Oscar fish are beautiful. They is like living works of art with bold black and orange coloration. Additionally, there personalities is like that of a small dog.
Hand-feed them if you’d like. They’ll know your face from behind glass. The problem is that all of this beauty isn’t cheap when it come to maintaining tank.
First, Oscars gets big. They’re known to eat everything that fit inside their mouths. Second, Oscars excrete a ton of waste.
So what does all of this mean? It means keeping Oscar becomes a tricky task for those who desire community tank dynamics. You desire company for your fish but would also like the company to last longer then one week.
Oscar’s will be aggressive to fish. That’s the way they are. There isn’t one out there that won’t.
The key to long-term success does not depend on that. Instead, it depends on finding a compatible fish in terms of energy level and swimming zone. If you put a slow bottom dweller with an active midwater cruiser, the cruiser wins every time.
Put those two together and it’s always the cruiser that wins. What you want for tank mates are fish that can ignore the Oscar completely, ones that can hide realy well, or ones that can keep up. Here are some ideas on fish that have worked, as long as the tank is the right size and set up proper.
Best Long Term Tank Mates for Oscar Fish
African Cichlids as Tank Mates
African Cichlids is perhaps the most reliabel companions for Oscars. These are African Cichlid. Why?
They come from same type of environment (i.e., lakes) in Africa. So not only do they has a similar temperament, but they also require similar water parameters. In particular, strong cichlids such as the Frontosa or the Peacock Cichlid can generally stand up for themselves.
That is, they’re territorial and active, colorful in their own right, so they won’t be considered easy pickings. If a fish will stand its ground, an Oscar isn’t as inclined to chase it. And finally, they are a great visual match.
Their bold colors don’t get confused by the Oscar’s bold color; rather, they go together well.
Suckermouth Catfish Compatibility
Instead, there’s another tactic, one provided by suckermouth catfish (aka Loricariid catfish). These guy hang out along the glass and bottom.
That means they stay away from the midwater mess of an Oscar patrolling. A few species of these fish, such as the Royal Pleco or Bristlenose Pleco, make good tank mates. They is quite hardy.
Plus, they serve as a second cleaning crew. While they don’t remove poop, they eats up any leftovers and algae. In other words, they lessen waste load on your filtration.
Just be careful not to get one of those bigger plecos (e.g., Common Pleco) since they will grow too large and compete for resources and space with the Oscar. Stick with the more managable, smaller ones that can hide behind decorations or in caves when Oscar becomes curious.
Upside Down Catfish Options
Another great option is an Upside Down Catfish, more properly known as Synodontis catfish.
These guy mostly hangs out upside down or just below surface at night and are otherwise pretty content to drift around. This puts them in a place where Oscars don’t often venture. Remember: Oscars aren’t surface dwellers; they’re hunters.
While the Synodontis may occasionally dart off quickly when cornered, it’s usually a non-confrontational fish. It tend to keep the overall stress level down in the tank. Plus, it adds something else to how your tank look.
There is motion in the upper part of the tank while the Oscar keeps his turf in the middle.
Gouramis for Oscar Tanks
Now, gouramis? Yes, but again, it is only certain species of gourami.
The bigger, hardier varieties such as the Opaline Gourami or Giant Gourami, while not too pushy in personality department, do has some guts. They’re durable, and their labyrinth organ provide them with an additional tool to use if need be (survival). Additionally, they’re smart and can be trained to steer clear of potential issues.
The dainty little gouramis should of been avoided, though. Because they are small and have easily torn fins, an enthusiastic Oscar will make mincemeat out of them. Go big or go home, get the largest, meanest gourami you can locate so that they stands a chance at being socially acceptable.
Essential Tank Setup and Decor
However, the tank itself makes all the difference. That’s where most people fail miserably. They take a bunch of fish and put them in a tank with nothing in it.
No. No no no! Put some sturdy plants in there: java fern, anubius, something that provides cover and breaks up line of sight. These plants not only give the fish places to hide, but also break up visual line of sight (reducing aggression).
Secondly, you want lots of room. You should preferably have a one hundred fifty gallon tank at least. This gives each fish enough space to stake out his/her claim without infringing on someone else’s.
The tighter you make the quarters, the more stressed the fish gets, which means tempers starts flaring. A good size tank with appropriate decor will naturaly separate the activities of multiple species, allowing them to coexist. Achieving this harmony isn’t always easy.
There will be some early chasing and perhaps even financial loss. But with time it can work out, as long as you don’t forget who you’re dealing with and make sure there are plenty of opportunities to direct the Oscar’s energy. Choosing active fish, durable tankmates, or unique tank zone ensures an exciting environment.
These choices make the tank not only survive but thrive. And your Oscar still gets to be center of attention.
