Pim Pictus With An Oscar

[Ferris]

Hi all,

I currently have a 5" Juvie Oscar in my 125 gal with 3 Bala's and 3 Plecs. My question is are Pictus big enough to cope with a full grown Oscar? It is my intention to add 3 pretty much full grown pictus now but are they big enough to not be seen as food when the Oscar reaches its full size?

Thanks in advance

 

[bunjiweb]

I see no problem at all, a pim. pictus can far out-swim an oscar, they are extremely quick and so the oscar would present no problem to them.

I would consider getting 5 as they do great in a group although i would then consider the tank fully stocked taking into account adult sizes.

Ben

 

[Ferris]

Thanks Ben

 

[Ferris]

I went with 3 Pim Blochii in the end, got them yesterday. They hid most of the day but this morning they were happily swimming around with everyone else, nice fish.

 

[bunjiweb]

Thats cool, I have 2 of those myself. Just remember they get bigger than pictus, around 10-12".

Ben

 

[Ferris]

Yep, no more additions to the tank, thats it now.

 

[Fawke]

Not wanting to contradict Ben in any way, as i have limieted experience with Oscars...

However my friend had a huge tiger Oscar and he was very aggressive.
Although im sure the pictus could outswim the Oscar, im not sure if the Oscar would tolerate it?
I mean the oscar just dug up anything that was static, even a large Plec had to be removed - he had nowhere to hide!

Just thought id chip my experiences in anyhow!

 

[bunjiweb]

You would get behaviour like that from an Oscar usually either if it has been kept in cramped conditions, or it has had no tank mates for a long time.

I wouldnt think an Oscar would try to have a go at a Pim catfish because they occupy quite different terratories, and therefore if you provide bogwood or a similar shelter for the catfishes there should be no terratory disputes.

I have seen various pim cats kept in lots of oscar tanks that have had no problems..

Ben