I have always wanted oscars and hope to get a 90 G tank in a couple months. I was wondering if pictus catfish are ok tankmates for oscars? If not, what type of fish would be? Also, do oscars tend to get along with each other? I had 2 angels in my 55 G and they fought so much I had to separate them, so now I'm a little leery of keeping multiple cichlids together. Is that a common problem in angels? Thanks!
Tankmates for Oscars?
- Thread starter Catahoula
- Start date
cyberbeer65
Scratch Glass!
I've got two small Oscars that get along very well with each other, and I rarely see them more than 6 inches apart. In my experience, Oscars are not particularly aggressive, just make sure the tankmates aren't small enough to fit inside the Oscar's mouth. 
Catfish would definitely make good tankmates. I would also recommend other South American cichlids - Jack Dempseys or Jewels, for example. I think that if you are planning your tank around the Oscar(s), it would be wise to make sure that they are the largest cichlid.
Catfish would definitely make good tankmates. I would also recommend other South American cichlids - Jack Dempseys or Jewels, for example. I think that if you are planning your tank around the Oscar(s), it would be wise to make sure that they are the largest cichlid.
The Angelfish fighting might have had something to do with breeding, either you had two males or? Anyways Oscars get along together, and get along well with other fish, as long as like said above they are of good size. I have two oscars together and they are pretty much unseperable. But I think part of that is because I believe I have one male/one female. I don't know for sure I'm only justifying this because there is a size difference between them. Anyways 90g is only really big enough for 1 full grown oscar and some other tank mates. If you get more than one, plan on upgrading tanks in the near future(less than a year).
Large peaceful fish will do great with oscars. i.e. tinfoil barbs, balas, giant gouramis, etc... However, they needs lots and lots of space and hefty filtration. I would keep 2 oscars in a 90g (depending on the measurements of the tank), and maybe a severum and an upsidedown cat.
I personally don't like keeping aggressive cichlids with Oscars. I tried it once, but ended up changing my mind about the descision. The Oscars can hold their own because of their size, however seem to be too easy going for such rowdy (sp?) counterparts.
HTH
I personally don't like keeping aggressive cichlids with Oscars. I tried it once, but ended up changing my mind about the descision. The Oscars can hold their own because of their size, however seem to be too easy going for such rowdy (sp?) counterparts.
HTH
im in the same boat im geting a 4ft-6ft tank in two weeks and not sure if i should but any think with my oscar as weel because he is very accresive
How many oscars?
My plan was to have two oscars (provided they get along) and 1-3 good sized (~ 8-14 inches) bottom dwellers. I have been reading up on pictus cats - some sources say they max out at 4-6 inches which is way smaller than what I would want. Others claim they grow as large as 10-12 inches. Anyone have experience with this as far as how big they actually do get? I'm open to other suggestions as well. It looks like bala sharks may be closer to what I'm wanting size wise, though I find their colors pretty plain. Another option I read about was channel catfish. I particularly like the albinos, and am planning to build an outdoor pond so if/when the catfish outgrow the tank I would have a place to transfer them. I also read that syndontis can be good tankmates for American cichlids. Any suggestions as to species of syndontis that would work? Thanks!
My plan was to have two oscars (provided they get along) and 1-3 good sized (~ 8-14 inches) bottom dwellers. I have been reading up on pictus cats - some sources say they max out at 4-6 inches which is way smaller than what I would want. Others claim they grow as large as 10-12 inches. Anyone have experience with this as far as how big they actually do get? I'm open to other suggestions as well. It looks like bala sharks may be closer to what I'm wanting size wise, though I find their colors pretty plain. Another option I read about was channel catfish. I particularly like the albinos, and am planning to build an outdoor pond so if/when the catfish outgrow the tank I would have a place to transfer them. I also read that syndontis can be good tankmates for American cichlids. Any suggestions as to species of syndontis that would work? Thanks!
the only advice i can give you is oscars are happy with other oscars and red bellied pecos. there are others i myself have kept with oscars but sooner or later...chomp!my 3 pecos still live with my dads oscars and 1 catfish in his 130 gal. they are quite happy togather. not sure on the scientific name for ya! i will look it up and post later. they are really cool lookin fish!