Tiger Oscars

[HeatMos]

Just bought 1 Tiger Oscar + 1 Tiger Barb. The Oscar is about 3 inches long right now. The Barb is about 1 1/2 inches long. When my Oscar gets bigger, will I have to worry about him eating my Barb? Should I return the Barb and purchase another Oscar? The Oscar has been territorial since being placed in the tank. And do these Oscars really reach lengths of 10 to 12 inches?

[GT3050]

Yes the oscars really do get to be 12+ inches in length. My friend has a tiger oscar that is 15 inches long. If you plan on keeping oscars make sure you have a relatively large tank. I would recomend 50+ gallons (needs to be at least 16-18" wide so that the oscar can turn around) for ONE oscar. As for the tiger barb, he'll be fine for a while, but once the oscar can fit him in his mouth he'll become tasty snack. If you want another oscar make sure your tank is at least 75 gallons. How big is your tank now?

[cichlidgirl57]

I have a red oscar and albino, both around 6" now and a jack dempsey about 5" in a 75 gallon. These guys grow fast and they do get large! I am hoping to get them a larger home or move out the jack. You will need to invest in at leat a 55 gallon for one oscar. As I said, they get large, grow fast and they need room to turn around. Good Luck..:)

[mickey]

Oscars dont mind being kept on their own but the tiger barb would do better if kept in a shoal, say 6 or more.
Providing you have room in your tank of course.
Oscars and barbs are a bad combo because eventually the barb will end up on the menu.
Cheers.

[optix]

Ditto

[stik6shift98]

that tiger barb is doomed......