Beginner Oscar Questions...

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seraph

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Dec 21, 2009
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Glen Ellyn, IL
sorry to ask such basic questions, but I recently acquired a 10 year old 10"-12" oscar. The owner had him in a garage in a 125 gallon tank and when i purchased the tank he was going to throw him into his koi-less "koi pond" until he passed...I couldn't and wouldn't let him do that, so I took him with. Anywho, once home, i put him in a fully cycled 29 gallon while i was setting up the 125...once i had the 125 up and running a few hours later I moved him back into the 125...now the questions:

How long do oscars live? I don't want to be shocked if he passes away soon due to age...

He's swimming around slowly enjoying the scenery, but every now and then he'll lay down leaning against the glass...is this normal?

It's been 2 days and today he started wedging himself behind the largest decoration and the back wall...I assume they enjoy to hide?

His owner used to feed him koi pellets and he said the oscar loves them. In all 10 years of his life, the oscar has never eaten live fish...the feeder fish that the other oscars would feast on, he would never attack any other fish...so he's a gentle giant...but any food i would put in, he still is not eating...i've tried cichlid pellets, lettuce, koi pellets, goldfish pellets...nothing...he just keeps swimming back and forth...

he's not alone in the tank, i have other cichlids and 2 plecs in there...everyone is getting along, the oscar isn't attacking anyone and the cichlids are leaving him along...sometimes they school behind him and play follow the leader...

any tips and help would be greatly appreciated...i want to give him the best...

Thanks guys...
 
Ok, the laying on the side thing is classic Oscar behavior (he's pouting because of his new environment). They don't like change, but he'll get over it.

Wedging himself is probably just part of his pouting. Don't worry about it.

As for eating/feeding? You could try tong-feeding him some krill or shrimp, or silversides, or something like that. He may take it if it's right in front of his mouth.

Oscars are very smart and can be a lot of fun. They are really moody, so just give him a chance to acclimate.

Oh, they can live up to 18 years, but average life span is closer to 13.
 
what kind of shrimp? just the regular fresh sea food from the deli or something more specific?

as far as hating change in environment, whenever I do a water change for the cichlids, i change the scenery around to prevent them from forming hardcore territories to keep them a bit less territorial and keep down the aggression...or is that just a myth? anywho...i assume that will piss the oscar off...?
 
what kind of shrimp? just the regular fresh sea food from the deli or something more specific?
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I get the frozen, pre-cooked, no shell shrimp (medium sized) at the grocery store. If the shrimp is too large, I cut it in half. Either that, or just get frozen krill (thaw either way). I put any frozen food in a glass of hot water and let them thaw, and then either tong-feed or just dump in the tank (I have treated water in my house, so I can do that).

as far as hating change in environment, whenever I do a water change for the cichlids, i change the scenery around to prevent them from forming hardcore territories to keep them a bit less territorial and keep down the aggression...or is that just a myth? anywho...i assume that will piss the oscar off...?
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It isn't a myth, but it all depends on the temperament of the fish. I have very territorial cichlids and I rarely change the environment and everybody gets along.

But yes, the Oscar will likely pout every time you change the scenery. In fact, if he gets used to a certain set up, he might move it back that way after you change it (Oscars are known to re-arrange the tank the way they like it). I've known Oscars that will put the decorations back in the exact same spot they were moved from.

Maybe try leaving the decor the way you like it and see how your fish act. They'll probably establish territories, but might be ok.
 
great...thanks for the info...i really don't want to put him threw anything worse than what he's had in that cluttered garage...that water quality looked horrible and i think he might be developing a small case of HITH...i feel guilty taking him without knowing much about him...but i had to do something...

since it's already late...would it be safe to try and feed him a hot dog or some sliced turkey or should i stick with real food?
 
Sorry, wandered away from the laptop for a bit. I think it's great that you saved him. The good news is they're pretty easy to care for, and very hardy fish! Oscars are pretty notorious for HITH.

If you want to try some hotdog or something, I think it would be fine. See if he takes it - he might like it! ;)
 
hmmm...he's still not going for it...poor guy is still spooked of me... :-(
 
At that size he could go a month without food easy. Give him a few more days to adjust and I bet he'll be eating like a champ. All the behavior you stated sounds normal as well, they will lay on thier sides and pout like little kids...
 
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