1. Introduction
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【Child】: Professor, do you remember the White Whale from Melville’s Moby Dick? I was wondering if there is a similar mysterious and alluring creature in the world of aquarium fish.
【Professor】: Ah, my well-read young friend! You are in for a treat because there is indeed a fascinating fish that could very well be the Moby Dick of the aquarium world – the Albino Ruby Red Oscar! Today, we will explore the captivating world of this majestic fish and learn how to properly take care of them in an aquarium.
2. Characteristics
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【Child】: What a captivating creature! Are they as large as Moby Dick, and do their scales shine as bright as the white whale’s skin?
【Professor】: While the Albino Ruby Red Oscar may not be as enormous as the mythical Moby Dick, they are one of the larger freshwater fish, reaching a size of up to 14-16 inches. Their body is indeed quite striking with a unique mix of white and ruby-red scales. The red coloration marks an intricate pattern resembling modern art, which is beautifully contrasted by their unique albino appearance.
3. Habitat
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【Child】: It’s said that Moby Dick lived in the vast, open sea. What about our Oscar friend? Do they reside in a similar expanse, with waves crashing against their scales like War and Peace?
【Professor】: The Albino Ruby Red Oscar prefers the calm, still waters of slow-moving rivers and lakes in South America, primarily in the Amazon River Basin. They inhabit areas with thick aquatic vegetation, providing them a safe haven and a bountiful hunting ground. In the grand play of the ecosystem, Oscars are carnivorous and opportunistic feeders, feasting on insects, small fish, and crustaceans.
4. Husbandry Requirements
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【Child】: Oscars sound as if they require a realm as grand as the libraries of Alexandria. How do we ensure they enjoy a harmonious and serene environment within the confines of an aquarium?
【Professor】: Indeed, the Albino Ruby Red Oscar demands careful attention when being hosted at your very own “aquatic Alexandria.” They require a minimum of a 55-gallon tank, given their size. These intelligent creatures appreciate warm water, so maintain temperatures between 74°F and 81°F. A pH level of 6.0 to 8.0 and a water hardness between 5 and 19 dGH will keep them content. Oscars benefit from a varied diet, offering them both high-quality pellets and occasional live or frozen meals.
5. Behavior
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【Child】: Are Oscars as curious and adventurous as Don Quixote, roaming the landscape of their aquatic world?
【Professor】: Oscars are indeed curious creatures and can be quite interactive with their environment and human caretakers. They are also nocturnal, similar to the elusive White Whale itself. While they generally swim alone, they may develop a kind of hierarchy if housed together, as if they were members of King Arthur’s Round Table.
6. Breeding
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【Child】: If Albino Ruby Red Oscars were cast in the ageless tale of Romeo and Juliet, would they share the same passionate love story as the star-crossed lovers?
【Professor】: In a way, yes! Oscars form strong bonds with their mates, often pairing for life. If provided with a flat stone or a spacious cave for laying eggs, the female gently deposits her eggs, and the male attentively fertilizes them. These devoted parents take turns guarding the nest and caring for their little ones.
7. Cautions
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【Child】: Suppose our Oscar friends wished to mingle at Proust’s prestigious salons of La Belle Époque. In that case, must we be cautious about the other fish in attendance?
【Professor】: Absolutely! Always keep their temperament and size in mind when selecting the appropriate guests for their tank. Oscars can become territorial and may feast upon smaller aquarium inhabitants. It is wise to house them with similarly-sized, peaceful fish to maintain a harmonious underwater society.
8. Conclusion
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【Child】: Ah, I see the Albino Ruby Red Oscar truly is a captivating character, as enigmatic and enticing as the beautiful works of literature we’ve referenced. Thank you, professor.
【Professor】: My pleasure! Caring for the Albino Ruby Red Oscar is an exciting journey, much like the tales we’ve explored today. By meeting their unique needs and understanding their behavior, you can create the perfect aquatic world for these fantastic fish, and embark on a fascinating adventure of your own.