can they survive together in the same tank over time
2006-11-20 02:05:56 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Fish
Depends on what "african cichlid" are you combining with the oscars though its mostly a NO.
Oscars are also South American cichlids. As such, they need different water requirements than most Africans. Technically, oscar should have his own tank in order for him to thrive. This isn't because he'll get picked on, but because he likes water in the 7.0 range or softer.
One reason I will NOT recommend it is the Africans are a lot faster and more maneuverable than the oscar. If he is a baby they may kill him. Oscars only have teeth in their throat and their mouths are soft. If they start attacking him he will probably not be able to fight back. Think F14 vs C130 (or any fighter vs transport plane for example).
Second reason, they don't understand eachother's body language. Communication diffuses problems especially when they are trying to sort out their pecking order. The africans WILL learn not to face off with him and will peck at his fins & tail when he isn't paying attention.
Third reason, diet differences. Depending on the kind of africans you have they may not supposed to be eating the things the oscar eats, and trust me, he can't keep his food to himself. They are very messy eaters and the africans will eat whatever is expelled from his gills.
2006-11-20 05:57:41 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
it's a BIG NO...
The reason is:
1. Oscars are from south america which they require soft water, while African Cichlids thrive the best in higher PH and hard water.
2. One Oscar requires at least 70 gallon each. Oscars grows between 10" to 14" in length in a year.
3. Oscars are meat eater, African Cichlids are vegetarians which they eat algea and flakes or sinking food that are made of vegetable matter.
4. They are totally different fish but in same Cichlid family and different water needs and food needs.
5. Do your homework first before deciding on either one kind. I've found that African Cichlids are hardy fish and they can live much longer than you expect (expect to set up a minium tank of 55 gallon and above).
Sorry to disappoint you.
Ignore all the advice that says "you can mix it together" it's totally wrong.
2006-11-20 10:17:57 · answer #2 · answered by Stanley T 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
no longer probably. African cichlids have very specific water standards and are ultimate stored with different African cichlids from the comparable section. Lake Victoria cichlids, case in point, could only be stored with Lake Victoria cichlids. you oftentimes ought to apply overwhelmed coral or Eco-finished substrate to get the pH above 8 and the water great problematical. a style of African cichlid buffers are accessible to help save the pH stable if mandatory, yet with a stable substrate it oftentimes maintains to be consistent. Oscars do no longer do nicely in the form of water. additionally, your Oscar could be 3 inches now yet he's going to get extensive. A fifty 5 gallon would be stable for a at the same time as, yet you are going to ought to start questioning interior the 70+ gallon selection long-term.
2016-11-25 21:08:04 · answer #3 · answered by euler 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cityguynice is totally correct.
Oscars and african cichlids are not to be mixed. Depending on the african cichlid you may lose your oscar.
Oscars are aggressive, but certain african cichlids, while smaller, can literally torment and kill an oscar (the aggression levels of some african cichlids are not to be underestimated). I once saw a 5inch male melanochromis auratus (an african cichlid) http://www.akva-skalar.com/images/Melanochromis_auratus.jpg relentlessly "beat down" a large foot long oscar.
African cichlids are best kept with other (compatible) african cichlids.
2006-11-20 09:58:04 · answer #4 · answered by Kay B 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think so... as I remember my parents had this big oscar along with a couple of cichlids and some other fish too in the same tank. As long as they got plenty of space and food it should be alright.
2006-11-20 02:14:59 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋
yes as long as when you put them together they are the same size. because the larger one will kill the smaller. but if they are the same size and get to know each other and grow together they will be friends. i have and oscar and a parrot head together and they think they can mate.. yeah but i had an african and a oscar in another tank and the oscar was smaller and the african killed it.
2006-11-20 02:11:55 · answer #6 · answered by iwearpink4life 3 · 0⤊ 4⤋
I don't see why not?.....I have an Oscar, and he's an agressive SOB.......but I think the cichlkids will be fine with em'. Just dont put small fish in the tank with the Oscars because they will eat em' up! Good Luck!
2006-11-20 02:15:04 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
my oscar killed every thing over time
2006-11-20 08:49:12 · answer #8 · answered by johnny 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it is a risk but if you get them at the same time and size thay may be ok but I would not recommend
2006-11-20 05:34:27 · answer #9 · answered by C live 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋