I just upgraded my 2 Oscars (both 7") to a 220 gallon tank. I am looking for some tank mate ideas. I have done a lot of research about possible tankmates for Oscars. I am just wanting to know if anyone has some cool ideas or has had some experiences in the past with Oscars. I like the idea of Severums but I for sure want to get a Pleco for the tank. Just interested in some ideas.
Tankmate ideas for Oscars
- Thread starter BigStepper54
- Start date
I wouldn’t add any cichlids, Oscar’s get bigger than people think. They can hit 16-18” given proper care and will take up most of that tank. I’d go with a bottom fish, like a larger catfish. One of my personal favorites is a Pterodoras granulosus and that would be perfect IMO. It could possibly outgrow the 220 but that’s a big if and would probably be a decade before it did. A ripsaw or giraffe cat would also be cool. A common pleco would work, but they are messy and you will already have a large bioload with 2 Oscars, but if your will to do the maintenance. Another cool pleco is a Redfin ( check imperial tropicals) I can’t remember the latin name tho.
I've had oscars most of my fishkeeping life. 220 is plenty big since they already get along. The bigger the tank, the easier and more forgiving the maintenance. I kept 3 in a 125 for years but it was attached to an aquaponics system which served as a shared filter for another 125. The total gallons was closer to 300. The habitat was the size of a 125.
Now, the fun part. Stocking. The challenge will be finding large enough tankmates that the oscars don't decide to pick on them. With enough territory and non-tiny specimens you may be fine. When I've stocked oscar tanks I always added all the rest of the fish a year before the oscars so the oscars grew up under the misconception they were the smaller fish in the tank. Doing it your way will be fun, too.
I've always had a pleco in every tank. I still have pictus cats that have outlived all the oscars. They're at least 10" long and as hearty as anything. The big box aquarium stores claim they grow to 4" and are good for community tanks. Nothing about that is true. I also have kept schools of silver dollars which are too fast to be interesting to oscars. Several varieties of those get pretty big, too. I'll agree with your idea about severums; they're pretty great. They get plenty big and have great color.
I agree with FishAddict about catfish. An interesting cat can be a nice thing because it doesn't compete with oscars in any way. Research whatever you're leaning to because catfish can get huge. Even the ripsaw as recommended above can get to 40". There are plenty of other oddball cats, though.
In reflecting back, I rarely felt my tank was underpopulated and was always glad I didn't have to deal with constant water changes. It's always possible to add another fish in a year. Keep us updated, this is fun.
Now, the fun part. Stocking. The challenge will be finding large enough tankmates that the oscars don't decide to pick on them. With enough territory and non-tiny specimens you may be fine. When I've stocked oscar tanks I always added all the rest of the fish a year before the oscars so the oscars grew up under the misconception they were the smaller fish in the tank. Doing it your way will be fun, too.
I've always had a pleco in every tank. I still have pictus cats that have outlived all the oscars. They're at least 10" long and as hearty as anything. The big box aquarium stores claim they grow to 4" and are good for community tanks. Nothing about that is true. I also have kept schools of silver dollars which are too fast to be interesting to oscars. Several varieties of those get pretty big, too. I'll agree with your idea about severums; they're pretty great. They get plenty big and have great color.
I agree with FishAddict about catfish. An interesting cat can be a nice thing because it doesn't compete with oscars in any way. Research whatever you're leaning to because catfish can get huge. Even the ripsaw as recommended above can get to 40". There are plenty of other oddball cats, though.
In reflecting back, I rarely felt my tank was underpopulated and was always glad I didn't have to deal with constant water changes. It's always possible to add another fish in a year. Keep us updated, this is fun.
When selecting tank mates for Oscars, opt for species that can handle their aggression. Severums are a good fit, as they are calm and can adapt well. Introduce them while small to reduce aggression risks. Larger cichlids like Jack Dempseys or Green Terrors add color and personality. Including a Pleco helps maintain cleanliness by consuming algae, with the peaceful Bristlenose being a common choice. Larger catfish, such as Raphael Catfish, and non-aggressive tetras can also enhance movement in the tank. Always monitor interactions to ensure compatibility in your 220-gallon aquarium.
I'd think a largish pleco of a few species in the 10-18 inch range could work, but I haven't kept oscars. It seems like Os aren't very aggressive for cichlids, just BIG with big mouths. All those big fish will poop a lot. No matter your filtration, you'll need some good vacuuming skills to keep up.
Since you've had success keeping multiple oscars with large tankmates, would you say early introduction is more important than tank size alone for long-term harmony?
From my experience early introduction definitely helps, but it doesn’t mean they won’t mature and start fighting. Right now I’m growing out an Oscar and two kelberi for a pond and I started with them all at 2” and now they’re about 5” and I’m seeing some chasing. I’m hoping that stops when I move them to the bigger pond. Point being that there is no definitive answer, but starting small improves the odds.