Mikolji Oscar (Astronotus mikolji)

Only officially described in 2022, the Mikolji Oscar (Astronotus mikolji) is a new species of Astronotus, or oscar, that is genetically and physically distinct from other oscar species. It is named after Ivan Mikolji, a Venezuelan explorer, researcher, and author famous for his work with fish biodiversity and aquatic ecosystem conservation. Native to the Orinoco River Basin and the Gulf of Paria Basin, these South American cichlids have silver bodies with a red-fringed dorsal fin and a bright orange-rimmed black spot near the caudal fin. Mikolji Oscars grow up to 12 inches long and are generally aggressive, especially towards other cichlids. Beware, as they will also eat almost any tankmate small enough to fit in their mouth!