Oscar in a confined tank?

Question

Today at the tropical fish store,I saw an Oscar (8 inches) confined to a tank about 10 gallons.I have a much smaller one at home (4 inches) and he's in a 35 gallon tank by himself.Are these fish just as happy and content in a small environment?

Answer 1

They may not be aware of it, but the fish is slowly dying in such a small tank. When fish do not have adequate space for them to grow, they become stunted, which drastically shortens their lifespan. This stunting can cause organ failure, deformities of organs and bones, and eventually, death. Your Oscar will eventually need a 55+ gallon tank (when it is about 8 inches, and it can grow to its full 12-14 inches in there). Email me if you have any questions.

Soop Nazi

Answer 2

Actually fish seem to like bigger enviornments more plus they stay a lot healthier. A betta can live in a tank way less than a fourth of a gallon but do best in much bigger tanks like 10 gal. Your Oscar is fine for now in the tank you have.

Answer 3

you see most places just don't have the space to adequatley house each fish to it's specific requirements. those are merely "display" tanks which are suppose to be temporary. i admit a 10 gallon is excessively small but it isn't unheard of to cram a couple of sub-adults in a 20 gallon. imagine if they housed each individual oscar in a 40 or 55 gallon. if the fish seems neglected or unhealthy in anyway do not patronize that store

Answer 4

No, that's awful. That poor fish is probably VERY unhappy and having his growth stunted.

Oscar don't mind smaller environments, but that's pushing it way far.

Answer 5

No they aren't happy in smaller tanks.It must be a display tank and hopefully he will go to a bigger home when he's sold.

Answer 6

I don't know their psyche and how it works, but physically, it limits their size.

Answer 7

nonononononono!!!!! poor fish! thats horrible