Big Oscar, Little Oscar

[WarrendaFish]

Will an Older Larger Oscar just beat up a younger, smaller one???

I have my 5 year old 13" oscar in a 125 basically by himself with some smaller fish to snack on. I have a less than 1 year old 6-7" oscar in a 120 tall with some tankmates. The younger O is misbehaving and harassing some of its mates as well as hogging all the food. I would like to separate him. Will my big guy kill my little guy?? Should I even try??? I may have other options..

Any help will be appreciated. Thank you

Note: The larger of the two has been in his own tank pretty much by himself for over 2 years. Will he consider it an invasion of his territory. I have never actually sexed either, but by actions, growth rate, and "breeding display" I would have to say the larger is a male. I know it's hard to tell.

 

[Citrinellus]

Most oscars arn't too aggressive to the point they will kill another fish. That and your smaller one thinks he is a bad *** he might be able to stand his own against the larger one. I recommend you swap around the decor before you throw him in to mess up the larger o's territory.

 

[Drew'n'Kylene]

Yeah, they will clash but you gotta think these guys are hardy, i went to my LFS with the same dilemma and the guy told me "to grow a pair and throw em in!!!!" You'll be surprised my GF was crying thinking the worst then they started shoaling together and they are 10'' & 5'' big difference!!!!

 

[steelshade]

Keep a really close eye on them. Could work or could be a disaster. Sounds like the big one isn't used to sharing his territory with what he might perceive to be competition.

 

[WarrendaFish]

You're all correct... The big guy probably isnt keen on it and the little guy, who isnt really little, does think he's a badass.
I have a bunch of new flat rocks and tall plastic plants to add to the decor of both tanks.
I will try those as cover for the other tank mates and see what happens.
I'll take some video today to show you all the outcome

Keep your fingers crossed for me

P.S. The big guy isnt used to sharing and has killed fish in the past, including my favorite spiney plecko, which gave him a nice gash (O recovered fine)
If the decor change doesnt work I might have to try it out

Thanks again!

 

[laurenrocksth]

good luck!!!

I've had nothing but bad luck with my O's and anything other than their current tank-mates... but it could work out really well for you!

 

[Natural_Born_Killer]

Good luck!

You'll probably find that there will be some squabbling at the start but it'll be alright. Little guy will most likely recognize how much bigger the bigger O is and back down.

Just make sure the little guy has a place to go and hide if he gets too intimidated...

 

[Drew'n'Kylene]

You're all correct... The big guy probably isnt keen on it and the little guy, who isnt really little, does think he's a badass.
I have a bunch of new flat rocks and tall plastic plants to add to the decor of both tanks.
I will try those as cover for the other tank mates and see what happens.
I'll take some video today to show you all the outcome

Keep your fingers crossed for me

P.S. The big guy isnt used to sharing and has killed fish in the past, including my favorite spiney plecko, which gave him a nice gash (O recovered fine)
If the decor change doesnt work I might have to try it out

Thanks again!

No crap my oscar did the same thing to my Pleco.

 

[Joergemathew]

my 4" os eated up my 2" so keep a closed eye on it

 

[jlsmonkey]

I have had two Oscars in the same tank for a few weeks and they have never fought, I bought them together and they never fought even when I had them in a smaller temp tank. I guess they just like each other because they have been growing up together.