Loaches and Oscars? What's the Deal?

[Oscarum monstruoso]

-> They are gentle giants, and can coexist peacefully with any fish of the right size in the right circumstances.

That is so vague that it can be applied of almost every fish

I don't think anyone is jealous of oscars bro. And they are definitely not the most popular wet pet "in the history of the world." I think that would go to goldfish. Other top contenders would be betta, tetras, etc.

Not to go too far off topic but to me a wet pet is more interactive and personable than a regular pet fish. And oscar jealousy is rampant, especially among fish snobs who must have the latest rare fish from Rapps.

 

[andyjs]

It does depend on the oscar, but it should work. The only really homicidal oscar I've had first hand experience with was a pretty badly abused one returned to the shop I used to work in. He shredded a few slightly smaller oscars a couple days after he came in.

My oscar on the other hand is like a puppy. He has been with clowns since I got him and they do fine. I'm actually downsizing and getting rid of my oscar/loach tank. It's too bad you aren't closer or I could sell you my clown pack for your oscar tank

 

[Mavrick813]

I'm actually downsizing and getting rid of my oscar/loach tank. It's too bad you aren't closer or I could sell you my clown pack for your oscar tank

That would have been great.

 

[Blub Blub]

I was always afraid that if an Oscar did eat a loach that the subocular spines could get wedged, killing both the Oscar and the Loach.

 

[Mavrick813]

I was always afraid that if an Oscar did eat a loach that the subocular spines could get wedged, killing both the Oscar and the Loach.

I could see that being a risk factor in this combo.

Mike

 

[felonyfast383]

plenty of hiding places and room id say it should work

 

[rickjames]

I got the combo goin now. Considering you'r Oscar is larger I would go for decent sized loaches but I've never had a problem.

 

[busterbrown]

go for it, just get them big enough that they cant fit in there mouths. get a good sized pack also

 

[jay_leask]

ive always had my CL's in with oscars but as the others have said they pretty much grew up together. but recently i just put some yo-yo loaches in with my bigger O and it paid no attention to it at all.

 

[Mavrick813]

Yeah, I agree I don't know how my O will react but finding a CL that an 8" O can't fit in his mouth would be a chore.

MMike