does anyone know anything about oscars? I got one as a gift.
2007-02-09 13:38:43 · 9 answers · asked by foolish_love_haze@yahoo.com 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
Due to their size, they are often kept by aquarists with other larger New World cichlids. The fish comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns such as Tiger, Black, Albino, Zebra, Red and Fire Red.
Oscars move with a slow, majestic appearance, but they can be quite destructive to their surroundings, as they tend to uproot plants, and move other objects in their tanks. They are a very peaceful fish among others of similar size, but will eat anything small enough to fit in their mouths, and can quite easily be trained to eat from their owner's hand. Oscars will frequently fight vigorously with each other, which leads to much chasing and splashing, although they typically do not hurt each other. Adult oscars are best kept in tanks over 75 gallons (100+ preferred) with a medium textured substrate. It is also recommended to place oscars only with larger fish since they have been known to eat smaller fish that are introduced into their environment. They also prefer to be pairs or even numbers, having odd numbers will usually end up in a set pair picking on a third wheel. An intelligent fish, if the oscar is raised with a set of fish, it will tend to leave them alone, but can attack newly introduced fish, even if they are of a similar size and species as ones already there. However, this is up for speculation, some situations have proved otherwise, but this is a good rule to go by.
Oscars are popular as pets, as they are interesting fish with personalities and surprising intelligence. Some larger oscars occasionally enjoy a gentle rub from their owner. Oscars recognize the person who feed them and some times, "dance," in joy when their meal is served. They will also "play" with toys, like a handful of rocks. Deep gravel will sometimes be avoided in oscar tanks, as thick layers can make keeping the tank clean difficult. Oscars like to dig, which can stir waste that has settled in and on the gravel layer, making the water in the tank very cloudy. But oscars can be given a handful of rocks to play with and twirl around, and rearrange. This is especially true for single oscars, whose only companion is its owner. While its owner is away from it, oscars can also play with a mirror to entertain itself. The oscar will challenge the mirror or socialize with it. But if the oscar excessively charges the mirror or tries to attack it, it might be best if the mirror was removed so the oscar doesn't injure itself.
2007-02-09 13:48:51 · answer #1 · answered by landenjms 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oscars are large cichlids, which means your fish will get to be about a foot long and have a fairly foul attitude as far as tank mates are concerned. hey are active fish for fish that size and need lots of room. 75-90 Gallon tank minimum! They are Omnivores but like lots of meat. Other fish, worms and large insects top the list. They are also sloppy eaters and produce a lot of waste so they need generous filtration and diligent water changes. They often live 8-10 years in captivity.
If you are not prepared to give your prize this kind of attention, then maybe you can speak to the donor and arrange some type of trade for something more your style.
Hope this helps!
MM
2007-02-09 21:52:23 · answer #2 · answered by magicman116 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Everyone gave some decent advice, but there's nothing like a website to really get a good grasp of what it's all about. You can take a look at this link. It has several types of oscars, with pictures, so you can identify which species you have. It also has good advice about tank size, feeding requirements, water quality requirements,temperature, temperament and compatible fish. Have fun with your new gift!
2007-02-10 00:45:21 · answer #3 · answered by Venice Girl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want to keep it alive, get a BIG tank. Oscars can get very big and need their space. You should find out how to take care of your fish(use books, Internet,etc). It would also help if you got some help from an experienced fish keeper.
2007-02-09 21:46:27 · answer #4 · answered by 0000000000000000 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
what do you want to know? they can grow up to 14iN some have gotten bigger. I had 2 that fought alot after they got bigger. as for putting in other fish it varies i had jack demps convicts and some smaller African chiclads. It just depends on the temperament of your Oscars
2007-02-10 17:41:34 · answer #5 · answered by timramonej 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you have other fish? if not, put him in a tank by himself and feed him a good pellet or stick food as a staple with any other frozen or freeze dried for variety. they will get quite big and they are usually quite personable (for a fish=)) If there are other fish he will eat any of them that fit into his mouth. They are a new world cichlid but are actually not as aggressive as some of the other fish in the family. good luck with him, they are usually long lived and quite hardy.
2007-02-09 23:52:45 · answer #6 · answered by G&L 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Iknow about the award. :o I can't believe you got an oscar! congragulations. =D (seriously)
2007-02-09 21:42:13 · answer #7 · answered by shan_tora 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
they will eat everthing they will get in their mouths. if it won't fit they'll modify it.
2007-02-09 22:03:28 · answer #8 · answered by robrr03 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. But u should take it to a fishy store and then u can ask about it's personality.. ect. Thats wat I do
2007-02-09 21:59:56 · answer #9 · answered by Aisha 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋