Author: (Agassiz, 1831)
FBname: Oscar
Remark: Redescription of Peruvian material in Kullander (1986: 61), with diagnosis, description, distribution, and illustrations. The species is reported from the Rio Orinoco drainage and numerous localities in the Rio Amazonas basin, but apparently several species are confused under the name, and names in the synonymy may represent valid species.
Comments: Preferably inhabits quiet shallow waters in mud-bottomed and sand-bottomed canals and ponds (Ref. 5723).  Feeds on small fish, crayfish, worms and insect larvae.  Quite popular with aquarists but not for aquaculturists because of its slow growth (Ref. 35237).  Maximum length 40 cm TL (Ref. 5723).  A highly esteemed food fish in South America (Ref. 44091).