Astronotus crassipinnis
The bumblebee oscar is one of only two recognized oscar species, and the lesser-known of the pair.
Native to the southern Amazon basin and the Paraguay-Paraná drainages, it turns up in fish markets in Santarém and has been introduced into Bahia and São Paulo states.
It carries minor commercial value in Brazil and is occasionally exported live for the aquarium trade.
Scientific Name: Astronotus crassipinnis
Also known as Acará-açu, Acará açu, Apaiari, Fat Oscar, Bumblebee Oscar
- Juveniles are boldly banded in yellow and black — the "bumblebee" pattern — which fades as the fish matures and a tail-base eyespot develops.
- Adults lack the dorsal-fin ocellae (eye spots) that mark wild common oscars (A. ocellatus), a key field distinction between the two species.
- Stockier body profile than A. ocellatus; adults typically reach 25 cm (about 10 in), making them slightly smaller than their more common relative.
- Large mouth relative to body size; eyes are proportionally prominent, earning the informal name "big-eye oscar" among hobbyists.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Native to Brazil's southern Amazon basin, with type locality records from the Rio Paraguay near Villa Maria and Caiçara, the Rio Guaporé near Mato Grosso, the Rio Negro, and the Rio Branco.
- Also native to the Paraná River basin within the Paraguay drainage system.
- Introduced populations established in Bahia and São Paulo states and in the upper Paraná River in Brazil.
- A strictly freshwater species; found in slow to moderately flowing rivers, backwaters, and floodplain habitats typical of the southern Amazon and Pantanal-adjacent drainages.
Key Locations
- Rio Paraguay and Rio Guaporé (Mato Grosso) — the type locality waters where the species was first described.
- Rio Negro and Rio Branco — native range rivers in the northern Amazon system where it occurs naturally.
- Santarém fish markets (lower Amazon) — indicates a local commercial presence in the lower Amazon region.
- Upper Rio Araguaia — wild specimens are collected here for the live-export trade.
Specific Spots
- Slow-water margins and flooded backwaters where smaller fish, mollusks, and crustaceans concentrate — the forage base this species depends on.
- Submerged timber and root tangles along riverbanks provide cover; juveniles school tightly around structure for protection.
- Shallower floodplain pools during high-water periods, when food availability peaks and the fish spread into inundated vegetation.
Astronotus crassipinnis FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Astronotus crassipinnis?
Small to medium swimbaits and soft-plastic shad or minnow imitations work when fish are targeting smaller baitfish; retrieve slowly near structure. Weighted soft-plastic crawfish or shrimp imitations fished along the bottom cover the mollusk and crustacean portion of the diet effectively.
How do you catch Astronotus crassipinnis?
Local anglers in the Amazon and Pantanal-adjacent regions encounter this species incidentally while fishing for other cichlids and larger predators, or target it deliberately with small baitfish and crustacean-based baits fished near structure from small boats or the bank.
What do Astronotus crassipinnis eat?
Parasite studies from the lower Amazon indicate the diet consists heavily of mollusks (snails, clams) and microcrustaceans, so weighted jigs, soft-plastic crawfish imitations, or natural baits like shrimp and small crustaceans are logical choices.
Where do Astronotus crassipinnis live?
Native to Brazil's southern Amazon basin, with type locality records from the Rio Paraguay near Villa Maria and Caiçara, the Rio Guaporé near Mato Grosso, the Rio Negro, and the Rio Branco. Also native to the Paraná River basin within the Paraguay drainage system.
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