Oscar

[Jsperry20]

Hey Guys. I have an oscar about 8 inches big on his own in a 120 gallon tank and want to get either a green terror or jack dempsey to go with him. What i want to know is, is this a good idea and what reactions will i get from my oscar?? im hoping they will get along fine given they have enough space. Any tips or advice would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[guppy_man]

If the fish you introduce is similar sized it may work. It all depends on the personality of each fish. Provide plenty of hiding places and keep an eye on them, if aggression is high think about rehoming or taking the fish you introduced back.

 

[england]

Hello mate, as said you never know until you try it, My oscar at 11+inches accepts any tankmates including the size, but i seem to be just very lucky,,,,Its a case of trail and error, exsplain this to the fish shop before buying, Make sure if it does not work you can return and exchange

 

[Colin_T]

Most big cichlids (Oscars included) will often sulk when something is changed in their tank. You could find your oscar lying on the bottom for a couple of days, or it could go nuts and kick hell out of the new fish. It is a good idea to rearrange the tank decor just before you add the new fish. This breaks up the old established territories and puts everyone on a more even keel.

Watch out for Jack Dempseys and Green terrors. Males of these species can become quite agro when mature.

 

[Jsperry20]

Hey thanks for the reply guys, Im just gonna go for it and hope for the best. i really like the electric blue jd's and think my lfs has some so im gonna try it out. i just hope it doesnt stress my oscar too much or bring him too harm. Thanks for the tips too.

 

[shroob]

EBJD's are great fish, more sensative than regular JD's and grow slower. I'd keep a careful eye on the situation, especially since your oscar is already 8" and established in the tank.

How big are the EBJD's at your LFS, I'd be abit concerned as most fish from LFS are juvi's around 2-3" so there might be a big size difference, which will add to the problems of your oscar already most likely considerably bigger. That is if you havn't got a grow out tank or something.

 

[Jsperry20]

I spoke to my lfs earlier today and the only similer sized jd's they had were 2 electric blue ones. i hadnt heard of the EB ones before. I havnt had a too thorough think about it yet. and in fact i havnt even got the 120 galon set up yet. my oscar is in a 55 galln one at the mo. Im planning on shifting my mature filter over to the big tank and put the two fish in their new tank at the same time (hope this is a good idea). I know a couple of the guys in the fish shop and they have told me they would hold on to the JDEB until i am ready. (week or so)

 

[Colin_T]

if you move the 2 fish into the new tank together, along with the old filter, then it hould help prevent any problems from territorial disputes. So yes that's a good idea
However, as mentioned by shroob, try not to get a Jack Dempsey that is too small otherwise it might become food for the oscar.