OSCARS!

cos!!

ok i have a mature 70 gallon fresh water tank, currently in it i hav some blackskirt tetra, 1 angelfish, a pair of small fire mouths and a pair of small t bars!i no oscars have the reputation of being a very agressive fish!!but is there any chance of adding one to this mix??iv never kept oscars so dont know that much about them!any help apreciated cheers

Anti

Might be a good idea to ring a pet store who specialise in aquarian species.

dark_jedi_ire

Oscars, get large and Can be predatory on fish smaller that it, I hear there best kept with fish the Same size, or slightly smaller, Fish that they wouldnt associate with a Snack eg, Small tetras

Feeding and prey
Examination of the stomach contents of A. ocellatus by Winemiller (1990) demonstrated that the natural diet of this fish consists primarily of aquatic and terrestrial insects (which comprise up to 60% of the diet), although small fish, and to a lesser extent crustaceans, are also consumed. Most fish eaten by A. ocellatus in the wild were relatively sedentary catfish, and included Bunocephalus, Rineloricaria and Ochmacanthus species.[7] The species uses a suction mechanism, generated by jaw extension, to capture prey,[15] and has been reported to exhibit "laying-on-side" death mimicry in a similar fashion to Parachromis friedrichsthalii and Nimbochromis livingstonii.[16][17] The species also has an absolute requirement for vitamin C and develops health problems in its absence.[18]


In the aquarium
A. ocellatus are popular as pets, and are regarded as intelligent by aquarists. This is in part as they learn to associate their owners with foodand are purported to be able to distinguish their owner from strangers.

Despite their large size and predatory nature A. ocellatus are relatively placid aquarium residents best housed with other fishes too large to be considered food items.

A. ocellatus are known to uproot plants, and move other objects in aquariums and are best maintained in volumes of 200-600 litre (75 or more gallons). A. ocellatus is relatively tolerant of a range of typical aquarium water chemistries, though its large size and messy feeding habits necessitates that efficient filtration be installed on the aquarium. A. ocellatus is undemanding to feed in captivity and will accept a range of foods that include pieces of fish, prepared cichlid foods, and even small household lizards! Oscars may also tend to jump out of an aquarium if the lid isn't supported sufficiently.

Hope that helps..

R

cos!!

it dos indeed!thank you!

Jimkel

No way man, Oscars will destroy those fish!