Tropical Fish Oscars

For the hobbyist who likes to do things in a big way, there are a number of compatible large fish that are not only attractive on their own, but can exist quite nicely in a small colony, or with other large species. One tropical fish that might appeal to them, is the Oscar.

The species comes in a variety of color/patterns including the Red Tiger Oscar, Pink Tiger Oscar, and plain Red Oscars. And while they are all large fish and can live together, the Pink Oscar tends not to be as aggressive, and may lose out at mealtime, so care has to be taken to see that they are getting their share of food.

If you already have an established tank with an Oscar or two, and would like to add more, it may be a good idea to acclimatize them in a smaller tank first. Generally, only small fish of 3” or so are available at commercial pet stores, and they can live comfortably in a 10 or 15-gallon aquarium for a short period. However, they do grow quite rapidly, and if you don’t already have an adequate home for them, you need to be prepared.

Some experts suggest that a single Oscar needs at maturity, a 50-gallon aquarium. That’s because as adults, they can reach 12” and more. For ideal conditions, Oscars need to be provided with the space to grow, and when older, to pair off and have their own “territory”. Pairing off may start to take place when the fish are around 6” in size.

Oscars do get along well with other large species, but tend to turn on weaker members of their own kind. When you have two that are not a mating pair, the stronger will pick on the weaker. With three Oscars, the stress inflicted by the dominant fish is halved. Some Oscar breeders suggest keeping either one, or a group of six, to create conditions that are ideal for all your Oscars.

Besides an aquarium of adequate size, you will need a pump capable of filtering the tank’s capacity, and a heater able to keep the temperature of that much water at 78-82 degrees Fahrenheit. Gravel up to ¼” deep is sufficient for the bottom, and to anchor your plants in. Floating flake food is sufficient up to the size of 4”, after which they will need one of the pellet foods for cichlids. These foods have additives that enhance an Oscar’s color.

If you decide to add other species, try White Tip Sharks, Tinfoil Barbs, Clown Knife Fish, Black-Barred Tiger Fish or a group of Clown Loaches. They can also co-exist with some of the larger eels, such as the Snow Flake.

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