Oscar and Pleco

[Sondan]

OK all,
My oscar is only about 5 maybe 6 inches long right now and I am starting to have problems with algae. I would like to know if a Bristle Nose Ancistrus lineolatus would be a good tank mate for him. The site I looked at said they get to be about 6 inches long. I also looked at Zebras but it said they only get about 3 to 4 inches in length. If this is not a good idea what exotic type pleco would you recommend? I was also thinking maybe of a Leporacanthicus galaxias since they get bigger. Thank you
Signed,
Sondan

 

[untilitsleeps]

i wouldnt keep anything other than ocsars in the same tank mate, there very agressive and grow very quickly, if you can get a plec to clean up then stick him in another tank because he will only get eaten, and if he is too big to be eaten he may be bullied.

 

[lizard]

A fishy-keeping friend of mine keeps an Oscar and common Plecs together. The Plecs are maybe 5 inches long right now, I don't think they're any bigger than that. The Plecs stay towards the bottom of the tank and the Oscar towards the top. That's the only input/experience I have on that topic Good luck!

Pamela
aka Lizard

 

[Eelzor]

It is better to have a large plec with the large oscar, and is space is the problem or you just still wanted a smaller plec clown plecs and rubber plecs are about 8 inches each I believe.

 

[Humboldt]

I've had great results with bushy-nose plecos in my Oscar tank.

Currently 2 juvenile Oscars in a 55 gallon (I know, am waiting another month until I move to a new place before getting another tank).

Getting green despite a Fluval404.

Didn't want a pleco that'd get huge so settled on a 4" bushy-nose. Only time he ever got pecked that I've seen was when he was still floating in the plastic bag. Uses the wood and rocks for cover.

Just got a second bushy-nose a week ago. This one slurps around right in front of the Oscars, up and down the glass. He shies away if the Oscars get too interested in him, but I've never once seen the Oscars actively going after either pleco. just make sure you have a lot of ground cover for them and IMO they'll be fine. Outstanding algae eaters (although they crap a lot).

Good luck.

 

[OscarCichlid]

I had the same problem. Many people told me not to put oscars with any other fish other than oscars. You dont have to listen to me but i disagree with that. Oscars can be very peacedule. I have a baby blueberry oscar in a 20 tank with a dwaf gourami, 2 tiny tiger barbs, and a kissing gourami. He is the most peaceful fish in the tank. I also have 2 5" leopard oscars in a 55 wit 2 Blue gouramis, 1 gold gourami, 1 giant gourami, 1 opalin gourami, 3 Pl*cos, 2 Channel Cats,1 Pictis cat, 1 GIANT Goldfish (supposed to be food, he was never eaten now hes like 8 inches. I know its bad for the tank to have a goldfish but i cant get rid of him), and 1 rosy barb. The Oscars can eat all of the fish in my Tank accept for the channel cats and one Pl*co. They chose not to. they were in that tank since they were babies and grew up very peacefully. They actually get beaten up by the Blue Gouramis. It is not a fact but i think that the behaviour of the fish has something to do with the type of fish he was with growing up. A friend of mine kept a Pirahna in a community tank with neon tetras and Gouramis. I have also seen in my LFS a Convict Kept with Zebra Danios and Fancy Tail Guppys. I know it is VERY hard to beleive but maybe i have just seen very very very underaggressive cichlids. Due to the size of Pl*cos if you get a large one i think that the oscars would leave him alone..

 

[Nix]

well A teacher of mine (biology) Has a fully grown Oscar in a 55 gal ( i think)
Well anyways he placed a foot long Common Plec in there. Well the clever Oscar
Could't swollow him whole so he ate each fin off so he could't move then killed and ate him.

Just some input ( dont go think all Oscars are nice... )