonia/nitrite 0ppm, Nitrate under 20 ppm if you want good fins. 30–50% weekly water changes.

IMPORTANT: Veiltails show dirty water first: fin edges curl, fray or go pale when nitrates sit high.

FEEDING: A large, high-quality cichlid pellet with whole fish or shrimp high on the list (not wheat-first fillers).

Rotate:

• Frozen krill, bloodworm, mysis, quality insect foods

• Occasional earthworm or shrimp

Feed once or twice a day.