Basic information about the Oscar fish species:
Maximum size (min-max): 30.0 - 40.0 cm ( 11.8 - 15.7 in)
Recommended temperature: 24.0°C - 30.0°C ( 75.2°F - 86.0°F)
Recommended water hardness (dGH): dGH 4.0 - 18.0 N
Recommended pH of water: 6.5 - 7.5
Origin: South America
Introduction to the Oscar fish
This fish is very intelligent, it can even recognize it’s owner. Oscars have they own ideas, although they’re not the only fish having them. If Oscars don´t like how the items are placed in the aquarium, they pick them up and replace them, or they spit it out from the tank. It doesn’t matter if the plant or rock is real or plastic. If you have a high aquarium, standing near it can be dangerous. The best choice is to have a sand bottom and a few big rocks in the tank. Sometimes Oscars pretend that they are dead. In nature they pretend to be dead and wait until a small fish comes close so it can be caught and eaten.
Behavior
Oscars are aggressive fish so they need a big aquarium and a large group, because if there are only a few specimens in the tank, they will fight, and the weaker Oscar will feel miserable. The best solution is to have either one or many (6 is the minimum) Oscar fish, but never only a few. I have heard that sometimes three fish get along well, but usually they fight and attack each other without apparent reason. However, even if you have more of them in one tank, when they grow up a male and female may separate from the group and start to defend a part of the tank, in which case it is better to remove them. Understanding their behaviour is also important to avoid diseases as diseases are mainly caused by stress. Put two Oscars into a 100 L fish tank is like asking for a problem; not only they’ll likely fight, but also they will feel uncomfortable and diseases are just a matter of time.
Oscar fish pictures
Information about care
In general. any Oscar fish grows very fast. As fry they do not need much space, but as they grow they need more and more space. The aquarium for one Oscar fish should be at least 2000 litres. So if you want to have a happy fish with happy friends, you really need a very large aquarium. I would recommend having an Oscar aquarium only in large spaces like big restaurants, or you can keep them in garden aquariums, but not in an ordinary room. And, just like in all tanks it is important to have a filter, gravel, and a heater. The optimum temperature is between 26-28 °C.
Special thanks to Abel Guerrero for his picture.
The tankmates
The best tankmates for Oscars are Large Plecostomus and other large Neotropical Cichlids such as Texas Cichlids, Jack Dempseys, Salvini, and other cichlids from South America which are the same size or bigger. From the Oscar species the less aggressive are Pink Tiger Oscars. That is the reason why Red Oscars and Tiger Red Oscars can make Pink Tiger Oscars miserable. You should ensure that the Pink ones get their food too. Choosing tankmates is very important as plenty of people end up with Oscars only even though they’ve planned a community aquarium; The Oscar fish will simply eat small species.
In nature Oscars eat small fish. But in aquariums small fish can introduce diseases. Use live food wisely and try to keep the Oscars healthy by using vegetable based food with vitamins.
Breeding the Oscar fish
Breeding isn’t very difficult if you keep a pair. Firstly, I’d like to say something about the water quality. Clean water is required, as well as a stable temperature of about 28°C. Don’t try to breed them in cold water, or water of poor quality. If you keep them in the same tank prior to a breeding program they will probably need some motivation, so remove a male for one or two weeks. Breeding goes well when you use live food. Use heavy rocks, they will clean them in order to lay eggs on. Large driftwood could help this process too. Generally, they breed like all large South American cichlids.
This article is available in German: PDF Der Fisch Oscar.
Picture
Thanks to Tamri Shavi!
Feel free to visit Oscar Care Basics at firsttankguide.net too!
Additional questions and answers
Since we merged aqua-fish.net/answers with articles, here below are questions that often fishkeepers ask. Some of the listed questions may have been partially answered in the article below, however listing them "as is" makes all questions easier to read! You’re welcome to post your questions too, just ensure that they’re unique - use a form at the bottom of this page for this purpose.
- What is the smallest tank for an Oscar?
Answer: 300 litres (nearly 80 US Gallons). This fish can grow to 30-40 cm in length very easily. - What is the difference between an Oscar fish and a Jack dempsey?
Answer: The Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus) is peaceful, the Jack Dempsey (Cichlasoma octofasciatum) is not. Oscars come from South America, Jacks come from Central America. - Which other fish can live with an Oscar fish?
Answer: Peaceful species which are of similar sizes. Of course, you should choose these which come from South America due to similar demands on water and biotope. Never add smaller fish with an Oscar, they are normally kept with other large cichlids like the Pacu; adult plecostomus are fine with Oscars as well. - Why do my Oscar fish fight?
Answer: Oscars, like most cichlids are territorial fish, and if they haven’t been introduced into the tank at the same time will fight to claim their own piece of the aquarium. - What toys can I give to my Oscar?
Answer: A lot of keepers do not realize how intelligent Oscars are, adding a “toy” can keep them occupied to prevent sulking. I have used pieces of bogwood and even a cheap plastic plant that is not secured. - What size is the biggest Oscar fish?
Answer: Oscars can grow up to 16 inches in length, weighing up to 3.5 pounds. Always provide them with a large enough tank to grow out. - When are Oscars mature enough to lay eggs?
Answer: Several keepers claim that Oscars become mature at 12 months but it is more accepted that they mature at 16-18 months old.
140 comment(s)
Barbara M. on March 10, 2009, 2:48 am wrote
We have a HUGE ALBINO Oscar named" OZZIE", she is about 3-4 years old and is about 12 inches, and is very MELLOW, we keep her in the living room (12’x8’) and she is in a 55 gallon rectangle aquarium. She has a big picture window on the opposite wall, so plenty of light. Careful not to have direct sunlight though. Most of the time the room is quiet. But when our 14 years old son has his friends in she loves it. And she also enjoys watching television. We introduced a 3 month old Male, (Black w/Orange, markings) named ScarFace, about 2 months ago, and when we dropped him in he swam straight at her mouth and "kissed" her on the lips as if to say (MaMa...is that you? " and she didn’t EAT him! We were amazed. We also keep a medium sized pleco in the same tank. I have a few videos of my husband feeding them. They are truly a lot of fun! John and Barbara Manning Ohio U.S.A.
We have a HUGE ALBINO Oscar named" OZZIE", she is about 3-4 years old and is about 12 inches, and is very MELLOW, we keep her in the living room (12’x8’) and she is in a 55 gallon rectangle aquarium. She has a big picture window on the opposite wall, so plenty of light. Careful not to have direct sunlight though. Most of the time the room is quiet. But when our 14 years old son has his friends in she loves it. And she also enjoys watching television. We introduced a 3 month old Male, (Black w/Orange, markings) named ScarFace, about 2 months ago, and when we dropped him in he swam straight at her mouth and "kissed" her on the lips as if to say (MaMa...is that you? " and she didn’t EAT him! We were amazed. We also keep a medium sized pleco in the same tank. I have a few videos of my husband feeding them. They are truly a lot of fun! John and Barbara Manning Ohio U.S.A.
light on March 10, 2009, 8:33 am wrote
I just bought my Oscar; I fed him a white cloud minnow.
I just bought my Oscar; I fed him a white cloud minnow.
Bri on March 14, 2009, 2:03 am wrote
I have two oscars, one is an albino tiger oscar named princess and I have a regular tiger oscar named tiger. I have had them two months and they are tons of fun and I have them with a clown knife fish. They all get along and are always ready to be fed! I have them in my room which is not very big at all and they get very excited when I wake up in the morning and swim vigorously back and forth when I get up. I recommend these fish to everyone, they are like dogs to me.
I have two oscars, one is an albino tiger oscar named princess and I have a regular tiger oscar named tiger. I have had them two months and they are tons of fun and I have them with a clown knife fish. They all get along and are always ready to be fed! I have them in my room which is not very big at all and they get very excited when I wake up in the morning and swim vigorously back and forth when I get up. I recommend these fish to everyone, they are like dogs to me.
erica on March 16, 2009, 3:00 pm wrote
I have a 5 year old oscar (named Oscar) in a 55gal tank with 2 medium parrot fish (Phoelix and Opey). Oscar is very sweet. He gives kisses through the glass to me and my 2 little boys. He also protects the smaller parrot fish (Opey) when Pheolix starts bullying him. I love him just as much as my dog.
I have a 5 year old oscar (named Oscar) in a 55gal tank with 2 medium parrot fish (Phoelix and Opey). Oscar is very sweet. He gives kisses through the glass to me and my 2 little boys. He also protects the smaller parrot fish (Opey) when Pheolix starts bullying him. I love him just as much as my dog.
John LaGreca on March 17, 2009, 3:46 am wrote
I have had my Red Oscars for about 7 months now, since buying them unplanned. While in Walmart’s pet department, my girlfriend became upset because several other Oscars in the tank were continuously attacking this one particular guy. So she purchased him to get him out. So, I purchased one too, that wasn’t one of the attackers, and hense is how I became Oscarpitality. We named them Frick & Frack, and I put them both into my aquarium which already housed neons, tiger barbs, dwarf gauramis, and zebras. Needless to say, they all got along fine until, they became dinner a few weeks later. Somewhere along the months, Frick became very pregnant, and was quite ballooned on both sides of her belly. I put some flat rocks to forsee here laying her eggs on them when the time came. In the mean time, I have added several other fishes to the same aquarium. I’ve put in Jack Dempses, and 3 small Oscars. I also replaced a male dwarf quorami to be with the female, but I guess Frack likes eating male dwarfs. He doesn’t bother with the female at all. I did come to find eggs lined inside a sea shell, and have since removed that shell into a separate tank, and looking forward to seeing the baby fry soon. All in all, I have a pretty good crowded tank, but they are all one big happy family, and get along wonderful together. I would like to mention about my Coby catfish, or what were suppose to be Cobies, are now 8 inches long, and as big as frick and frac? I guess they are not Coby cats?
I have had my Red Oscars for about 7 months now, since buying them unplanned. While in Walmart’s pet department, my girlfriend became upset because several other Oscars in the tank were continuously attacking this one particular guy. So she purchased him to get him out. So, I purchased one too, that wasn’t one of the attackers, and hense is how I became Oscarpitality. We named them Frick & Frack, and I put them both into my aquarium which already housed neons, tiger barbs, dwarf gauramis, and zebras. Needless to say, they all got along fine until, they became dinner a few weeks later. Somewhere along the months, Frick became very pregnant, and was quite ballooned on both sides of her belly. I put some flat rocks to forsee here laying her eggs on them when the time came. In the mean time, I have added several other fishes to the same aquarium. I’ve put in Jack Dempses, and 3 small Oscars. I also replaced a male dwarf quorami to be with the female, but I guess Frack likes eating male dwarfs. He doesn’t bother with the female at all. I did come to find eggs lined inside a sea shell, and have since removed that shell into a separate tank, and looking forward to seeing the baby fry soon. All in all, I have a pretty good crowded tank, but they are all one big happy family, and get along wonderful together. I would like to mention about my Coby catfish, or what were suppose to be Cobies, are now 8 inches long, and as big as frick and frac? I guess they are not Coby cats?
Shayna on March 17, 2009, 9:27 am wrote
I LOVE my Oscars <3 . They are such amazing fish; I have two orange Oscars that I am hoping will pair up when they are older (they are only 5" long right now). My fish are really funny and have wonderful personalities! They really like the little "wall" of water that comes out of the filter, they play with it all day! They take turns swimming right up to it and putting their backs up under the little 4 inch waterfall and twitch all their little fins and turn sideways. Don’t know why they like it so much but they spend much of their time there together during the day. They are so neat to watch and can be very relaxing to sit in the living room at night with the tank light on watching them swim side by side through their tank. My fish especially love beef heart, mealworms, peas and the medium sized floating pellets and they seem to do very well on that diet. I used to feed them feeder fish until I realized just how bad they were! I bought 20 from the store and put them in a little 5 gallon tank and got up the next day to feed one to the oscars and all 20 were dead the next day from diseases and stress. On closer inspection, they all had very small faint signs of the beginnings of ick, they looked like the had fine sugars on them. Thank God I didn’t feed them to my Oscars! I don’t want to risk killing my oscars, so they get beef heart and worms instead. They are very healthy and very happy. I would be really upset if I lost one of my babies. I would really really recommend these fish to everyone! They are such friendly, enjoyable, interesting fish to own!
I LOVE my Oscars <3 . They are such amazing fish; I have two orange Oscars that I am hoping will pair up when they are older (they are only 5" long right now). My fish are really funny and have wonderful personalities! They really like the little "wall" of water that comes out of the filter, they play with it all day! They take turns swimming right up to it and putting their backs up under the little 4 inch waterfall and twitch all their little fins and turn sideways. Don’t know why they like it so much but they spend much of their time there together during the day. They are so neat to watch and can be very relaxing to sit in the living room at night with the tank light on watching them swim side by side through their tank. My fish especially love beef heart, mealworms, peas and the medium sized floating pellets and they seem to do very well on that diet. I used to feed them feeder fish until I realized just how bad they were! I bought 20 from the store and put them in a little 5 gallon tank and got up the next day to feed one to the oscars and all 20 were dead the next day from diseases and stress. On closer inspection, they all had very small faint signs of the beginnings of ick, they looked like the had fine sugars on them. Thank God I didn’t feed them to my Oscars! I don’t want to risk killing my oscars, so they get beef heart and worms instead. They are very healthy and very happy. I would be really upset if I lost one of my babies. I would really really recommend these fish to everyone! They are such friendly, enjoyable, interesting fish to own!
oscar lover on March 22, 2009, 4:15 pm wrote
I also stoped feeding my oscars feeders. They’re bad for your fish and your tank as well. I feed my fish pellets, krill and worms and crickets for a snack everyday. I had my fish for a year now and they’re both 7’ inches long and they’re both tigers. Just wish they would lay some eggs. I have put in a piece of slate for them, but no response yet. It’s been 1 month so far and no luck.
I also stoped feeding my oscars feeders. They’re bad for your fish and your tank as well. I feed my fish pellets, krill and worms and crickets for a snack everyday. I had my fish for a year now and they’re both 7’ inches long and they’re both tigers. Just wish they would lay some eggs. I have put in a piece of slate for them, but no response yet. It’s been 1 month so far and no luck.
lisa on March 22, 2009, 8:51 pm wrote
We bought a few fish a couple weeks ago including 2 oscars. It all went very well until yesterday, one of our sharkfishes was eaten by them! Even though it was the same size as the oscars. Never again will I get oscars.
We bought a few fish a couple weeks ago including 2 oscars. It all went very well until yesterday, one of our sharkfishes was eaten by them! Even though it was the same size as the oscars. Never again will I get oscars.
Lance on March 23, 2009, 6:24 am wrote
I have kept oscars twice in my 30 years as a tropical fish hobbyist. My first experience was very positive. I added a small (3") tiger oscar to my community tank, which consisted of some larger gouramis, a large angel fish and several different varieties of catfish. My little tiger grew to be about 9" long and never bothered any of the other fish. I fed him floating pellets, which he eagerly devoured, wriggling like a little finned, rubber puppy when I put them in the tank. I never fed live food, as I thought this might encourage him to look at his tankmates as a potential food source. Not very scientific, but my experiment worked. When I had to move out of state i was forced to give my treasured fish to friend who owned a pet store. She immediately separated my pets into different tanks, saying she didn’t want her customers to think putting these different species together was a good idea. Last week I again added oscars to my community tank, which consists primarily of immature frontosa, large angel fish, and an annoyingly aggressive gold gourami. I purchased two 3" babies, one albino tiger and one red tiger. I am hoping my experiment works again.
I have kept oscars twice in my 30 years as a tropical fish hobbyist. My first experience was very positive. I added a small (3") tiger oscar to my community tank, which consisted of some larger gouramis, a large angel fish and several different varieties of catfish. My little tiger grew to be about 9" long and never bothered any of the other fish. I fed him floating pellets, which he eagerly devoured, wriggling like a little finned, rubber puppy when I put them in the tank. I never fed live food, as I thought this might encourage him to look at his tankmates as a potential food source. Not very scientific, but my experiment worked. When I had to move out of state i was forced to give my treasured fish to friend who owned a pet store. She immediately separated my pets into different tanks, saying she didn’t want her customers to think putting these different species together was a good idea. Last week I again added oscars to my community tank, which consists primarily of immature frontosa, large angel fish, and an annoyingly aggressive gold gourami. I purchased two 3" babies, one albino tiger and one red tiger. I am hoping my experiment works again.
Nigel(india) on March 25, 2009, 2:51 am wrote
I have 4 tiger oscars all 4" long and they are quite aggressive.They mostly unite together to bully my kissing gourami. 2 days ago I introduced about 40 guppies & my oscars cleared them in just 2 hours.
I have 4 tiger oscars all 4" long and they are quite aggressive.They mostly unite together to bully my kissing gourami. 2 days ago I introduced about 40 guppies & my oscars cleared them in just 2 hours.
Danny L on March 25, 2009, 1:44 pm wrote
I have a 7 ’ albino red oscar. It is housed with a Jack Dempsey about 1/2 its size and shows no aggression at all. There is also a pearl cichlid about 1/4 of the oscar’s size and again no aggression. I once put in a friend’s pair of albino oscar for 2 weeks, all hell broke loose. They fought every few minutes, non stop from morning till night. Once I’ve removed the pair, it became peaceful again. Any fish which fits inside the oscar’s mouth it will engulf in the blink of an eye. I have a bala shark about 3’ long and 1’ high yet the oscar won’t try to eat it (but probably could inhale it whole). It is a great fish to keep, plenty of personality, great when it comes to feeding time and unfortunately when it comes to pooping... I hope you have a strong filter!
I have a 7 ’ albino red oscar. It is housed with a Jack Dempsey about 1/2 its size and shows no aggression at all. There is also a pearl cichlid about 1/4 of the oscar’s size and again no aggression. I once put in a friend’s pair of albino oscar for 2 weeks, all hell broke loose. They fought every few minutes, non stop from morning till night. Once I’ve removed the pair, it became peaceful again. Any fish which fits inside the oscar’s mouth it will engulf in the blink of an eye. I have a bala shark about 3’ long and 1’ high yet the oscar won’t try to eat it (but probably could inhale it whole). It is a great fish to keep, plenty of personality, great when it comes to feeding time and unfortunately when it comes to pooping... I hope you have a strong filter!
anne on March 25, 2009, 6:01 pm wrote
Could you tell me how to sex oscars, please?
Could you tell me how to sex oscars, please?
Answer by admin: Visit http://www.aqua-fish.net/show.php?h=oscar in order to read the answer.
Lezlie on March 27, 2009, 2:08 pm wrote
I purchased two oscars (Bonnie & Clyde) about a month ago. They are the most awesome pets ever, almost like dogs. Allthough they are very aggressive! Two days ago I bought a crab to help clean the tank and when my husband and I woke up yesterday my crab was hanging out of Clyde’s mouth. We got ahold of it but nothing was left but the large claw and half of its body. If you are going to put anything in your tank with oscars, make sure it is as big or bigger than the oscars!
I purchased two oscars (Bonnie & Clyde) about a month ago. They are the most awesome pets ever, almost like dogs. Allthough they are very aggressive! Two days ago I bought a crab to help clean the tank and when my husband and I woke up yesterday my crab was hanging out of Clyde’s mouth. We got ahold of it but nothing was left but the large claw and half of its body. If you are going to put anything in your tank with oscars, make sure it is as big or bigger than the oscars!
hari on March 27, 2009, 7:13 pm wrote
I have got 2 oscars; one white with red markings & black with orange markings. I called them diku-kusku. Also I have one clown fish and a red tail shark and two suckers. They sometimes call me to give them food, and sometimes fight with each other. It gives relief and pleasure when I am watching disku-kusku.
I have got 2 oscars; one white with red markings & black with orange markings. I called them diku-kusku. Also I have one clown fish and a red tail shark and two suckers. They sometimes call me to give them food, and sometimes fight with each other. It gives relief and pleasure when I am watching disku-kusku.
Robin on March 28, 2009, 12:07 am wrote
I have an oscar in a tank with an angelfish, columbian shark, redtail shark, silver dollar, and two other cichlids and they get along just fine.
I have an oscar in a tank with an angelfish, columbian shark, redtail shark, silver dollar, and two other cichlids and they get along just fine.
Kim Poe on March 29, 2009, 9:55 am wrote
I am so happy I found this site. It has been so helpful, including some of the stories from the community. Yes, Oscars are quite a unique breed of fish. I have gotten to experience them playing dead, doing tricks for food, recognizing me as their owner, excited when I get up in the morning etc. I love them and I don’t think I would ever want other breeds of fish. I have been completely spoiled by my Oscars. I do have one question. How do I give my Oscars vitamin C? I researched this and other sites, and on another site I read that Oscars require daily vitamin C. Otherwise they can become pale & develop spots on their liver and eventually can die. I absolutely love my Oscars like I love my dogs. I have a 110 gallon tank and I used to have mixed smaller freshwater fish. It never seemed to make my tank look full. So I traded all fish to my Niece for her 3 Oscars. I never would of imagined how personable Oscars could be. That’s why I say that I am spoiled to only Oscars from now on. Once a week I buy 100 feeder fish. I originally thought that should last them a week. Ha Ha.. they devour most all of them within a hour, they save just a few for a treat the next day. I would like to also know if I am feeding them enough. I don’t want to over feed them. But like this site says, they beg...big time. Ha Ha.
I am so happy I found this site. It has been so helpful, including some of the stories from the community. Yes, Oscars are quite a unique breed of fish. I have gotten to experience them playing dead, doing tricks for food, recognizing me as their owner, excited when I get up in the morning etc. I love them and I don’t think I would ever want other breeds of fish. I have been completely spoiled by my Oscars. I do have one question. How do I give my Oscars vitamin C? I researched this and other sites, and on another site I read that Oscars require daily vitamin C. Otherwise they can become pale & develop spots on their liver and eventually can die. I absolutely love my Oscars like I love my dogs. I have a 110 gallon tank and I used to have mixed smaller freshwater fish. It never seemed to make my tank look full. So I traded all fish to my Niece for her 3 Oscars. I never would of imagined how personable Oscars could be. That’s why I say that I am spoiled to only Oscars from now on. Once a week I buy 100 feeder fish. I originally thought that should last them a week. Ha Ha.. they devour most all of them within a hour, they save just a few for a treat the next day. I would like to also know if I am feeding them enough. I don’t want to over feed them. But like this site says, they beg...big time. Ha Ha.
Answer by admin: Adding vitamin C into foods is simple; One way is adding crushed vitamin C (buy some vitamin tablets) into their food. Of course, this requires you to feed them some other type of food than feeder fish. For instance, adding crushed vitamins into frozen bloodworm tablets, or into meat will work for sure. Regarding feeding: It always depends on the size of these feeder fishes, but also on how nutritive they’re. Someone could use 100 feeder fish, but it wouldn’t be as good as 50 other feeder fish which are more nutritive. You should give them only that amount which is eaten in a minute or two. You’ll notice if they become hungry (hungry fish should be more impatient of seeing new food in the tank), and then you can increase the feeding amount.
Beth on March 30, 2009, 1:58 pm wrote
I love Oscars. There are wonderful pets. I love to watch them play and follow me when I get up near the tank. I want only oscars.
I love Oscars. There are wonderful pets. I love to watch them play and follow me when I get up near the tank. I want only oscars.
casey on April 6, 2009, 12:22 am wrote
I have 4 oscars. And they are wonderful healthy fish! They are the size of basketballs, they are huge! We have them separated because of dominate territory. We have two that are red and two that are albino red. They are very aggressive, we feed them feeders and red meat and night crawlers and oscar food. We have had them for ever! They are our babies, we love them to death!!!
I have 4 oscars. And they are wonderful healthy fish! They are the size of basketballs, they are huge! We have them separated because of dominate territory. We have two that are red and two that are albino red. They are very aggressive, we feed them feeders and red meat and night crawlers and oscar food. We have had them for ever! They are our babies, we love them to death!!!
BILL on April 9, 2009, 8:36 am wrote
I have a 125 Gal. tank. In it I have ( 24 ) African Cichlids, ( 3 ) Oscars 1 - Albino Oscar 1 - Tiger Oscar, 1 - Red Oscar and ( 4 ) Pleco. They all get along fine the funny thing is when the African Cichlids chase my Tiger Oscar and I’m next to the tank he comes to me where I’m as much as saying protect me from these crazy fish but I noticed that when I’m not there and they do this to him he opens his mouth and goes after them and all you see are the African Cichlids hiding under the rocks. The Oscars have a lot of fun when I come into my living room and they see me, they all swim back and forth to see if I come to them. When I put my hand in the tank, my big Albino stays next to my hand and I pet him like a dog and he stays there until I move.
I have a 125 Gal. tank. In it I have ( 24 ) African Cichlids, ( 3 ) Oscars 1 - Albino Oscar 1 - Tiger Oscar, 1 - Red Oscar and ( 4 ) Pleco. They all get along fine the funny thing is when the African Cichlids chase my Tiger Oscar and I’m next to the tank he comes to me where I’m as much as saying protect me from these crazy fish but I noticed that when I’m not there and they do this to him he opens his mouth and goes after them and all you see are the African Cichlids hiding under the rocks. The Oscars have a lot of fun when I come into my living room and they see me, they all swim back and forth to see if I come to them. When I put my hand in the tank, my big Albino stays next to my hand and I pet him like a dog and he stays there until I move.
Tammy on April 19, 2009, 12:29 pm wrote
I had a 75 gallon tank with 11 Oscars in it and believe it or not, when I would go to feed them I would have to open the lid quickly and shut it or I would end up with 1 or 2 of my oscars on my floor if I left it open just for a few seconds. They are great fish to have and so much fun to watch! They get so excited when they see you. Just like a dog! Love them =)
I had a 75 gallon tank with 11 Oscars in it and believe it or not, when I would go to feed them I would have to open the lid quickly and shut it or I would end up with 1 or 2 of my oscars on my floor if I left it open just for a few seconds. They are great fish to have and so much fun to watch! They get so excited when they see you. Just like a dog! Love them =)
Jonathan on April 29, 2009, 8:03 am wrote
My Aunt had a big foot long Oscar and It had a tank mate, a bala shark and they where together for years then one day I noticed the Bala in the oscars mouth then my dad had a 9 inch Albino and they played then my Aunt Mel took the albino and put it with her Albino African clawed frogs. They are really fun I am considering getting one with my Texas Cichlids
My Aunt had a big foot long Oscar and It had a tank mate, a bala shark and they where together for years then one day I noticed the Bala in the oscars mouth then my dad had a 9 inch Albino and they played then my Aunt Mel took the albino and put it with her Albino African clawed frogs. They are really fun I am considering getting one with my Texas Cichlids
joel on May 12, 2009, 1:14 pm wrote
I’ve got 2 tiger oscars called oscar and grouch. I’ve had them for about 2 months, one has grown a lot quicker than the other. Is this normal? They’re great pets, they go nuts when I put my hand above the tank. One is about 3" and the other about 2" I can’t wait till they get bigger.
I’ve got 2 tiger oscars called oscar and grouch. I’ve had them for about 2 months, one has grown a lot quicker than the other. Is this normal? They’re great pets, they go nuts when I put my hand above the tank. One is about 3" and the other about 2" I can’t wait till they get bigger.
Answer by admin: Different growth speed is normal.
Thalyann on May 16, 2009, 4:51 am wrote
I bought an oscar, and named him Neo. I’ve had him for about two days with a black mystery snail named Pooh, and a Mekong iridescent shark named Tiberious. It’s so fun to see this tiny shark play chicken with Neo (twice his size!!!). Eventually karma will kick in, and Neo will give Tiberious a piece of his mind. Oscars are such mysterious fish, who knows what kind of devious plan Neo is conjuring. I love OSCARS!!! Pooh the snail, not so much.
I bought an oscar, and named him Neo. I’ve had him for about two days with a black mystery snail named Pooh, and a Mekong iridescent shark named Tiberious. It’s so fun to see this tiny shark play chicken with Neo (twice his size!!!). Eventually karma will kick in, and Neo will give Tiberious a piece of his mind. Oscars are such mysterious fish, who knows what kind of devious plan Neo is conjuring. I love OSCARS!!! Pooh the snail, not so much.
Michelle on May 18, 2009, 11:44 am wrote
Oscars are fish that will eat smaller fish than them for breakfast. They can get violent and are not safe for kids. I have one that is still growing and my mother and me are afraid to clean the tank. My neighbors tricked me saying it was a goldfish when it was small. That’s how much they didn’t want it.
Oscars are fish that will eat smaller fish than them for breakfast. They can get violent and are not safe for kids. I have one that is still growing and my mother and me are afraid to clean the tank. My neighbors tricked me saying it was a goldfish when it was small. That’s how much they didn’t want it.
shannon on May 20, 2009, 12:57 pm wrote
I have had my oscar named Sunny for about 7 mouths now and I love him more than anything. He’s very sweet, non aggressive, but about 3 days ago I fed him rose reds and now as we see he is passing slowly and it breaks my heart. But I do love these fish and I plan on getting more once he passes.
I have had my oscar named Sunny for about 7 mouths now and I love him more than anything. He’s very sweet, non aggressive, but about 3 days ago I fed him rose reds and now as we see he is passing slowly and it breaks my heart. But I do love these fish and I plan on getting more once he passes.
blake wayman on May 20, 2009, 6:14 pm wrote
I have a 55 gal and a 110 gal tanks. My 55 gal is the home of one tiger oscar, two plecostomus, and two red tailed shark. The tiger oscar is "THE BOSS" of the tank for sure. I know having two red tailed shark isn’t good because one dominates the other. in my case, yes that use to be the case but not any more. Now those two are best friends as they stick together to survive from "THE BOSS" surprisingly enough the tiger oscar never messes with them which is a weird thing because any other fish in his space, well besides the plecostomus also he destroys. Oh, I forgot to mention, he loves carrots.
I have a 55 gal and a 110 gal tanks. My 55 gal is the home of one tiger oscar, two plecostomus, and two red tailed shark. The tiger oscar is "THE BOSS" of the tank for sure. I know having two red tailed shark isn’t good because one dominates the other. in my case, yes that use to be the case but not any more. Now those two are best friends as they stick together to survive from "THE BOSS" surprisingly enough the tiger oscar never messes with them which is a weird thing because any other fish in his space, well besides the plecostomus also he destroys. Oh, I forgot to mention, he loves carrots.
joel on June 1, 2009, 2:59 pm wrote
Is it true that you should give your oscar vitamin C. If so, how much and how often? Thanks guys!
Is it true that you should give your oscar vitamin C. If so, how much and how often? Thanks guys!
Fish, just like other animals and living beings, need vitamins. All vitamins should be present in quality foods available at your local pet shop. If you need to increase the amount of this vitamin, add it into the food (not just into the water!). One or two vitamin C pills, that are recommended for humans per day, should be enough for a week for your fish. Bear in mind that fish can suffer hypervitaminosis too.
Michael Whisk on June 5, 2009, 11:26 pm wrote
I have a 1.5 year old oscar (only 4.5 inches long) and he’s a pacifist and won’t fight. The only reason why he survived is because my green terror is very protective over him and won’t let other fish attack him. The green terror is only about 3 inches long but very solid. She lost a lot of her body length 1 year ago when she was mauled by my red devil in a fight and lost her entire tail fin plus some tissue around it that never grew back. Every one of her scales was lost and eaten plus she git serious scaring to the face that is still visible. When was iffy for a month or so but now she is fine except for her tail which was too damaged to grow back. Even though my oscar is a lot bigger than her she protects him and he treats her like a parent fish. It’s very interesting. PS: How long does it take for oscars to grow up because I’ve had mine for over a year and he is not very big?
I have a 1.5 year old oscar (only 4.5 inches long) and he’s a pacifist and won’t fight. The only reason why he survived is because my green terror is very protective over him and won’t let other fish attack him. The green terror is only about 3 inches long but very solid. She lost a lot of her body length 1 year ago when she was mauled by my red devil in a fight and lost her entire tail fin plus some tissue around it that never grew back. Every one of her scales was lost and eaten plus she git serious scaring to the face that is still visible. When was iffy for a month or so but now she is fine except for her tail which was too damaged to grow back. Even though my oscar is a lot bigger than her she protects him and he treats her like a parent fish. It’s very interesting. PS: How long does it take for oscars to grow up because I’ve had mine for over a year and he is not very big?
Answer by admin: Don’t worry about growth speed. This species is known to grow very slowly. In fact, with a potential lifespan of almost 20 years it isn’t anything bizarre.
Kim Ngui on June 8, 2009, 8:11 am wrote
I had 4 Oscars ( Boyzin, Tails, Speedy and Yellows) but 2 died, one jumped out of the aquarium overnight (Tails) and Boyzin died fom swallowing too much stones. I had to put him in the other tank with my kois because the other oscars were beating him really bad, and after some time Boyzin developed the habit of the Kois of sucking the stones, he became one of them to his detriment, by not spitting out the stones as the kois do. It broke my heart when Boyzin died as he was my first Oscar, he was 6 inches long. My Oscars have personality and they do recognize me as their owner. Speedy and Yellows act very docile towards me and looks at me sideways, up and down and wags when they see me. They jump at my husband whenever he feeds them, and any stranger that comes close to their tank, they flare up like dogs. Today I came home and I saw eggs on one of the stones in the aquarium, I tried to take out the stone but Speedy has now become very aggressive and is flaring up for me when I approach the tank. He opens his mouth and is showing me teeth. I am waiting on my husband to come home to take out the stone so that when the frys are born they will not be eaten.
I had 4 Oscars ( Boyzin, Tails, Speedy and Yellows) but 2 died, one jumped out of the aquarium overnight (Tails) and Boyzin died fom swallowing too much stones. I had to put him in the other tank with my kois because the other oscars were beating him really bad, and after some time Boyzin developed the habit of the Kois of sucking the stones, he became one of them to his detriment, by not spitting out the stones as the kois do. It broke my heart when Boyzin died as he was my first Oscar, he was 6 inches long. My Oscars have personality and they do recognize me as their owner. Speedy and Yellows act very docile towards me and looks at me sideways, up and down and wags when they see me. They jump at my husband whenever he feeds them, and any stranger that comes close to their tank, they flare up like dogs. Today I came home and I saw eggs on one of the stones in the aquarium, I tried to take out the stone but Speedy has now become very aggressive and is flaring up for me when I approach the tank. He opens his mouth and is showing me teeth. I am waiting on my husband to come home to take out the stone so that when the frys are born they will not be eaten.
Matt on June 10, 2009, 12:16 pm wrote
Yeah, I had an Oscar for about 30 minutes because it didn’t do so well in my salt water aquarium. I don’t know why. I am just joking, haha. I have one Oscar fish, his name is Leroy. He is being moved into a 55 gallon tank and then once he is grown up he will be moved to 100 gallon or 85 gallon. He has been so great I can pet him and he doesn’t mind. Sometime I put my finger in and he rebs against it and sometimes when I do the water cycle every week I forget to change the water temp to the same and if I put my finger in the water when it’s not 80 you will get a good bite. Also if it’s not me putting my finger in and my friend he will bit them. I really don’t know how knows me but he the greatest guy ever.
Yeah, I had an Oscar for about 30 minutes because it didn’t do so well in my salt water aquarium. I don’t know why. I am just joking, haha. I have one Oscar fish, his name is Leroy. He is being moved into a 55 gallon tank and then once he is grown up he will be moved to 100 gallon or 85 gallon. He has been so great I can pet him and he doesn’t mind. Sometime I put my finger in and he rebs against it and sometimes when I do the water cycle every week I forget to change the water temp to the same and if I put my finger in the water when it’s not 80 you will get a good bite. Also if it’s not me putting my finger in and my friend he will bit them. I really don’t know how knows me but he the greatest guy ever.
Hendrik on June 14, 2009, 6:50 pm wrote
I have 1 tiger oscar named Rambo. 6 months old and 17cm (~7").Ttankmates are two green terrors; dexter and cindy as well as a high fin pleco (25cm) which I have had for 4 years. I used to have different kinds of tropical fish from gouramis to mollies, but never had an oscar. Very clever and are able to learn and recognise things.
I have 1 tiger oscar named Rambo. 6 months old and 17cm (~7").Ttankmates are two green terrors; dexter and cindy as well as a high fin pleco (25cm) which I have had for 4 years. I used to have different kinds of tropical fish from gouramis to mollies, but never had an oscar. Very clever and are able to learn and recognise things.
tammy on June 15, 2009, 12:55 pm wrote
I have 2 Oscars about 4 months. I have them in a community tank. There are 2 parrots, 2 bala sharks and a red tail shark. The Oscars could easily eat the red tail shark but they have not touched it. Their feeders are 1 and half size bigger. When I started this tank I got all the fish at the same time. I would recommend these fish (Oscars), they are very entertaining.
I have 2 Oscars about 4 months. I have them in a community tank. There are 2 parrots, 2 bala sharks and a red tail shark. The Oscars could easily eat the red tail shark but they have not touched it. Their feeders are 1 and half size bigger. When I started this tank I got all the fish at the same time. I would recommend these fish (Oscars), they are very entertaining.
Aeryn Jamie on June 17, 2009, 5:19 am wrote
I have a year old Oscar named Bucket with a story. He was only a couple inches long when he was at the pet store and was the smallest in the tank. My friend A felt bad for him and bought him so he would stop being picked on by the other bigger fish. Unfortunately A didn’t have room for this new fish so the poor thing lived in a 5 gallon bucket with a filter for two or three months. Then my ex-girlfriend was nice enough to take the fish, whom I named Bucket because of where he’d been living, and she had him for about half a year and then some. When my ex moved, she didn’t want to take Bucket with her and she hated him. She never took good care of him (even though she is an avid fish lover and has her own fish) and his water was just disgusting. Right when she gave him to me he had developed hole in the head disease, poor baby. So now I’ve got this 9 inch Oscar named Bucket that I’ve fallen in love with and am so worried I’m not doing enough to keep him healthy. He really is doing well, though, and lives in a 55 gallon tank by himself. He loves waking me up at night rearranging the two plastic plants or getting angry with the water heater and clanging it against the tank glass. He also doesn’t like when I do water changes because I mess up his sand. He will shove his head in the sand to try to put it back where it was. It’s cute. He is hard to feed because his sense organs also got attacked by the now in-remission hole in the head disease, but I’m committed to making sure he’s fed each day and that he gets enough. I’d like to get him a bigger tank to make sure he grows to his maximum potential but he’s fine how he is. I’m glad he’s finally in a home where someone loves him and can take care of him. I love my Bucket!
I have a year old Oscar named Bucket with a story. He was only a couple inches long when he was at the pet store and was the smallest in the tank. My friend A felt bad for him and bought him so he would stop being picked on by the other bigger fish. Unfortunately A didn’t have room for this new fish so the poor thing lived in a 5 gallon bucket with a filter for two or three months. Then my ex-girlfriend was nice enough to take the fish, whom I named Bucket because of where he’d been living, and she had him for about half a year and then some. When my ex moved, she didn’t want to take Bucket with her and she hated him. She never took good care of him (even though she is an avid fish lover and has her own fish) and his water was just disgusting. Right when she gave him to me he had developed hole in the head disease, poor baby. So now I’ve got this 9 inch Oscar named Bucket that I’ve fallen in love with and am so worried I’m not doing enough to keep him healthy. He really is doing well, though, and lives in a 55 gallon tank by himself. He loves waking me up at night rearranging the two plastic plants or getting angry with the water heater and clanging it against the tank glass. He also doesn’t like when I do water changes because I mess up his sand. He will shove his head in the sand to try to put it back where it was. It’s cute. He is hard to feed because his sense organs also got attacked by the now in-remission hole in the head disease, but I’m committed to making sure he’s fed each day and that he gets enough. I’d like to get him a bigger tank to make sure he grows to his maximum potential but he’s fine how he is. I’m glad he’s finally in a home where someone loves him and can take care of him. I love my Bucket!
Laura on June 25, 2009, 2:03 am wrote
I have an interesting story. So... I have owned Oscars before, but they got taken in a breakup years ago. I have since had a community tank, and up until yesterday it consisted of 3 bala sharks, 1 angel fish, 2 severums, and a decently sized pleco. Well, my husband called me at work yesterday to let me know one of the Beastie Boys (Balas) had just died. :( He disposed of him for me, and I went home to look at the tank and noticed my husband had put in a couple of caves I used to have in when we first got the pleco so he could hide since he was just a tiny baby. Amused, I thought it was just for decoration until a little, teeny tiny baby tiger oscar swam out from behind one of the caves. HOLY COW. Obviously my husband doesn’t know much about researching fish and thought he was doing something really nice to surprise me. So... I am faced with the dilemma. Right now my fish are in a 45 gallon bow front tank. All of them are fully grown. The baby oscar fish is the smallest in the tank by far, and I am worried because I know Oscars can be semi aggressive to aggressive, even though my previous ones I owned showed no signs of aggression towards the other fish in the tank. Do I keep the oscar in the community tank for now as he grows and see how he does or separate him right away?
I have an interesting story. So... I have owned Oscars before, but they got taken in a breakup years ago. I have since had a community tank, and up until yesterday it consisted of 3 bala sharks, 1 angel fish, 2 severums, and a decently sized pleco. Well, my husband called me at work yesterday to let me know one of the Beastie Boys (Balas) had just died. :( He disposed of him for me, and I went home to look at the tank and noticed my husband had put in a couple of caves I used to have in when we first got the pleco so he could hide since he was just a tiny baby. Amused, I thought it was just for decoration until a little, teeny tiny baby tiger oscar swam out from behind one of the caves. HOLY COW. Obviously my husband doesn’t know much about researching fish and thought he was doing something really nice to surprise me. So... I am faced with the dilemma. Right now my fish are in a 45 gallon bow front tank. All of them are fully grown. The baby oscar fish is the smallest in the tank by far, and I am worried because I know Oscars can be semi aggressive to aggressive, even though my previous ones I owned showed no signs of aggression towards the other fish in the tank. Do I keep the oscar in the community tank for now as he grows and see how he does or separate him right away?
Answer by admin: Oscars should be peaceful toward other species when juveniles. You could watch how he behaves and based on the result you should consider appropriate actions. One option is moving the fish into another tank, but he may also grow and stay peaceful. I’d choose waiting instead of moving him.
Matt on June 27, 2009, 2:42 pm wrote
I have 6 oscars in a 100 gallon setup with a 30 gallon trickle filter and they are jamming. Very entertaining fish and they all have very different personalities from one another. They do recognize your face if your the one that feeds them all the time and get real excited whenever you walk by. Shameless beggars. But either way they are great fish own if you have the right set up.
I have 6 oscars in a 100 gallon setup with a 30 gallon trickle filter and they are jamming. Very entertaining fish and they all have very different personalities from one another. They do recognize your face if your the one that feeds them all the time and get real excited whenever you walk by. Shameless beggars. But either way they are great fish own if you have the right set up.
Ryan on June 27, 2009, 4:24 pm wrote
I was going to get a 125 gallon tank and was wondering if I could put 6 oscars in it. Also could the different types of oscars breed with each other (tiger,red, and albino)?
I was going to get a 125 gallon tank and was wondering if I could put 6 oscars in it. Also could the different types of oscars breed with each other (tiger,red, and albino)?
Answer: 6 Oscars would be too much for a 125 gallon fish tank. Different breeds will breed with each other as long as they get along.
nicole loves oscar’s on July 2, 2009, 8:58 am wrote
Hi everyone, I was in a pet store the other day with the kids who wanted gold fish, so far enough we walked out with a 85 gallon tank and a tiger oscar. The kids thought the tiger oscar was the coolest thing around. Unsure really how to look after oscar’s, this site has given me loads of information and I’m sure I have enough information to look after my new fish. ’Problem is’ what are we going to call it now lol, the shop owner said they have started to call it UGLY. As it was in a fight at the store and he has a ugly lip lol. The kids think their new tiger (UGLY) is the best lol.
Hi everyone, I was in a pet store the other day with the kids who wanted gold fish, so far enough we walked out with a 85 gallon tank and a tiger oscar. The kids thought the tiger oscar was the coolest thing around. Unsure really how to look after oscar’s, this site has given me loads of information and I’m sure I have enough information to look after my new fish. ’Problem is’ what are we going to call it now lol, the shop owner said they have started to call it UGLY. As it was in a fight at the store and he has a ugly lip lol. The kids think their new tiger (UGLY) is the best lol.
mike on July 23, 2009, 11:21 am wrote
This site is sweet! I have been researching for the past month every night after work. Just one afternoon (2 hours) of reading your comments and stories, has been more helpful than any thing else I have come across.... I am picking up a 60 gallon tank this weekend, so far thinking about 2 oscars and a tall fin pleco. I also like green terrors, but was told they may bully the oscars. I realize it is hit and miss, every fish, much like a human is different in it’s own way. I think I will let the oscars live a few months in my there new home and maybe down the road introduce a green terror. I will keep you posted, take it easy, God bless!
This site is sweet! I have been researching for the past month every night after work. Just one afternoon (2 hours) of reading your comments and stories, has been more helpful than any thing else I have come across.... I am picking up a 60 gallon tank this weekend, so far thinking about 2 oscars and a tall fin pleco. I also like green terrors, but was told they may bully the oscars. I realize it is hit and miss, every fish, much like a human is different in it’s own way. I think I will let the oscars live a few months in my there new home and maybe down the road introduce a green terror. I will keep you posted, take it easy, God bless!
Bethani on July 23, 2009, 11:48 am wrote
I want to get an oscar (a baby) and as well as a salvini and pleco. They all get along well together but I have a fat African clawed frog. Not a dwarf. He is say 5 inches long. I want them. A lady said she had oscar living with frog and they were fine. But what about the frog with the salvini? Can they coexist as babies in a 29 gallon aquarium for a few months, then go to 55-60 gallon? I’m getting a big aquarium, but in 2 months...
I want to get an oscar (a baby) and as well as a salvini and pleco. They all get along well together but I have a fat African clawed frog. Not a dwarf. He is say 5 inches long. I want them. A lady said she had oscar living with frog and they were fine. But what about the frog with the salvini? Can they coexist as babies in a 29 gallon aquarium for a few months, then go to 55-60 gallon? I’m getting a big aquarium, but in 2 months...
Answer: As babies, they should get along. It’s hard to tell as every fish is a personality.
Graham on July 28, 2009, 7:40 pm wrote
What a great site for Oscar! I read the articles and comments and have found it interesting. I inherited my oscar from my son because it ate his Red Tail Shark so he decided oscar had to go. We have put him in a large tank with Silver Dollars, Jack Dempseys, Corydoras and Pleco also a large Red Devil and so far all are going well. Oscar loves eating goldfish and Feeder barbs, but also flake and pellet forms too. So far the tank is still in good order as I have large rocks and large plants to keep him interested. It is true that oscars do have a mind of their own and they do know who their owner is. Very entertaining fish to keep.
What a great site for Oscar! I read the articles and comments and have found it interesting. I inherited my oscar from my son because it ate his Red Tail Shark so he decided oscar had to go. We have put him in a large tank with Silver Dollars, Jack Dempseys, Corydoras and Pleco also a large Red Devil and so far all are going well. Oscar loves eating goldfish and Feeder barbs, but also flake and pellet forms too. So far the tank is still in good order as I have large rocks and large plants to keep him interested. It is true that oscars do have a mind of their own and they do know who their owner is. Very entertaining fish to keep.
Lou on July 31, 2009, 3:20 pm wrote
Brought home two tiger oscars today - they will be in a tank of their own for the time being... This site has excited me, can’t wait to get to know my new friends!
Brought home two tiger oscars today - they will be in a tank of their own for the time being... This site has excited me, can’t wait to get to know my new friends!
sagar pawaskar on August 4, 2009, 3:21 pm wrote
I have six baby oscars in my tank. 5 are albino and the other one is a tiger oscar. They are very pretty and united.
I have six baby oscars in my tank. 5 are albino and the other one is a tiger oscar. They are very pretty and united.
jarrod on August 4, 2009, 5:43 pm wrote
Hello, oscar lovers. I am new to owning oscars but have come to love them very quickly. I currently have 3 tiger oscars and 16 gold fish, and a hi fin pleco. I have had 2 albino oscars but they died as well as a convict and a red oscar. I thought it was my firemouth that was beating them up and killing them but was unsure so to be on the safe side I returned my firemouth to the pet store. I would like to add some more different kinds of fish to my tank but am unsure what breeds of fish I can safely have in there with oscars. Any help is much appreciated.
Hello, oscar lovers. I am new to owning oscars but have come to love them very quickly. I currently have 3 tiger oscars and 16 gold fish, and a hi fin pleco. I have had 2 albino oscars but they died as well as a convict and a red oscar. I thought it was my firemouth that was beating them up and killing them but was unsure so to be on the safe side I returned my firemouth to the pet store. I would like to add some more different kinds of fish to my tank but am unsure what breeds of fish I can safely have in there with oscars. Any help is much appreciated.
Mike on August 7, 2009, 4:09 pm wrote
Mike from July 23 continued. What’s up every body? So at this point I now have my 60 gallon tank. White crushed coral contrasted by (in my opinion perfectly arranged) Lava rocks(caves, holes, bridges, etc...) with red and green plants. I have 5 very lively little tiger barbs swimming around enjoying themselves throughly. Although their shoal purpose right now is to create waste as I add my beneficial bacteria every other day at some point they have won me over and now may actually make the final cut. Of course to be accompanied by the pair of highly anticipated Oscars. I will definitely as I said last time keep every body poasted but my question for this site is. "Is my 60 gallon going to be a happy home for 2 oscars or will they in time end up so cramped for space that this might not be the best plan of attack?
Mike from July 23 continued. What’s up every body? So at this point I now have my 60 gallon tank. White crushed coral contrasted by (in my opinion perfectly arranged) Lava rocks(caves, holes, bridges, etc...) with red and green plants. I have 5 very lively little tiger barbs swimming around enjoying themselves throughly. Although their shoal purpose right now is to create waste as I add my beneficial bacteria every other day at some point they have won me over and now may actually make the final cut. Of course to be accompanied by the pair of highly anticipated Oscars. I will definitely as I said last time keep every body poasted but my question for this site is. "Is my 60 gallon going to be a happy home for 2 oscars or will they in time end up so cramped for space that this might not be the best plan of attack?
Answer: A 60 gallon tank for 2 Oscars will eventually be too small for the fish; two adult specimens will require at least a 75 gallon tank. You could keep a single specimen in a 60 gallon tank. I noticed in your earlier comment that you were thinking of adding a Green Terror with the Oscars, bit risky in my opinion and I certainly wouldn’t attempt it. [answer by Mick; fishtankforum.co.uk]
Miguel on August 19, 2009, 11:31 pm wrote
I love my two oscar fish. Sometimes they fight, but I still love them so much. I almost have had them for 1 year. And one day I almost lost my two oscar fish because my brother was running by the tank over and over again and I told him to stop because he was going to knock the tank off the table and still kept running until the tank fell and the fish were just laying there. I picked them up and put them in the tank and then got a bucket of water and through it in the tank. Until it filled up with water. My cute fish survived. That day I was so mad with my brother, but I forgive him. That day was the scariest day my fish had ever experienced.
I love my two oscar fish. Sometimes they fight, but I still love them so much. I almost have had them for 1 year. And one day I almost lost my two oscar fish because my brother was running by the tank over and over again and I told him to stop because he was going to knock the tank off the table and still kept running until the tank fell and the fish were just laying there. I picked them up and put them in the tank and then got a bucket of water and through it in the tank. Until it filled up with water. My cute fish survived. That day I was so mad with my brother, but I forgive him. That day was the scariest day my fish had ever experienced.
Mike on August 20, 2009, 10:08 am wrote
Will my oscar / or oscars have enough room in my 60 gallon tank down the line when they are no longer babies?
Will my oscar / or oscars have enough room in my 60 gallon tank down the line when they are no longer babies?
Answer: Surely. Depending on how many specimens you keep, of course. Generally, 1 or 2 specimens, or even 3 (if kept since juveniles), should be OK in such a fish tank.
Vee on August 25, 2009, 7:29 am wrote
I have a tiger oscar. I named him oscar when I first got him without knowing what kind of fish he was. I’ve had him for over a year now. I keep him at the dinning room area and he’s very happy. I love the fact how smart he is. He knows I’m the owner and always tries to get my attention when I come in the room he even gets close to the tank so I can give him kisses. He doesn’t mind when my family is around his tank either. He just swims around and sometimes gets their attention for more food. He’s funny, I love that fish. I’m currently trying to introduce new fish to his tank but I’m afraid to do so because for of the fact that every fish I put in the tank he kills. So if anyone has any info to help me out please do share. Thanks!
I have a tiger oscar. I named him oscar when I first got him without knowing what kind of fish he was. I’ve had him for over a year now. I keep him at the dinning room area and he’s very happy. I love the fact how smart he is. He knows I’m the owner and always tries to get my attention when I come in the room he even gets close to the tank so I can give him kisses. He doesn’t mind when my family is around his tank either. He just swims around and sometimes gets their attention for more food. He’s funny, I love that fish. I’m currently trying to introduce new fish to his tank but I’m afraid to do so because for of the fact that every fish I put in the tank he kills. So if anyone has any info to help me out please do share. Thanks!
Stoph on August 26, 2009, 2:40 pm wrote
I used to have 6 oscars, 4 jaguar Cichlids, 3 goldfish and 2 Yabbies (nippers) in the one tank living happily together. I bought the goldfish to condition the tank and water before I added any fish I liked, but because my oscars grew up with them they just let them be. The yabbies I bought just to clean up the scrap heart that they were leaving behind for the filter to suck up. I Had a house fire and saved my fish in a plastic rubbish bucket until I got them to a friend’s place. When I reintroduced them back to there home I could not put yabbies , goldfish or anything else for that mater into the tank without them killing it.
I used to have 6 oscars, 4 jaguar Cichlids, 3 goldfish and 2 Yabbies (nippers) in the one tank living happily together. I bought the goldfish to condition the tank and water before I added any fish I liked, but because my oscars grew up with them they just let them be. The yabbies I bought just to clean up the scrap heart that they were leaving behind for the filter to suck up. I Had a house fire and saved my fish in a plastic rubbish bucket until I got them to a friend’s place. When I reintroduced them back to there home I could not put yabbies , goldfish or anything else for that mater into the tank without them killing it.
oscar on August 28, 2009, 12:59 am wrote
I love my oscar very much. I had him for five years!!! And still going strong.
I love my oscar very much. I had him for five years!!! And still going strong.
katlin on August 28, 2009, 3:59 am wrote
To those of you with so many fish in your tanks may I say that you should only have one oscar per 45g otherwise your nitrates will be through the roof. It is also not good to have barbs or other tropical fish for the fact of water temp difference. I also noticed many of you have goldfish as feeders, this is bad because they are cold water fish.
To those of you with so many fish in your tanks may I say that you should only have one oscar per 45g otherwise your nitrates will be through the roof. It is also not good to have barbs or other tropical fish for the fact of water temp difference. I also noticed many of you have goldfish as feeders, this is bad because they are cold water fish.
Baza on September 29, 2009, 12:22 am wrote
I have a red speckled oscar, 7 inches in a 50 gallon community tank. Its tank mates are a pleco, catfish and several malawi cichlids. I am amazed at the fact that any other species(small) I tried to introduce got eaten, but the tiny malawi don’t!
I have a red speckled oscar, 7 inches in a 50 gallon community tank. Its tank mates are a pleco, catfish and several malawi cichlids. I am amazed at the fact that any other species(small) I tried to introduce got eaten, but the tiny malawi don’t!
Comment: It’s a well known fact that many Malawi cichlids can take of themselves, even when facing a bigger fish.
SK on September 29, 2009, 12:33 pm wrote
I have an Oscar called Marlin since 1 year of age. He is now 5 years old and is 30cm in length and has a large belly in the last few weeks. The large belly is a concern as it not proportion to his body size, however but he continues to have a great appetite. I feed him once a day a couple of pellets. Is anyone familiar to why my Oscar is suffering from this deformity?
I have an Oscar called Marlin since 1 year of age. He is now 5 years old and is 30cm in length and has a large belly in the last few weeks. The large belly is a concern as it not proportion to his body size, however but he continues to have a great appetite. I feed him once a day a couple of pellets. Is anyone familiar to why my Oscar is suffering from this deformity?
Answer: A bloated belly is normally a sign of a blockage or an internal infection. The first step to take is to try to feed him some blanched peas as these are excellent at clearing out a fishes digestive system, Another method is to starve the fish for 24 hours to see if that works. Adult Oscars only need feeding every other day even with small meals. If it is an internal infection then a general all round medication should clear it up in no time. [Answered by Mick; fishtankforum.co.uk]
Terry FLORIDA on October 5, 2009, 12:37 pm wrote
These fish are great and sweet. I have one handsome guy named Herman he’s a red oscar. He’s my second one Iv owned. My first was a tiger named Jaxy and lived for over 20 years. I keep Herman by himself and love him. He’s still small, about 4inch. Can’t wait until he’s fully grown; I feed him pellets, shimp, krill, and algea waffers. To everybody who’s new to ocsars keep water changes weekly and don’t overfeed them and for a treat earthworms are great. Good luck to everyone and enjoy them, they live for a very long time if taken care of.
These fish are great and sweet. I have one handsome guy named Herman he’s a red oscar. He’s my second one Iv owned. My first was a tiger named Jaxy and lived for over 20 years. I keep Herman by himself and love him. He’s still small, about 4inch. Can’t wait until he’s fully grown; I feed him pellets, shimp, krill, and algea waffers. To everybody who’s new to ocsars keep water changes weekly and don’t overfeed them and for a treat earthworms are great. Good luck to everyone and enjoy them, they live for a very long time if taken care of.
Edddd on October 6, 2009, 6:41 pm wrote
I have 2 oscars in a 65g tank, a tiger (Beast) and a red (Bowser). The red I had before the tiger and is about 3.5" and only a few months old. The tiger on the other hand is about a year old and is 7" easily. I got the tiger about a week ago as it was a rescue fish from the petstore. They had it in a small tank with a larger (9") oscar who bullied him constantly. The tiger had hole in the head and was on other verge of dying. So I purchased him on a discount. Now I am feeding my oscars vitamin soak pellets and treating the tank with octozin to get rid of any parasites. The tiger is much more energetic now and his colours are coming out nicely. Hopefully his hole in the head heals up but its too early to tell. Bowser and Beast kinda get along. Only problems is when Beast is in a bit of a mood and doesn’t like happy Bowser swimming around him. They both enjoy their food and like each others company. I can’t wait for Bowser to grow up but hopefully there’s not too much trouble when he does. Right now it’s big brother and little sister in the tank. But a couple of months down the line who knows what’s going to happen.
I have 2 oscars in a 65g tank, a tiger (Beast) and a red (Bowser). The red I had before the tiger and is about 3.5" and only a few months old. The tiger on the other hand is about a year old and is 7" easily. I got the tiger about a week ago as it was a rescue fish from the petstore. They had it in a small tank with a larger (9") oscar who bullied him constantly. The tiger had hole in the head and was on other verge of dying. So I purchased him on a discount. Now I am feeding my oscars vitamin soak pellets and treating the tank with octozin to get rid of any parasites. The tiger is much more energetic now and his colours are coming out nicely. Hopefully his hole in the head heals up but its too early to tell. Bowser and Beast kinda get along. Only problems is when Beast is in a bit of a mood and doesn’t like happy Bowser swimming around him. They both enjoy their food and like each others company. I can’t wait for Bowser to grow up but hopefully there’s not too much trouble when he does. Right now it’s big brother and little sister in the tank. But a couple of months down the line who knows what’s going to happen.
amaru on October 20, 2009, 1:47 am wrote
I have an Oscar fish, but I think he is dying. I have had him for almost 3 years and he is the greatest. Recently I bought him a larger tank, because I felt bad he out grew his old tank and now that I changed his environment, he isn’t moving. I took him out and have him isolated. He is breathing, but he just lays there. I have changed filters, water, I have asked every one. Can someone, please, give me some advise. I don’t want to loose him. He is the reason I bought the bigger tank. Notes: there are new fish in the bigger tank. And a new filter system. He ate one of the smaller fish that came with the tank too.
I have an Oscar fish, but I think he is dying. I have had him for almost 3 years and he is the greatest. Recently I bought him a larger tank, because I felt bad he out grew his old tank and now that I changed his environment, he isn’t moving. I took him out and have him isolated. He is breathing, but he just lays there. I have changed filters, water, I have asked every one. Can someone, please, give me some advise. I don’t want to loose him. He is the reason I bought the bigger tank. Notes: there are new fish in the bigger tank. And a new filter system. He ate one of the smaller fish that came with the tank too.
How long has the Oscar been in the new tank? They are notorious for sulking, mine used to sulk for 2 days every time I tried to re-arrange the décor. If he is still eating then he simply has a mood on and should snap out of it eventually. [answered by Mick; fishtankforum.co.uk]
Sarah on November 7, 2009, 8:23 pm wrote
Hi there, I have two oscars in a tank at the moment and I have had them together for about 3 months. Only now, one of the oscars hides in a tunnel I have in the aquarium, while the other does laps of the tank. I have noticed that one has grown more rapidly than the other, depsite feeding them pretty equally. The slightly bigger one chases the smaller one around, but never used to. Does anyone know why this happens.... they seemed to get along fine a couple of weeks ago.
Hi there, I have two oscars in a tank at the moment and I have had them together for about 3 months. Only now, one of the oscars hides in a tunnel I have in the aquarium, while the other does laps of the tank. I have noticed that one has grown more rapidly than the other, depsite feeding them pretty equally. The slightly bigger one chases the smaller one around, but never used to. Does anyone know why this happens.... they seemed to get along fine a couple of weeks ago.
Answer: When fish are introduced into the aquarium, they use to be friendly towards each other as the territory hasn’t been divided yet. However, as time goes by, fish that swam together don’t do it any more and they may be slightly aggressive towards specimens that try to occupy their own territory. This behaviour can be seen in many cases and Oscars are no exception. Even though there are aquariums where over 10 Oscars live in harmony, in some aquariums keeping two Oscars may be difficult. Fish have personalities. The best what you could do is trying to divide the aquarium naturally by rocks, driftwood and keep monitoring how fish behave. Reading what you’ve mentioned already, you probably put things into the tank. Rearranging them could help.
me on November 8, 2009, 12:55 am wrote
I work at this place and we have an oscar; it is about 10 years old. They have had it since they opened. He is very mean, he will attack the tank, he will jump out, he has bitten one of our employees while cleaning the fish tank. He does not like children at all, he will go crazy when kids come to her. He is very vicious. But when his owner comes, he is very calm and will allow him to pet him. So I think it also depends on what kind and the fish are just like humans.
I work at this place and we have an oscar; it is about 10 years old. They have had it since they opened. He is very mean, he will attack the tank, he will jump out, he has bitten one of our employees while cleaning the fish tank. He does not like children at all, he will go crazy when kids come to her. He is very vicious. But when his owner comes, he is very calm and will allow him to pet him. So I think it also depends on what kind and the fish are just like humans.
kayla on November 8, 2009, 1:57 pm wrote
I’ve had my tiger oscar for about 3 years now and for some reason the past week he’s had large dark black spots show up around his face and fins. Does anyone happen to know what they could be? I can’t find any information on this anywhere.
I’ve had my tiger oscar for about 3 years now and for some reason the past week he’s had large dark black spots show up around his face and fins. Does anyone happen to know what they could be? I can’t find any information on this anywhere.
Answer: Oscar fish may change their markings as they mature and at 3 years your fish is reaching its prime, is it a male fish as it could be displaying, do you have another Oscar in the tank. When Oscars start to lose colour it is a sign that something is wrong so you are on the right side of the fence. [Answered by Mick; fishtankforum.co.uk]
Michelle on November 27, 2009, 11:47 am wrote
I have two oscars. I noticed a couple of days ago the water temperature was high. I then did a water change and lowered the temperature. Well, now my fish are acting funny like they don’t want to move around. I wonder if I did something wrong. Should I bring the temperature back up to 86 or just leave it at 76 to 82? I really don’t want to lose my fish, I love them so much.
I have two oscars. I noticed a couple of days ago the water temperature was high. I then did a water change and lowered the temperature. Well, now my fish are acting funny like they don’t want to move around. I wonder if I did something wrong. Should I bring the temperature back up to 86 or just leave it at 76 to 82? I really don’t want to lose my fish, I love them so much.
Answer: Try to increase the temperature. It has been a change of their environment, so no wonder they act differently and most likely they don’t like the new conditions.
jacob on December 21, 2009, 12:36 pm wrote
I have 2 oscar fish who live in the living room in a 95 gallon tank and the fish are HUGE! And we feed them big pellets, but one time one of them sticked it’s head out of the water and scared me.
I have 2 oscar fish who live in the living room in a 95 gallon tank and the fish are HUGE! And we feed them big pellets, but one time one of them sticked it’s head out of the water and scared me.
joe on December 22, 2009, 2:41 am wrote
Just bought two small tiger oscars, 2"s, great fish. Awesome site learning from all you.
Just bought two small tiger oscars, 2"s, great fish. Awesome site learning from all you.
smiffy on December 22, 2009, 9:47 am wrote
I’ve had my 2 oscars in my 240l tank now for a couple of months, and I’m so glad I got them. They’ve already grown about 1.5 inches in that time and I really hope they get huge! The only other tank mate is a leopard plec which, when I bought him, was about 2 inches long back in April. ’Spot’ is now at the time of writing, just over a foot long. So the oscars should do well too. Such characters! I mostly love feeding them by hand, even when they get a bit keen and launch themselves out of the water and nip my fingers rather than the pieces of mussel I have for them. Good job they’re still small! Have to be careful of this when they’re larger because of the barb in the back of their mouth which (apparently) can leave you with a substantial injury! Also feed them high protein dry foods, live foods ( brine shrimp, blood worm, tubifex worms) which they seem to relish. The red oscar needed teaching about the brine shrimp when first fed them. Spent the first effort looking inquisitively at them like an underwater puppy. The Tiger showed him what it’s all about though. Oh, and if you want to get vitamin C into your oscars, try putting the occasional berry into the tank. Mine quite like raspberries!
I’ve had my 2 oscars in my 240l tank now for a couple of months, and I’m so glad I got them. They’ve already grown about 1.5 inches in that time and I really hope they get huge! The only other tank mate is a leopard plec which, when I bought him, was about 2 inches long back in April. ’Spot’ is now at the time of writing, just over a foot long. So the oscars should do well too. Such characters! I mostly love feeding them by hand, even when they get a bit keen and launch themselves out of the water and nip my fingers rather than the pieces of mussel I have for them. Good job they’re still small! Have to be careful of this when they’re larger because of the barb in the back of their mouth which (apparently) can leave you with a substantial injury! Also feed them high protein dry foods, live foods ( brine shrimp, blood worm, tubifex worms) which they seem to relish. The red oscar needed teaching about the brine shrimp when first fed them. Spent the first effort looking inquisitively at them like an underwater puppy. The Tiger showed him what it’s all about though. Oh, and if you want to get vitamin C into your oscars, try putting the occasional berry into the tank. Mine quite like raspberries!
Daniel on December 31, 2009, 9:25 pm wrote
Hey, I just got a brand new 90L tank for Christmas and wondering if it would be a suitable size for 1 or possibly 2 oscars?
Hey, I just got a brand new 90L tank for Christmas and wondering if it would be a suitable size for 1 or possibly 2 oscars?
Answer: No. Not only 2, but also for 1 specimen a 90 liters aquarium isn’t big enough.
Tish on January 1, 2010, 8:02 am wrote
I used to have an oscar when I was younger. I used to love feeding him fish and worm I dug up in the garden with my dad. We started off with 2 tiger oscars and they began to fight a lot so we separated their tank with a sheet of glass. Eventually over time one of the fish passed away but we kept oscar the oscar for many years (I was only little, not a very original name I know). Finally we had to get rid of oscar and our friend who owned a local pet shop had him and he was the best shop attraction, he ended up huge, at least 30 - 40cm. One night there was a power cut at the shop and the temperature of the water dropped and he died, we were all mega gutted and I would love another oscar now I’m much older. Thankfully my step mum is thinking of having a few sooo fingers crossed! :)
I used to have an oscar when I was younger. I used to love feeding him fish and worm I dug up in the garden with my dad. We started off with 2 tiger oscars and they began to fight a lot so we separated their tank with a sheet of glass. Eventually over time one of the fish passed away but we kept oscar the oscar for many years (I was only little, not a very original name I know). Finally we had to get rid of oscar and our friend who owned a local pet shop had him and he was the best shop attraction, he ended up huge, at least 30 - 40cm. One night there was a power cut at the shop and the temperature of the water dropped and he died, we were all mega gutted and I would love another oscar now I’m much older. Thankfully my step mum is thinking of having a few sooo fingers crossed! :)
Kayla on January 1, 2010, 2:32 pm wrote
I really need to know... Could I house a single Oscar and two blood parrot fish together if I got them all when they were still small? If so, what other fish could I house with them (I am looking to set up a tropical freshwater aquarium and like these kinds of fish!). Any suggestions?
I really need to know... Could I house a single Oscar and two blood parrot fish together if I got them all when they were still small? If so, what other fish could I house with them (I am looking to set up a tropical freshwater aquarium and like these kinds of fish!). Any suggestions?
Answer: Yes, they could be kept together. I suppose that your aquarium is big enough for 3 fish of such a size. Only similar-sized fish can be kept along with them. As any other specimen of similar size would mean that you need bigger and bigger fish tank, I would keep only big catfish in there.
Makeeta on January 2, 2010, 2:11 pm wrote
I am wondering if anyone has ever seen an albino oscar with black fins. I have looked at many pictures and never seen one like my breeze. I call her a she even though I don’t know, and she is living with 3 blood parrots, one mystery fish (I believe he is a blood parrot jack dempsey cross), 1 severum, 2 convicts and a pleco. In my other tank I have a recently purchased VERY troublesome little fellow who I took pity on because he was at the petstore for so long, he is living with 2 plecos, two tiny fire mouths, and 8 black skirts, they all stay below except for the oscar who gets the run of the entire top of the tank (it’s a 55), he is staying there until he is big enough to go in the other tank, because the last little guy breeze did not like. How long will it take for him to get 3-4 inches? He is about 1 inch now, I feed him blood worms and shrimp pellets.
I am wondering if anyone has ever seen an albino oscar with black fins. I have looked at many pictures and never seen one like my breeze. I call her a she even though I don’t know, and she is living with 3 blood parrots, one mystery fish (I believe he is a blood parrot jack dempsey cross), 1 severum, 2 convicts and a pleco. In my other tank I have a recently purchased VERY troublesome little fellow who I took pity on because he was at the petstore for so long, he is living with 2 plecos, two tiny fire mouths, and 8 black skirts, they all stay below except for the oscar who gets the run of the entire top of the tank (it’s a 55), he is staying there until he is big enough to go in the other tank, because the last little guy breeze did not like. How long will it take for him to get 3-4 inches? He is about 1 inch now, I feed him blood worms and shrimp pellets.
Answer: Albino Oscar fish are not a natural species but the result of selective breeding. Every now and again there may be slight colourations as genes try to revert back to what they were so you will see odd specimens of albino Oscars with a hint of colouring whether it be the fins or marks on the body. [answer by Mick; fishtankforum.co.uk]
Erin on January 4, 2010, 4:02 am wrote
I had an Oscar years ago named Felix, and he was my baby. He knew me and we loved each other. When I left for college he died of a broken heart. I am now ready for another one. I have a 20 gallon tank and I plan to get a small one and grow him like Felix. Any suggestions on food for him. I do not want to start him on feeders. They are dirty and kill your fish. What are others feeding their Oscars?
I had an Oscar years ago named Felix, and he was my baby. He knew me and we loved each other. When I left for college he died of a broken heart. I am now ready for another one. I have a 20 gallon tank and I plan to get a small one and grow him like Felix. Any suggestions on food for him. I do not want to start him on feeders. They are dirty and kill your fish. What are others feeding their Oscars?
shannon on January 15, 2010, 10:55 am wrote
I bought my first oscar today! He is a red oscar and beautiful. I haven’t given him a name yet as I am still watching him and thinking on it. I am very excited and eager to see what personality my guy develops. This is my first time on this site and have found a great deal of useful info.
I bought my first oscar today! He is a red oscar and beautiful. I haven’t given him a name yet as I am still watching him and thinking on it. I am very excited and eager to see what personality my guy develops. This is my first time on this site and have found a great deal of useful info.
Steve on January 20, 2010, 11:49 pm wrote
Hi, I purchased my first oscar about 6 months ago. He’s a very pretty red tiger. At the moment, he is in a twenty gallon tank but I plan on moving him to a 55 at the very least. I don’t have him with any other tank-mates because of the horror stories I’ve heard about such experiments. Hopefully when I get another 55 I’ll be able to pair him/her up with another tiger. Anyway. Love the site, great resource for us oscarheads. Also, he keeps eating the rocks in his tank. I don’t know if this can cause problems or not but it is quite strange. And yes, he is actually eating them. You can see it in his poo.
Hi, I purchased my first oscar about 6 months ago. He’s a very pretty red tiger. At the moment, he is in a twenty gallon tank but I plan on moving him to a 55 at the very least. I don’t have him with any other tank-mates because of the horror stories I’ve heard about such experiments. Hopefully when I get another 55 I’ll be able to pair him/her up with another tiger. Anyway. Love the site, great resource for us oscarheads. Also, he keeps eating the rocks in his tank. I don’t know if this can cause problems or not but it is quite strange. And yes, he is actually eating them. You can see it in his poo.
Sheree on January 31, 2010, 7:01 pm wrote
Hi, I just got a 140L tank, just wondering if it is big enough for at least 1 oscar?
Hi, I just got a 140L tank, just wondering if it is big enough for at least 1 oscar?
Answer: I would put any Oscar into such an aquarium. For instance, 140 liters is 50x50x56 (cm). If you have a fish that can grow to 40 cm in length, then it’s easy to see that such an aquarium would be too small for an adult specimen.
justin on February 5, 2010, 7:32 am wrote
I have a 4 foot tank about about 150 liters and just wanting to know how many oscars can I put in there.
I have a 4 foot tank about about 150 liters and just wanting to know how many oscars can I put in there.
Answer: I would keep 1 specimen in such an aquarium.
angel on February 9, 2010, 7:31 am wrote
I have a oscar named melohkuy. It is 12 inches long, I have it in a 30 gallons tank with no-one else in it. She is huge, has a wonderful personality. When I come home from work she greets me like a dog; I love her.
I have a oscar named melohkuy. It is 12 inches long, I have it in a 30 gallons tank with no-one else in it. She is huge, has a wonderful personality. When I come home from work she greets me like a dog; I love her.
Tony on February 14, 2010, 1:13 pm wrote
Hi, this site is awesome! I’ve learned so much through this forum that I went out and bought a tiger red Oscar. She’s about 3 inches long and so pretty. I have her in a 200 liter tank with a male and female betta, a blue gourami and a leopard gourami, a king tiger pleco and a red spot pleco. I’m running an internal filter as well as a waterfall filter. Is this setup alright? Or should I remove some fish and if so which ones? They seem to all be getting along accept for the male betta who is erhm... trying to show who’s boss. The Oscar is especially partial to the gourami. Odd why do you think that is?
Hi, this site is awesome! I’ve learned so much through this forum that I went out and bought a tiger red Oscar. She’s about 3 inches long and so pretty. I have her in a 200 liter tank with a male and female betta, a blue gourami and a leopard gourami, a king tiger pleco and a red spot pleco. I’m running an internal filter as well as a waterfall filter. Is this setup alright? Or should I remove some fish and if so which ones? They seem to all be getting along accept for the male betta who is erhm... trying to show who’s boss. The Oscar is especially partial to the gourami. Odd why do you think that is?
Answer: Keeping these species together isn’t OK. Oscar will grow and grow, and will eat the small specimens as time goes by. Especially bettas won’t most likely live there for long. In my opinion plecos and oscar can be kept together, but the best solution would be keeping the oscar alone, preferably with another oscar. Gouramis won’t hurt bettas, plecos too and they can live peacefully. Some aquarists recommend to keep bettas alone in a species tank.
adam on February 15, 2010, 11:32 am wrote
I have a 260L aquarium with my red tiger oscar juvie and 2 silver dollars and a parrot. The oscar always chases the parrot into hiding! The others are fine.
I have a 260L aquarium with my red tiger oscar juvie and 2 silver dollars and a parrot. The oscar always chases the parrot into hiding! The others are fine.
johnnyphoenix on February 15, 2010, 6:10 pm wrote
Room size is immaterial. Tank size is NOT. I have one tiger in a 55 gallon. He is about 8 inches now with a common plec as well. I have a 350 gph biowheel filter and I believe this should be the minimum in terms of size. They ARE very, very messy fish. My 55 gallon is a bit small for a common plec and one Oscar. More is better. A 55 gallon should be the absolute minimum. "The aquarium for one Oscar fish should be at least 2000 litres." I’m assuming you meant 200 liters. Oscar’s are a joy to have...they are very personable, however they will get ’moody’ on occasion. Early on they might hide when you enter the room. This can continue for several months, although eventually they will acclimate as long as there’s not too much disturbance. Bright artificial lighting should be used sparingly, perhaps 4 or 5 hours a day tops. They prefer dim ’natural’ lighting during their normal day routine...and let’s remember it seldom gets much brighter than ’dim’ in their natural habitat. Similarly, every so often they might decide their staple diet (in my case pellets) are not too their liking... they’ll eventually get over this as well. Feed them Prawns, bloodworms, shrimp, earthworms, mealworms, boiled corn, and beefheart. A varied diet is extremely beneficial. Enjoy these great fish.
Room size is immaterial. Tank size is NOT. I have one tiger in a 55 gallon. He is about 8 inches now with a common plec as well. I have a 350 gph biowheel filter and I believe this should be the minimum in terms of size. They ARE very, very messy fish. My 55 gallon is a bit small for a common plec and one Oscar. More is better. A 55 gallon should be the absolute minimum. "The aquarium for one Oscar fish should be at least 2000 litres." I’m assuming you meant 200 liters. Oscar’s are a joy to have...they are very personable, however they will get ’moody’ on occasion. Early on they might hide when you enter the room. This can continue for several months, although eventually they will acclimate as long as there’s not too much disturbance. Bright artificial lighting should be used sparingly, perhaps 4 or 5 hours a day tops. They prefer dim ’natural’ lighting during their normal day routine...and let’s remember it seldom gets much brighter than ’dim’ in their natural habitat. Similarly, every so often they might decide their staple diet (in my case pellets) are not too their liking... they’ll eventually get over this as well. Feed them Prawns, bloodworms, shrimp, earthworms, mealworms, boiled corn, and beefheart. A varied diet is extremely beneficial. Enjoy these great fish.
Michelle on February 24, 2010, 5:49 pm wrote
I just got a red tiger oscar. I found him in a yucky pet shop where he was in a tank barely big enough for him to turn and the water and gravel were both brown. He’s a good size, about 7 or so inches. He was returned to the pet shop because he fought too much. He has flesh missing from above his eye, looks like a recent wound. The thing that I’m most concerned about is that his mouth is constantly in an O, it seems like he can’t close his mouth, his bottom lip isn’t straight either more of a U shape. I have put a fish in there for him but he doesn’t go for it. I also have pellets for him, which he eats, but spits it out then eats it again. He only has a few and thats it. Just wondering if anyone has experienced anything like this before Thanks!
I just got a red tiger oscar. I found him in a yucky pet shop where he was in a tank barely big enough for him to turn and the water and gravel were both brown. He’s a good size, about 7 or so inches. He was returned to the pet shop because he fought too much. He has flesh missing from above his eye, looks like a recent wound. The thing that I’m most concerned about is that his mouth is constantly in an O, it seems like he can’t close his mouth, his bottom lip isn’t straight either more of a U shape. I have put a fish in there for him but he doesn’t go for it. I also have pellets for him, which he eats, but spits it out then eats it again. He only has a few and thats it. Just wondering if anyone has experienced anything like this before Thanks!
jerome on February 25, 2010, 5:25 pm wrote
Can oscar be kept together with giant golden gourami and arowana? Osacr is 2-3 inch long, gourami is 10-12 inch long and arownana is 4-6 inch long.
Can oscar be kept together with giant golden gourami and arowana? Osacr is 2-3 inch long, gourami is 10-12 inch long and arownana is 4-6 inch long.
Answer: Perhaps yes, but I doubt they will get along once they’re all adults. Especially arowana may be intolerant. I would rather keep Oscars alone, as well as Giant Gouramis and Arowanas too...
vince on March 9, 2010, 5:04 pm wrote
I have one oscar of 4 inches in a 20 gallon right now. I tried putting a different fish, but he’s trying to use his tail to move the other fish away. And he tried to bite them. What should I do? I’m planning to get another one so he won’t be lonely. Should I get 2 more fishes so he won’t bite one of them? I need help.
I have one oscar of 4 inches in a 20 gallon right now. I tried putting a different fish, but he’s trying to use his tail to move the other fish away. And he tried to bite them. What should I do? I’m planning to get another one so he won’t be lonely. Should I get 2 more fishes so he won’t bite one of them? I need help.
Answer: Get a bigger aquarium, then get maybe 2 other Oscars of similar size and introduce them into that new tank at once. They will fight, but once the territories are assigned to each other and once the dominance is "set-up", they should be fine together.
Heather on March 11, 2010, 6:16 pm wrote
I have an older red tiger oscar called "Oscar". He’s about 5-6 years old and quite a character and lives alone in his tank. I’ve inherited another oscar from a friend who recently died. This new fish is about 3/4 grown and also lives alone in his tank. I have a big tank which I’m going to bring inside tomorrow and then put both fish into this new environment at the same time. I don’t know if my oscar is a male. I think he is. I’m not sure about the new oscar yet. I’ve never seen him/her. I’m very nervous about introducing a new oscar to mine as he is very territorial and used to being in a tank by himself. This could be a recipe for disaster, but I have no choice at the moment. I’m hoping that introducing them into a new tank will start them out "on neutral ground". I’d hate anything to happen to my oscar. I’ve had him since he was tiny. I don’t want to see either fish injured, so I’ll just have to have oscar’s old tank standing by in case of an emergency. I sincerely hope I don’t end up with two enormous fish tanks in the room! Fingers crossed!
I have an older red tiger oscar called "Oscar". He’s about 5-6 years old and quite a character and lives alone in his tank. I’ve inherited another oscar from a friend who recently died. This new fish is about 3/4 grown and also lives alone in his tank. I have a big tank which I’m going to bring inside tomorrow and then put both fish into this new environment at the same time. I don’t know if my oscar is a male. I think he is. I’m not sure about the new oscar yet. I’ve never seen him/her. I’m very nervous about introducing a new oscar to mine as he is very territorial and used to being in a tank by himself. This could be a recipe for disaster, but I have no choice at the moment. I’m hoping that introducing them into a new tank will start them out "on neutral ground". I’d hate anything to happen to my oscar. I’ve had him since he was tiny. I don’t want to see either fish injured, so I’ll just have to have oscar’s old tank standing by in case of an emergency. I sincerely hope I don’t end up with two enormous fish tanks in the room! Fingers crossed!
Heather on March 14, 2010, 10:03 am wrote
Day 3 of the great Oscar introduction. My red tiger Oscar and the new gold Oscar are now in the same tank. So far no disasters. They’ve had a bit of a push and poke at each other, but no bruises or damage, thankfully. My Oscar, being the larger older fish, has decided to be dominant. He hasn’t hurt the other Oscar, but he does chase it to the other end of the tank. The tank is about 2000 litres. Plenty big enough. Neither fish has eaten anything in the last two days. They are still sizing each other up. As a result, the water is already cloudy. I’m going to have refresh it and maybe I’ll add another filter. I’m using 2 filters that filter 200 litres per hour each. 400 litres together. I’ve added some bubblers as well, but need another one for one end of the tank. I hope they start eating again soon. How do you tell a male Oscar from a female?
Day 3 of the great Oscar introduction. My red tiger Oscar and the new gold Oscar are now in the same tank. So far no disasters. They’ve had a bit of a push and poke at each other, but no bruises or damage, thankfully. My Oscar, being the larger older fish, has decided to be dominant. He hasn’t hurt the other Oscar, but he does chase it to the other end of the tank. The tank is about 2000 litres. Plenty big enough. Neither fish has eaten anything in the last two days. They are still sizing each other up. As a result, the water is already cloudy. I’m going to have refresh it and maybe I’ll add another filter. I’m using 2 filters that filter 200 litres per hour each. 400 litres together. I’ve added some bubblers as well, but need another one for one end of the tank. I hope they start eating again soon. How do you tell a male Oscar from a female?
Answer: Males grow at a more rapid pace than females. A more reliable way to tell them apart is to observe a pair during the spawning process.; taken from Oscar Fish Profile
julia on March 20, 2010, 12:29 am wrote
Why do my oscars stay at the top of the tank like they’re trying to breathe out of the water?
Why do my oscars stay at the top of the tank like they’re trying to breathe out of the water?
Answer: There is not enough oxygen in your aquarium, that’s why your fish are trying to breathe the air from outside. There may be several reasons why the oxygen level isn’t at sufficient level. From bad aeration, dirty filter, too many excrements, to whatever that causes this problem. Adding another oxygen source should be the first thing you do in such a case. Then test the water for presence of nitrates or poisonous substances and find why the problem exists. Then solve it.
billy donaho on March 27, 2010, 4:14 pm wrote
I’m getting my first oscars tomorrow, they are awesome looking fish, wish me luck!
I’m getting my first oscars tomorrow, they are awesome looking fish, wish me luck!
marguerite on March 28, 2010, 8:50 pm wrote
Hi, I’m new to oscars. Well, new to fish but I bought a small oscar, he is growing fast. He comes now for to feed out of my hand, but the other day a friend came up my house with a tiger oscar which is quite big. He is a rescued one, he’s really been beaten by other fish; blind in one eye and really afraid, but he does send my one off. I’m wondering if they will get on as mine is hiding all time now. I don’t want to get rid of this oscar now as it just seems so unfair.
Hi, I’m new to oscars. Well, new to fish but I bought a small oscar, he is growing fast. He comes now for to feed out of my hand, but the other day a friend came up my house with a tiger oscar which is quite big. He is a rescued one, he’s really been beaten by other fish; blind in one eye and really afraid, but he does send my one off. I’m wondering if they will get on as mine is hiding all time now. I don’t want to get rid of this oscar now as it just seems so unfair.
Answer: If they don’t fight, you can keep them in one aquarium. It is important for your smaller Oscar to be fed properly. Make sure he eats enough.
david on April 9, 2010, 4:46 am wrote
I have two oscars, one red and one tiger. They live with a blue acara and a breeding pair of bristle nose catfish. The red oscar has one eye and is slightly smaller, but can catch smaller fish and fight better. He is more friendly, and loves his rubs on his head. The other always bites, eats like a pig and hates turtles. I want to put my texas cichlid in with them, but the last time I tried the texas smashed the crap out of them both, they were young then. I hope I will never have to part with one of my fish due to dominance but they, the oscars might both be the same sex. They’re both about 6 inches long, is it too late to introduce new oscars to the tank and what size would be the best?
I have two oscars, one red and one tiger. They live with a blue acara and a breeding pair of bristle nose catfish. The red oscar has one eye and is slightly smaller, but can catch smaller fish and fight better. He is more friendly, and loves his rubs on his head. The other always bites, eats like a pig and hates turtles. I want to put my texas cichlid in with them, but the last time I tried the texas smashed the crap out of them both, they were young then. I hope I will never have to part with one of my fish due to dominance but they, the oscars might both be the same sex. They’re both about 6 inches long, is it too late to introduce new oscars to the tank and what size would be the best?
Answer: The Texas Cichlid are highly aggressive and best kept as a single specimen or as a mated pair and even then you have to watch that the male does not bully the female. What size is your tank as 2 Oscars need 75 gallons of water volume; if you intend to keep 4 then you will need at least 150 gallons of water volume. When adding new Oscars to the set up it is always best to add fish of a similar size to prevent any of them being bullied. [answer by Mick; fishtankforum.co.uk]
Ed on April 11, 2010, 11:27 am wrote
I have 2 tiger oscars about 1 - 1/2 inches long, 2 albino clawed frogs about 1 inch long, and 2 plectus cats about 3 inches long in a 55 gal tank. I feed them frozen bloodworms and small sinking cichlid pellets. They all get along great. The frogs do get aggressive towards the oscars though.
I have 2 tiger oscars about 1 - 1/2 inches long, 2 albino clawed frogs about 1 inch long, and 2 plectus cats about 3 inches long in a 55 gal tank. I feed them frozen bloodworms and small sinking cichlid pellets. They all get along great. The frogs do get aggressive towards the oscars though.
Melissa on April 14, 2010, 6:00 am wrote
I have a 45 gallon tank, that I recently bought fish for. The fish that I purchased were all kept in the same tank at the fish store where I purchased them. I purchased 1 Golden Gourami, 1 Blue Gourami about 3.5". A Ram 2" and what looks like a red oscar, who is about 2" as well. The person at the fish store told me they would be OK, as they would all grow together. Is this the case? I know Oscars can get rather large.
I have a 45 gallon tank, that I recently bought fish for. The fish that I purchased were all kept in the same tank at the fish store where I purchased them. I purchased 1 Golden Gourami, 1 Blue Gourami about 3.5". A Ram 2" and what looks like a red oscar, who is about 2" as well. The person at the fish store told me they would be OK, as they would all grow together. Is this the case? I know Oscars can get rather large.
Answer: The seller told you true, but to be honest, it’s not always like this. You will have to watch for signs of aggression. Also you will have to ensure that the Oscar is fed properly. Simply... if he gets hungry, really hungry, the other fish will be food.
gp on April 15, 2010, 6:24 am wrote
4 days ago my oscar died and I could not possibly figure out the reason why he died suddenly. Night before he died he was doing fine and ate well...
4 days ago my oscar died and I could not possibly figure out the reason why he died suddenly. Night before he died he was doing fine and ate well...
Rey Pino on April 15, 2010, 11:20 pm wrote
I have 2 Albino Oscars which I just bought recently. I wanted to know how I can distinguish the gender of my two Oscars since the owner of the pet shop doesn’t know how to distinguish them. Is it okay to feed them with guppies?
I have 2 Albino Oscars which I just bought recently. I wanted to know how I can distinguish the gender of my two Oscars since the owner of the pet shop doesn’t know how to distinguish them. Is it okay to feed them with guppies?
Answer: Reference to sexing is mentioned above. Feeder Guppies are good food for Oscars. Any live food that they would eat in the wild is OK.
rey on April 17, 2010, 1:13 am wrote
I have 2 baby albino oscars placed in a 5 gallon tank. I know that it’s really bad but I was planning to buy a much bigger tank. Will they be okay since they’re still babies? Hope that you’ll be answering my questions.
I have 2 baby albino oscars placed in a 5 gallon tank. I know that it’s really bad but I was planning to buy a much bigger tank. Will they be okay since they’re still babies? Hope that you’ll be answering my questions.
Answer: If they’re still small, then yes. However, Oscars grow pretty fast if you feed them well, so it can be a month or less until you need a bigger aquarium.
courtney on April 20, 2010, 2:48 pm wrote
Hi, I was just wondering; I have two oscar fish and one is getting fatter and has things that look like stretch marks and it’s eyes look bigger.
Hi, I was just wondering; I have two oscar fish and one is getting fatter and has things that look like stretch marks and it’s eyes look bigger.
Answer: This can be a dropsy disease, however it’s possible that your fish is suffering another disease that cannot be cured as the disease is not bacterial or parasite. Sometimes the problem can be caused by genetics, but in such a case the fish looks weird since juvenile age.
Ralphie on April 21, 2010, 8:54 am wrote
I have a weird thing in my tank. I have an Oscar who was very happy. I went to petsmart and they had a fish they called a jack dempsey, it was not clear. It looks like a texas but has black stripes on it. The weird thing is the oscar and whatever the other fish is are preparing to breed!
I have a weird thing in my tank. I have an Oscar who was very happy. I went to petsmart and they had a fish they called a jack dempsey, it was not clear. It looks like a texas but has black stripes on it. The weird thing is the oscar and whatever the other fish is are preparing to breed!
Silvino on April 27, 2010, 7:21 pm wrote
Is it all right to feed my oscar fish various lizards?
Is it all right to feed my oscar fish various lizards?
Answer: Every fish should be feed foods that they eat in the wild. Of course, this is not usually possible, so we have to buy fish food in shops. However, I’d rather feed it feeder fish, larvae or earthworms.
JB on May 8, 2010, 1:21 pm wrote
My brother’s Red Oscar eats any fish he puts in the tank. The Oscar has actually jumped out of the tank twice, and there was an eel in there with it before, but it died. I mean, we think it committed suicide. One day, it just swam in circles and then swam up full force, hit the top of the tank, and died. We can’t put any fish near that oscar!!! Anyway, my brother loves it but I’m scared of it. It always knocks on the top of the tank and on the glass. We had to put weights on top of the tank so it wouldn’t jump out again. Right now, it’s taking rocks from the bottom of the tank in its mouth and throwing them at the glass. This fish is so smart, and that’s not sarcasm.
My brother’s Red Oscar eats any fish he puts in the tank. The Oscar has actually jumped out of the tank twice, and there was an eel in there with it before, but it died. I mean, we think it committed suicide. One day, it just swam in circles and then swam up full force, hit the top of the tank, and died. We can’t put any fish near that oscar!!! Anyway, my brother loves it but I’m scared of it. It always knocks on the top of the tank and on the glass. We had to put weights on top of the tank so it wouldn’t jump out again. Right now, it’s taking rocks from the bottom of the tank in its mouth and throwing them at the glass. This fish is so smart, and that’s not sarcasm.
Pete on May 8, 2010, 3:22 pm wrote
Great Site, seems to be staffed by people with knowledge, so I will run this by you... I have a 72 Gal BowFront w (2)Bio Wheel Emperor 400 Filters, & was wondering if I could get away with 2 Oscar’s & a pleco in the tank? (For 5 years or better)
Great Site, seems to be staffed by people with knowledge, so I will run this by you... I have a 72 Gal BowFront w (2)Bio Wheel Emperor 400 Filters, & was wondering if I could get away with 2 Oscar’s & a pleco in the tank? (For 5 years or better)
Answer: A 75 gallon tank will run fine with two Oscars and a plec for a few years but all of these fish are high waste producers. You are using two filters so these should cope but back them up with regular weekly water changes of at least 10%. Keep testing the water initially every couple of days to make sure that the parameters stay stable and if the nitrates increase then simply increase the water changes to 15%-20% weekly. [answer by Mick; fishtankforum.co.uk]
Andrew edwards on May 27, 2010, 12:04 am wrote
I have 2 oscars which live in a 310ltr tank. They have never had a fight. They are stunning fish, I also keep with these fish 3 green severins a couple of bristle nose plecs and 3 corys.
I have 2 oscars which live in a 310ltr tank. They have never had a fight. They are stunning fish, I also keep with these fish 3 green severins a couple of bristle nose plecs and 3 corys.
Ryan W on June 6, 2010, 2:51 pm wrote
Hi, I have read this post for some time now, this is actually why I decided to get Oscars, I have a pair, both Albanio Tiger Oscars, about 4 inches each in a 55 gallon tank with two Plecos, one small, about 3 inches, and one large, about 9 inches. I also just got 4 young cichlids, they are only about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in length, I do have them in another tank. All of my fish in the 55 gallon tank got ICH, bad, really bad, I read a few online post about raising the temp to 85 degrees or so and adding aquarium salt, I have done this and cured the ICH in a matter of about 6 days, however I was wondering if the salt was OK to remain in the water with my fish?
Hi, I have read this post for some time now, this is actually why I decided to get Oscars, I have a pair, both Albanio Tiger Oscars, about 4 inches each in a 55 gallon tank with two Plecos, one small, about 3 inches, and one large, about 9 inches. I also just got 4 young cichlids, they are only about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in length, I do have them in another tank. All of my fish in the 55 gallon tank got ICH, bad, really bad, I read a few online post about raising the temp to 85 degrees or so and adding aquarium salt, I have done this and cured the ICH in a matter of about 6 days, however I was wondering if the salt was OK to remain in the water with my fish?
Answer: It’s OK, partial water changes will lower the presence of salt as time goes by.
jayden on June 14, 2010, 8:36 am wrote
Does every oscar chase it’s own shadow up and down on the glass?
Does every oscar chase it’s own shadow up and down on the glass?
Answer: No. But you should consider using a dark substrate in order to stop this behaviour.
Merideth Berkovich on June 17, 2010, 1:59 pm wrote
I have one Oscar, he is about 3 years old, and close to a foot long. He is a very healthy fish. I think it is a male, cause it is so brightly colored. He was sick a few months ago, and, I managed to nurse him along, and I bought him some feeder fish. He ate some of them, but, 5 of them, he will not eat. They are now, getting big. Should I leave them in there with him, or take them out? I just recently purchased a new 40 gallon tank for them and it has been about a month now, and Oscar, goes into these violent jumping and splashing fits. Sometimes, he is at the bottom of the tank, and he will swish his tail back and forth, and open his mouth wide and splash under water. Why is he doing this? Any ideas? He has managed to splash water over the side of the tank when he does this. Let me know what you suggest! Thanks....
I have one Oscar, he is about 3 years old, and close to a foot long. He is a very healthy fish. I think it is a male, cause it is so brightly colored. He was sick a few months ago, and, I managed to nurse him along, and I bought him some feeder fish. He ate some of them, but, 5 of them, he will not eat. They are now, getting big. Should I leave them in there with him, or take them out? I just recently purchased a new 40 gallon tank for them and it has been about a month now, and Oscar, goes into these violent jumping and splashing fits. Sometimes, he is at the bottom of the tank, and he will swish his tail back and forth, and open his mouth wide and splash under water. Why is he doing this? Any ideas? He has managed to splash water over the side of the tank when he does this. Let me know what you suggest! Thanks....
Answer: Another tank for former feeder fish that survived is a good idea. I suppose they’re goldfish, right? You can eventually move them to a pond if they’re not those long-finned goldfish. Regarding your second question: It’s OK, looks like your Oscar is playing. Fish may do plenty of things. The more intelligent they’re, the more "weird" things they do. At least this is my experience and opinion too.
Riley on June 21, 2010, 10:03 pm wrote
Hello, I have had my 2 oscars - 1 albino and 1 tiger - The tiger is named Blaze and the Albino is named Glory, after a great book I have read - Blaze of Glory. I have done heaps of research. I don’t agree with you on that feeder fish are OK for your fish, they contain high levels of fat and a chemical called thiamin (or something). Excessive amounts of crayfish are bad too. The thiamin feeds on vitamin B1 and creates vitamin B1 deficiency, it is lethal. Other than that, your site is wonderful, and it is fantastic to see such a large group of oscar lovers. Cheers, Riley
Hello, I have had my 2 oscars - 1 albino and 1 tiger - The tiger is named Blaze and the Albino is named Glory, after a great book I have read - Blaze of Glory. I have done heaps of research. I don’t agree with you on that feeder fish are OK for your fish, they contain high levels of fat and a chemical called thiamin (or something). Excessive amounts of crayfish are bad too. The thiamin feeds on vitamin B1 and creates vitamin B1 deficiency, it is lethal. Other than that, your site is wonderful, and it is fantastic to see such a large group of oscar lovers. Cheers, Riley
Donnah on June 23, 2010, 11:21 pm wrote
I have 2 baby oscars 1.5" each, I have them in a small tank at the moment but am going to get one custom made, could I get away with a 5ft tank or should I look at a 6ft.
I have 2 baby oscars 1.5" each, I have them in a small tank at the moment but am going to get one custom made, could I get away with a 5ft tank or should I look at a 6ft.
Answer: The bigger, the better. 6 feet is what I’d choose.
Kami on July 1, 2010, 12:52 pm wrote
Hi, I am going to have a pair of Tiger and a pair of Scat to put together in a tank of 55Gal. I know its not sufficient for them but will upgrade the tank very soon. Currently I have white gravel in my tank, an under-sea wallpaper, power-filter (1300 liters/hr) and an under-gravel filter. I am using 3 white energy save bulbs in my tank cover, each bulb is 8W. This makes my tank very well illuminated. Please tell me if the lightening and gravel color is suitable for Oscars? if not, please suggest the best options, thanks!
Hi, I am going to have a pair of Tiger and a pair of Scat to put together in a tank of 55Gal. I know its not sufficient for them but will upgrade the tank very soon. Currently I have white gravel in my tank, an under-sea wallpaper, power-filter (1300 liters/hr) and an under-gravel filter. I am using 3 white energy save bulbs in my tank cover, each bulb is 8W. This makes my tank very well illuminated. Please tell me if the lightening and gravel color is suitable for Oscars? if not, please suggest the best options, thanks!
Answer: My suggestion would be to use a darker substrate in the tank as lighter ones tend to make the fish paler, darker substrates will bring out the best colouration from the fish. Oscar fish are high waste producers so I would also consider removing the Under Gravel Filter and replacing it with an external canister filter. [answered by Mick; fishtankforum.co.uk]
Jenn on July 10, 2010, 3:33 am wrote
I just got two Oscars, a Red Oscar (named Red) and a Tiger Oscar (named Oscar). I’ve only had them maybe 48 hours and they are already eating out of my hand and "dancing" when they see me. :D Oscars are really a cool, unique type of fish that provide hours of entertainment. I’m so happy I got them!
I just got two Oscars, a Red Oscar (named Red) and a Tiger Oscar (named Oscar). I’ve only had them maybe 48 hours and they are already eating out of my hand and "dancing" when they see me. :D Oscars are really a cool, unique type of fish that provide hours of entertainment. I’m so happy I got them!
the one on July 13, 2010, 12:21 pm wrote
I love Oscar fish. I used to breed breed them, but a year ago they stopped after a water change. I bred albino, red oscar and tiger red oscar. It’s funny when they start breeding. The number of eggs range from 3000 to 6000, depends on maturity of the breeders. Eggs began to hatch in 3 days and are free swimming in 9 days. I love these fish!
I love Oscar fish. I used to breed breed them, but a year ago they stopped after a water change. I bred albino, red oscar and tiger red oscar. It’s funny when they start breeding. The number of eggs range from 3000 to 6000, depends on maturity of the breeders. Eggs began to hatch in 3 days and are free swimming in 9 days. I love these fish!
Oscar lover:) on July 27, 2010, 3:26 am wrote
I don’t have an Oscar yet, but I certainly do plan on getting a 55-60 gallon tank. Would 2 Juvenile Oscars , that lived with each their whole like be able to stay in a 55-60 gallon? When they get about 6-8 inches I would like to upgrade to a 75 gallon so they can have lots of room! Do big tanks cycle faster than smaller tanks?
I don’t have an Oscar yet, but I certainly do plan on getting a 55-60 gallon tank. Would 2 Juvenile Oscars , that lived with each their whole like be able to stay in a 55-60 gallon? When they get about 6-8 inches I would like to upgrade to a 75 gallon so they can have lots of room! Do big tanks cycle faster than smaller tanks?
Answer: Such an aquarium would be just fine for 2 juvenile ones. I’m not sure if big tanks cycle faster than smaller, but am sure that in big aquariums the things are more stable. So an initial unstable conditions in the environment won’t harm fish that much if at all.
um on July 29, 2010, 2:04 am wrote
I’ve had 4 oscars in my life and they all got the ick. 2 died from it and then 2 lived, but then died from fin rot. Very hard to take care, but love them.
I’ve had 4 oscars in my life and they all got the ick. 2 died from it and then 2 lived, but then died from fin rot. Very hard to take care, but love them.
justyn on July 29, 2010, 12:12 pm wrote
Are four oscars too much for a 55 gallon tank?
Are four oscars too much for a 55 gallon tank?
Answer: Yes, 4 fully grown specimens wouldn’t have enough space in a 55 gallon aquarium.
Brad on July 29, 2010, 12:12 pm wrote
I purchased a very small oscar (about 1.5 inches) and was wondering what kind of live food he would be able to eat without choking.
I purchased a very small oscar (about 1.5 inches) and was wondering what kind of live food he would be able to eat without choking.
Answer: Artemia salina (brine shrimp). Perhaps some small larvae.
Corey on August 9, 2010, 1:07 pm wrote
Hey, I have a baby oscar and a half grown oscar. They are in a four foot (260L) aquarium with a large eel tailed catfish and a blue dolphin and electric yellow. The electric yellow and blue dolphin are picking on the baby oscar, and he’s fighting back, but he has bites all over him and the top of his fin has slit in two. I know he will get bigger and it should stop, but do you have any tips for the mean time? Thanks for your help.
Hey, I have a baby oscar and a half grown oscar. They are in a four foot (260L) aquarium with a large eel tailed catfish and a blue dolphin and electric yellow. The electric yellow and blue dolphin are picking on the baby oscar, and he’s fighting back, but he has bites all over him and the top of his fin has slit in two. I know he will get bigger and it should stop, but do you have any tips for the mean time? Thanks for your help.
Answer: As long as your fish live normally (meant as they’re not trying to kill each other), you shouldn’t worry. One very simple solution would be another aquarium.
Sarah on August 13, 2010, 8:14 pm wrote
Is 200L to small, if there only is one Oscar?
Is 200L to small, if there only is one Oscar?
Answer: Your Oscar will be able to live in such a tank, but it won’t move too much once it grows to the adult size.
Melissa on September 13, 2010, 6:05 am wrote
I have a Oscar named "Big boy.", I don’t know much about Oscars, but he came free with my tank when I got it from CL about 8 months ago. Tank also came with 2 other fish, and 2 big sucker fish. However, due to his growth... I had to get rid of all the other fish in the tank, cause he has doubled its size. My question is... do any of you think he is lonely now? He has been acting way more aggressive lately. I walk up to the tank, and he gets all happy and starts jumping around... as if to say (hey! hey! come here! pay attention to me...), but I don’t know if he is happy now? Or being more aggressive? Someone help!
I have a Oscar named "Big boy.", I don’t know much about Oscars, but he came free with my tank when I got it from CL about 8 months ago. Tank also came with 2 other fish, and 2 big sucker fish. However, due to his growth... I had to get rid of all the other fish in the tank, cause he has doubled its size. My question is... do any of you think he is lonely now? He has been acting way more aggressive lately. I walk up to the tank, and he gets all happy and starts jumping around... as if to say (hey! hey! come here! pay attention to me...), but I don’t know if he is happy now? Or being more aggressive? Someone help!
Answer: Oscars deservedly have the nick name of aquatic puppies; they can be very tame and form a close bond with their keepers. As he is the only fish in the tank he will require attention from yourself which the Oscar will love. They can become very moody if they do not get attention, strange as it may sound but true. I had an Oscar that loved having his sides and belly stroked everyday, if I didn’t do it he would get sulky and attempt to re-arrange the tank decor. [answer by Mick; fishtankforum.co.uk]
Ben on September 26, 2010, 9:27 am wrote
I got a new baby oscar for my 55 gallon a week and a half ago. The second day I had him he stayed up at the top of the tank towards the back and fins occasionally moving, other than that they are clamped to the sides (the fins are what I’m worried about). He stays behind the filter hose and just sits there, but he happily comes out for pellets, brine shrimp, or blood worms. The nitrite, and ammonia are at 0, the nitrate is at around 5 or 6. Do you know why he’s doing this? P.S. The pH is at 7-7.2.
I got a new baby oscar for my 55 gallon a week and a half ago. The second day I had him he stayed up at the top of the tank towards the back and fins occasionally moving, other than that they are clamped to the sides (the fins are what I’m worried about). He stays behind the filter hose and just sits there, but he happily comes out for pellets, brine shrimp, or blood worms. The nitrite, and ammonia are at 0, the nitrate is at around 5 or 6. Do you know why he’s doing this? P.S. The pH is at 7-7.2.
Answer: You could rearrange the decorations in order to make the tank look more attractive for your Oscar. Isn’t water flow too fast? Isn’t the light too bright? Basically something is wrong, something with tank set-up. How does your fish behave at night? If it’s swimming normally, then the light can be a problem. If it stays behind the filter, then the flow may be too fast. Isn’t there anything in front of the aquarium that may be scaring the fish? Often if an aquarium is placed at a poorly eventful place, the fish get scared if someone or something moves or stays in front of the tank. I’ve experienced this problem too and the solution was moving the aquarium to a more busy place.
Glen on September 27, 2010, 11:05 pm wrote
I have bred and kept Oscars. They are fine with nearly all fish of the same size. I had 1 tank with 7inch Oscar and 1 Rhodesi cichlid with a large crayfish. The oscar always loves when you dangle a worm in the tank and will often jump for it, hehehe. The oscar never bothers the crayfish (yabbie), but found the rhodesi would eat its legs during the night, huhuhu.
I have bred and kept Oscars. They are fine with nearly all fish of the same size. I had 1 tank with 7inch Oscar and 1 Rhodesi cichlid with a large crayfish. The oscar always loves when you dangle a worm in the tank and will often jump for it, hehehe. The oscar never bothers the crayfish (yabbie), but found the rhodesi would eat its legs during the night, huhuhu.
sharma on October 3, 2010, 8:58 am wrote
I have just purchased two oscars. They are about 2 inches each in size, I am not sure if they are well because they are struggling to swim and one keeps laying at the bottom of the tank. I have a feeling he’s gonna die :( .
I have just purchased two oscars. They are about 2 inches each in size, I am not sure if they are well because they are struggling to swim and one keeps laying at the bottom of the tank. I have a feeling he’s gonna die :( .
Ben on October 3, 2010, 1:03 pm wrote
Alright, sorry for the scare guys! It’s me the one who had the Oscar with bad fins... Anyways that is over him, must’ve still been getting used to his environment. I decided to name the fish Major and he’s very happy and healthy now.
Alright, sorry for the scare guys! It’s me the one who had the Oscar with bad fins... Anyways that is over him, must’ve still been getting used to his environment. I decided to name the fish Major and he’s very happy and healthy now.
lara on October 16, 2010, 11:03 am wrote
Hey, I just bought an oscar and I have a 90L tank. Is it possible to keep him?
Hey, I just bought an oscar and I have a 90L tank. Is it possible to keep him?
Answer: No, the tank is too small for one Oscar.
Tommy on October 21, 2010, 1:55 am wrote
I have had several Oscars in the past and mostly had them with JD’s. I have found that a single Oscar, a single JD and a Pleco is a very good combination for my 75 gallon tank. I can’t wait to get a larger tank, but that has to wait until I get a larger house. Looking forward to the day I can have the 300 gallon tank and six oscars. I saw here that someone has 6 oscars in a 100gal tank! PLEASE sell a few (4) to friends or get a bigger tank. I am not trying to start anything, but 6 is way too many for a hundred gallon tank.
I have had several Oscars in the past and mostly had them with JD’s. I have found that a single Oscar, a single JD and a Pleco is a very good combination for my 75 gallon tank. I can’t wait to get a larger tank, but that has to wait until I get a larger house. Looking forward to the day I can have the 300 gallon tank and six oscars. I saw here that someone has 6 oscars in a 100gal tank! PLEASE sell a few (4) to friends or get a bigger tank. I am not trying to start anything, but 6 is way too many for a hundred gallon tank.
noah whitehall michigan on October 25, 2010, 10:50 pm wrote
I have a 10 inch black and orange oscar and a 2 inch white and orange oscar, is it possible for the little oscar to grow up and breed with the big oscar?
I have a 10 inch black and orange oscar and a 2 inch white and orange oscar, is it possible for the little oscar to grow up and breed with the big oscar?
Answer: Naturally yes.
GEMMA on November 8, 2010, 7:01 am wrote
Why does my oscar fish pick up stones in its mouth then swim few inches in front and spit them at the tank or items in the tank?
Why does my oscar fish pick up stones in its mouth then swim few inches in front and spit them at the tank or items in the tank?
Answer: This is known as "tank rearrangement". Fish may be doing this because of more reasons. Sometime it’s just an activity, sometime fish want to play, sometime they may want their environment to look differently. It’s normal, you don’t have to worry.
Roger in Knoxville on November 9, 2010, 9:34 am wrote
I have two oscars, had since they were babies, now about 1 1/2 yrs old. My question is I lost one of them (due to jumping out of the tank) now the other one stop eating and just stays at the bottom of the tank. Can they die from lonely missing the other?
I have two oscars, had since they were babies, now about 1 1/2 yrs old. My question is I lost one of them (due to jumping out of the tank) now the other one stop eating and just stays at the bottom of the tank. Can they die from lonely missing the other?
Answer by Mick; fishtankforum.co.uk: It is quite common for Oscar fish to get moody and feel lonely when they lose a tank mate, especially if they have always been in the tank together. These moods can last for several days, I have had experience of this myself with my Oscars. To overcome this I just spent a bit more time with the Oscar and kept offering food, removing any from the tank that wasn’t eaten. My Oscar came out of his mood after 4-5 days and lived for many years after this incident.
Lena on November 15, 2010, 3:09 am wrote
I have a 30 G tank that is mostly rocks, with enough swimming space. It has a pretty decent filter and air flow. Could I get two 7 inch oscars? I KNOW they will grow but I don’t know if two oscars (they would be the only fish in the tank) is okay for a 30 G. Anyone know? Thanks!
I have a 30 G tank that is mostly rocks, with enough swimming space. It has a pretty decent filter and air flow. Could I get two 7 inch oscars? I KNOW they will grow but I don’t know if two oscars (they would be the only fish in the tank) is okay for a 30 G. Anyone know? Thanks!
Answer: I’ve seen fully grown Oscars and I doubt they’d be fine in a 30 gallon tank.
Gordon on November 22, 2010, 11:25 pm wrote
I have a 10 gallon tank with 3 harlequins, 2 snails, 1 yellow algae eater, and 3 swordtails. But all I want is oscars. What will happen if a put an oscar in the tank? I know eventually I will need to purchase a bigger tank but I want to start with some baby oscars... could I possible put 2 or 3 oscars in my 10 gal tank?
I have a 10 gallon tank with 3 harlequins, 2 snails, 1 yellow algae eater, and 3 swordtails. But all I want is oscars. What will happen if a put an oscar in the tank? I know eventually I will need to purchase a bigger tank but I want to start with some baby oscars... could I possible put 2 or 3 oscars in my 10 gal tank?
Answer: I would rather purchase a bigger tank and then introduce baby oscars if you really want to keep them. If you buy one or two specimens, the tank will become too small in say 2-3 months and when you move all fish from one tank to another, the smaller fish may become food of oscars because the environment is new, territories aren’t setup, small fish are considered food. Many fishkeepers have done this mistake already.
walt on November 24, 2010, 6:55 am wrote
I have two oscars that made a nest in my 125 gallon tank, they had eggs, what should I do? There are angle fish, jack dempseys and African cichlids.
I have two oscars that made a nest in my 125 gallon tank, they had eggs, what should I do? There are angle fish, jack dempseys and African cichlids.
Answer: Most likely the eggs or fry will be eaten. The only option if you want to save them is to move all eggs to another tank. This is not always possible because sometimes Oscars lay eggs on surfaces that cannot be removed from their tank (large rocks for instance). Actually the best thing to do is raising the pair alone in a dedicated tank.
Gavin on November 30, 2010, 11:51 am wrote
I have 4 juvenile oscars (about 4 inches long) in a 6 x 2 x 2 tank which holds around 550 litres, there are no other fish in the tank with them. Will this tank be big enough for the 4 of them to fully develop?
I have 4 juvenile oscars (about 4 inches long) in a 6 x 2 x 2 tank which holds around 550 litres, there are no other fish in the tank with them. Will this tank be big enough for the 4 of them to fully develop?
Answer: Yes.
Jolene on December 13, 2010, 7:49 am wrote
I have an Oscar, we’ve had him for 4 years. I have a quick question. We lost power for 24 hours, I wasn’t paying any attention to the fish and the water had gotten to 50 degrees F. He is not moving or breathing. I’ve heard of fishes coming back to life. Just wondering if I put him in warm water would it possible if he came back to life?
I have an Oscar, we’ve had him for 4 years. I have a quick question. We lost power for 24 hours, I wasn’t paying any attention to the fish and the water had gotten to 50 degrees F. He is not moving or breathing. I’ve heard of fishes coming back to life. Just wondering if I put him in warm water would it possible if he came back to life?
Answer: Water MUST warm up continuously and naturally. Otherwise it’ll cause a shock that can easily kill any fish!
Pete Sahut on December 14, 2010, 12:33 am wrote
I have 2 oscars, a tiger and a tiger albino. The albino hasn’t grown yet. Does this happen often?
I have 2 oscars, a tiger and a tiger albino. The albino hasn’t grown yet. Does this happen often?
Answer: Does your fish eat normally? If it does so, then something is wrong with it. Such fish usually don’t live too long and die before reaching maturity. If it’s not eating enough, then the bigger one is probably harassing the albino one.
michael on December 25, 2010, 10:58 am wrote
I have 3 oscars of about 8 to 10 cm. Will it be OK to introduce a 28cm 1 in to the tank with them as the 3 I already have are fine, don’t fight and fed very well and the 28 cm oscar is very doppy. Will they get along the 28 cm 1 has been in with other fish and oscars before and has been fine with it. Thanks!
I have 3 oscars of about 8 to 10 cm. Will it be OK to introduce a 28cm 1 in to the tank with them as the 3 I already have are fine, don’t fight and fed very well and the 28 cm oscar is very doppy. Will they get along the 28 cm 1 has been in with other fish and oscars before and has been fine with it. Thanks!
Answer: In my opinion it’ll be OK. Assuming that your tank is big enough, I really thing it’ll be problem-free.
Leanne on December 30, 2010, 9:14 am wrote
I have 2 oscar’s in a 6ft tank. Eggs have been laid, now they are eating them. Why is that, is it because they are not fertilised properly?
I have 2 oscar’s in a 6ft tank. Eggs have been laid, now they are eating them. Why is that, is it because they are not fertilised properly?
Answer: Fish often eat own eggs due to stress. Also, if your fish are young, it might be due to age (older specimens are better parents). You should be patient. If the same behaviour continues, then simply separate the eggs after they’ve been fertilised.
pj on January 11, 2011, 3:13 pm wrote
I have 14 tiger oscar fish, about 4-5 inches long, what is the best aquarium size for 14 oscars? My aquarium is 12 inch - height, 35 inch - length, 20 inch - width. Please, reply.
I have 14 tiger oscar fish, about 4-5 inches long, what is the best aquarium size for 14 oscars? My aquarium is 12 inch - height, 35 inch - length, 20 inch - width. Please, reply.
Answer: You’ll need an aquarium that holds 1000 liters at least.
sabrina on January 14, 2011, 12:24 pm wrote
I was wondering where I can find a picture of a female fire oscar and a male fire oscar looks like, can anyone help? And how to tell the difference.
I was wondering where I can find a picture of a female fire oscar and a male fire oscar looks like, can anyone help? And how to tell the difference.
shreyash on January 15, 2011, 8:49 pm wrote
I have one oscar and it’s in a fish bowl, is it fine and should I get any mates for it?
I have one oscar and it’s in a fish bowl, is it fine and should I get any mates for it?
Answer: Oscar fish are too big to be kept in fish bowls. Can your bowl house a fish that can reach 40 centimeters in length?
mark on January 19, 2011, 12:18 am wrote
I have two, they are fine. I have a 15 gallon tank, it is enough space?
I have two, they are fine. I have a 15 gallon tank, it is enough space?
Answer: I usually delete comments when it’s clear that the person didn’t go through previous questions and answers, in this case I’m doing an exception... The answer is NO, you need a bigger aquarium.
7 in red oscar on January 23, 2011, 1:56 am wrote
I have a red oscar, he is about 7 inches right now. He bites me all the time because he wants food, he is in a 55 gallon tank which is the min tank size for a oscar. He eats gold fish and minnows but mostly frozen dried shrimp and cichlid pellets, I do not feed my oscar too many minnows and gold fish because it can harm the fish if you feed them too many live fish.
I have a red oscar, he is about 7 inches right now. He bites me all the time because he wants food, he is in a 55 gallon tank which is the min tank size for a oscar. He eats gold fish and minnows but mostly frozen dried shrimp and cichlid pellets, I do not feed my oscar too many minnows and gold fish because it can harm the fish if you feed them too many live fish.
Shaunna on January 26, 2011, 1:41 pm wrote
I’ve had my Oscar since September and everything has been fine, but he has a couple blisters now... I can’t find anything online that remotely looks like what he has. There is one big one on his top finning the very back where the fin meets the scales, and two little ones on his right side... I don’t really know what to do.
I’ve had my Oscar since September and everything has been fine, but he has a couple blisters now... I can’t find anything online that remotely looks like what he has. There is one big one on his top finning the very back where the fin meets the scales, and two little ones on his right side... I don’t really know what to do.
Answer by Mick; fishtankforum.co.uk: There could be a couple of explanations for this. The first thing that comes to mind is the water quality, this can bring out sores on the Oscar fish and other cichlids, do you test for ammonia on a regular basis as they could be ammonia burns. It could also be the onset of ulcers that sometimes occur as the fish age but if they look like blisters I don’t think this is the reason as ulcers tend to look like open sores. What else do you have in the tank with your Oscar, any chance it has been fighting at all?
DONNIE on February 22, 2011, 8:53 am wrote
I raised 2 oscars and 2 piranhas together despite what the pet store said. They were all about 2 inches when I got them, now they are bigger than my hands and they hardly fought at all. They just stayed with their own kind most of the time. I think if you raise them with what they are going to live with they will be fine but the piranhas did kill other fish that I added, but would not mess the oscars and I fed them minnows most of the time. But be careful on the minnows, the oscars got parasites a few times, little blue dots, but the pet store showed me what to use to clear it up.
I raised 2 oscars and 2 piranhas together despite what the pet store said. They were all about 2 inches when I got them, now they are bigger than my hands and they hardly fought at all. They just stayed with their own kind most of the time. I think if you raise them with what they are going to live with they will be fine but the piranhas did kill other fish that I added, but would not mess the oscars and I fed them minnows most of the time. But be careful on the minnows, the oscars got parasites a few times, little blue dots, but the pet store showed me what to use to clear it up.
patty on February 27, 2011, 9:23 am wrote
A friend of mine has a 55 gallon aquarium consisting of 3 oscars , 2 jack dempsey and a couple of feeder goldfish that escaped certain death and have grown. My question is, he has a 350 penguin bio wheel filteration system, is this big enough for tank or should he get a canister filteration system?
A friend of mine has a 55 gallon aquarium consisting of 3 oscars , 2 jack dempsey and a couple of feeder goldfish that escaped certain death and have grown. My question is, he has a 350 penguin bio wheel filteration system, is this big enough for tank or should he get a canister filteration system?
Answer by Mick; fishtankforum.co.uk: To be honest a 55 gallon tank is not large enough for 3 Oscars, never mind the other fish. A pair of Oscars need at least a 75 gallon tank. Canister filters are more efficient than the bio wheels and for 3 Oscars I would recommend running two of them, one at either end of the tank.
Rahul on March 3, 2011, 6:37 pm wrote
I am having two tiger shark and one albino shark all around 8 inches long. I would like to get one baby Oscar in my tank and raise him. But will he stay with this big sharks, will he be problem for the sharks when he grows up?
I am having two tiger shark and one albino shark all around 8 inches long. I would like to get one baby Oscar in my tank and raise him. But will he stay with this big sharks, will he be problem for the sharks when he grows up?
Answer by Mick; fishtankforum.co.uk: My advice would be to get a larger Oscar and then I cant see a problem as they should occupy different areas of the tank.The Oscar may take a few days to settle but they should be fine as long as the tank is large enough to keep all of these fish. Make sure that the filtration is able to cope with the high waste load as well.
Danielle on March 27, 2011, 11:59 am wrote
I have a 60 gallon tank, would one juvenile tiger oscar be OK in it until I get a larger tank? I’m currently cycling my tank at the moment.
I have a 60 gallon tank, would one juvenile tiger oscar be OK in it until I get a larger tank? I’m currently cycling my tank at the moment.
Answer: Definitely no problem in this case :) .
Cork on March 31, 2011, 9:27 am wrote
I am only 13, but have had my oscar for 7 years. He has been a big part of my life and I love him like my brother. He recognises myself, mum, dad and nan. One birthday, I moved around some furniture and he got so depressed and was always on his side at the bottom of his tank. When we moved the furniture back, he was fine. We feed him special pellets that have gotten bigger as he has gotten bigger. We have only had 2 tanks for him in his life as they do not grow as fast as everyone says. The Christmas just gone, we went away and my nan looked after him. We got home and he wasn’t himself and we didn’t no why. We clean his tank regularly, he has heaps of space to swim and his food is right. He sleeps on the bottom and is damaging his fins and he is slow to get his food. He also isn’t as active as he was before. I googled some information about oscar fishes and found out how to correctly look after him, which was almost the exact same way as we were. Then he started getting holes in his head. It’s a disease called HITH. My parents said that he would get better, but he hasn’t, its been getting worse. He has them all over the right side. Today, when mum and dad went to work, I decided to find out more info about HITH. When I saw that is was able to be cured I was relieved. But he has had it for so long and may not have a chance to live. He is one of my best friends and it is depressing knowing that he may die. I am only 13, so therefore don’t know what to do. I need help. What should I get and do for him?
I am only 13, but have had my oscar for 7 years. He has been a big part of my life and I love him like my brother. He recognises myself, mum, dad and nan. One birthday, I moved around some furniture and he got so depressed and was always on his side at the bottom of his tank. When we moved the furniture back, he was fine. We feed him special pellets that have gotten bigger as he has gotten bigger. We have only had 2 tanks for him in his life as they do not grow as fast as everyone says. The Christmas just gone, we went away and my nan looked after him. We got home and he wasn’t himself and we didn’t no why. We clean his tank regularly, he has heaps of space to swim and his food is right. He sleeps on the bottom and is damaging his fins and he is slow to get his food. He also isn’t as active as he was before. I googled some information about oscar fishes and found out how to correctly look after him, which was almost the exact same way as we were. Then he started getting holes in his head. It’s a disease called HITH. My parents said that he would get better, but he hasn’t, its been getting worse. He has them all over the right side. Today, when mum and dad went to work, I decided to find out more info about HITH. When I saw that is was able to be cured I was relieved. But he has had it for so long and may not have a chance to live. He is one of my best friends and it is depressing knowing that he may die. I am only 13, so therefore don’t know what to do. I need help. What should I get and do for him?
Answer by Mick; fishtankforum.co.uk: Hi there, the first thing to remember is don’t panic, as you have already posted HITH is treatable. No-one fully understands why the larger cichlids are prone to this but there are several steps you can undertake to resolve this problem. Thoroughly gravel vacuum the tank and perform regular water changes more often. Vary the diet of the Oscar with quality flake and pellet food as well as providing meaty foods. It is beleived that stress can bring HITH out in the fish so the changes may have triggered it off. Once your Oscar has settled down again which it will, mine used to have moods for days at a time, you should see an improvement in the fish as longt as you up the tank maintenance.
Emma on April 3, 2011, 1:41 am wrote
I just bought a 60 gallon tank, how long should I cycle my tank? Could one oscar live in it?
I just bought a 60 gallon tank, how long should I cycle my tank? Could one oscar live in it?
Answer: An Oscar fish needs more space than 60 gallons. Even a single specimen, after reaching full size, will hardly move in such a tank. To be honest, one specimen can live in a 60 gallon tank, but it will do nothing but staying in one place, one position except for feeding time. Cycling is finished when it’s finished, read our article about aquarium cycling.
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I have an oscar and he is very healthy and I keep him on my third floor where I live and nobody goes up there except me. I don’t think you have to keep them in a big room or restaurant. Mine is doing fine in a very peaceful place where he is never disturbed. I would recommend not having the room very busy when you first get him because they can get very moody and scared easily. I am not guaranteeing anything because I am only a kid and only have had one oscar which is still alive. What I am saying is I don’t think the room size matters.