What is the scientific name of the oscar, a popular South American aquarium fish?

The scientific name of the oscar is Astronotus ocellatus.

Oscars are large cichlids native to slow-moving rivers, floodplains and lakes in tropical South America. They are popular aquarium fish because of their intelligence, bold behavior and ability to recognize their keeper.

The species name ocellatus refers to eye-like markings. Many oscars have a dark spot near the base of the tail, which may help confuse predators or resemble an eye. Wild individuals are commonly dark with orange or reddish markings.

Oscars are sometimes sold under color varieties such as tiger, albino or lemon oscar. These are captive-bred forms of the same species, not automatically different species. Their adult size also makes them unsuitable for small community aquariums.