Astrontus occellatus or usually known as velvet cichlids aka Oscar is a native of tropical south america. It is a most attractive looking fish, but the fact that it reaches a length of about eight to twelve inches means that it requires plenty of room space. It is not an easy fish to breed and the parents must be removed immediatelly after spawning as they tend to eat their own eggs. The velvet chichlids will needs a lot of live food and is not at all averse to swallowing guppies or platies.