I Thought Oscar Fish Can Get Along With Each Other

[Sarcosuchus]

I bought two beautiful red tiger oscars. Now one of them is constantly bullying the other. I see cut fins and it is also lying down at a corner.

I hate to set up a tank only to be forced to put a divider or get a separate tank. How do I fix this? Add more Oscars or separate the two?

 

[Backfromthedead]

whats your tank size? oscars need a lot of room especially after they get 6"+. the aggression youre seeing is normal especially if theyre both males. one will establish dominance then things should settle down, but the submissive fish may end up dead, may not. like i said space is crucial.

 

[Gourami Swami]

Need more info to give informed advice; Namely tank size, any tankmates, how long tank has been established, how long have fish been together, décor of tank. That should be enough to start

 

[Oddball]

Tank size is an important factor. However, the sex of the pair is a dominant factor. Trying to keep males together, even sibling brothers, is not going to be easy, even in mega-size tanks. In 125 gal to 300 gal tanks, I've only had success in keeping M/F pairs together with no aggression between them.

 

[FreshyFresh]

Are they juveniles? A little unusual to have little ones not get along, but like said, once they reach maturity at 2-3, all bets are off. Like pretty much any cichlids, multiples always have the potential to ending badly.

I'm a fellow oscar keeper as well, but only keep him/her in with a green sev. The severum is usually the feistier of the two, as oscars are usually wimps and drama queens when stressed. Like said, space and decor to break up sight lines is key.

Lots of water volume and water changes needed to keep nitrates low as well if you keep multiple big fish.

 

[Poly Pinni]

I had the same issue and separating the two permanently proved to be the only answer.

 

[duanes]

I agree with the others, this is usually caused by too small a tank.

 

[Backfromthedead]

Tank size is an important factor. However, the sex of the pair is a dominant factor. Trying to keep males together, even sibling brothers, is not going to be easy, even in mega-size tanks. In 125 gal to 300 gal tanks, I've only had success in keeping M/F pairs together with no aggression between them.

interesting. i have aspirations to set up a 300-400 gallon tank/pond for a group of oscars and catfish. not in the works yet but when i have the means it will be. you don't think a 2-3 male/4-5 female mix will work in a 8x2 tank?

ive always wanted a nice setup for oscars but never had a properly sized tank.