Tiger Oscar with a Pleco

[Sondan]

OK all,
I did a search on this but I didn't get any hits. I am starting to have algae problems in my 55 gallon that has my oscar in it. I would like to know if anyone here has a pleco in their oscar tank to help keep the algae down. Thank you
Signed,
Sondan

 

[smb]

An Oscar and plecostomus are compatible, if that's what you're asking.

However, imo, a 55g is too small for a full grown Oscar (not knowing the size of yours I have to assume this for now) and a plecostomus will also be too large for that small of a tank as it matures.

 

[Sondan]

Thank you,
I know that everyone says here seems to think a 75 is a must for an oscar but mine is only about 5 inches long and he will have to wait a few months before I can get a bigger tank for him. My plan is a 75 for him in 6 months to a year. Thanks for the quick response there bass man.
Signed,
Sondan

 

[smb]

No problem.

Hearing he's only 5" right now and you're getting a 75g in 6 months, I think you're doing just fine then.

He'll grow about an inch a month until about 10" in general.

 

[CFC]

Just make sure the plec is always too big to fit in the oscars mouth, a friend of mine lost a expensive plec and nearly lost his oscar when the O decided the plec looked like a tasty snack. The plec stuck out its pectoral spines and got lodged in the oscars mouth with the spines actually piercing through the flesh top and bottom. The plec had to be removed by cutting its fins off with sissors (it was already dead) and the oscar looked in serious trouble for a few days as it didnt seem able to close its mouth.

 

[BadLarry]

I HAVE A PLECO WITH MY OSCARS AND HE'S DOIN GREAT, YOUR 55 WILL SUFFICE FOR NOW. I HAD MY FISH IN A 55 ORIGINALLY AND THEN MOVED UP INTO A 150...IM MY OPINION 75 GALLONS IS PERFECT FOR AN OSCAR AND A PLECO.

 

[missyintx_99]

My Oscar has head butted my pleco a few times when he thought the pleco should have gotten out of his way, but for the most part, the pleco just ignores everything in the tank and does what he wants.
They are fine together as long as the pleco isn't so small he looks like dinner.