Oscar aggression

[Wesley M]

As many of you by now know, I have 3 baby Oscars. A tiger, albino tiger, and a red. The red is the smallest and he just does his own thing and the other two don't care. The albino and the tiger don't seem to get along anymore. They swim around together as a trio just fine then out of nowhere they will start acting territorial toward one another. For example; puffed out gills and they go back and forth pretending to charge each other, circling each other all flared up, nipping, and lip locking (sort of, they don't actually clamp down on each other, but they bite at each other's lips.) could it be they are trying to establish who's the boss? They are about the same exact size (I think the tiger might be a tiny bit longer and fatter than the albino). Tiger 1.75 inches long, albino tiger 1.5ish inches long, red 1.25ish inches long. I'm aware that in groups of three they might bully one but nobody is being singled out. They are just aggressive toward each other equally.

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[evox53187]

You can try to take fish out of the tank. And redo the tank change it around. Than put the smallest in first. Tuna couple hours later put the other fish in and so on. Maybe that will help. And also keeping them well fed helps.

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[Blazin]

have you thought of adding dither fish?

 

[notho2000]

They're just juvenile cichlids being cichlids ... completely normal behavior. Just like a bunch of puppies testing one another and trying to establish a bit of a "pecking order". None of this behavior is sex related since they are much to young to have that going on. They'll eventually work things out. As long as no real damage is being done, no worry. The presence of a few dithers or target fish would be advisable to deflect aggression. Also, make sure there is sufficient structure present (driftwood, plastic plants) to give them a chance to find a sheltered spot if pursued.

 

[Reaper13]

They're establishing a pecking order. It's a crap shoot mixing cichlids anyway. May work then again it may not. Just keep an eye on them & make sure no real damage/constant harrassment is being done. Be prepared to find a new home for one or 2 if need be. Just apart of the game really. Having a bigger tank will increase your odds of success though.