Oscar + Jack Dempsey?

[SidKarver]

I have a young Oscar ('Scarface' almost 4"), and a JD ('Art' over 8") in a 55 gal. They have been together for almost 2 months and never a problem.


Until tonight, I witnessed Art nip at Scarface twice when the tank light was off. I read that the two species can't be kept together, is it true?

It was just a nip, and Scarface (Oscar) just swam back to sleep behind his giant plant. Art (JD) never chased him or anything.. Also, Scarface was near Art's PVC cave when it all went down. So I'm guessing territorial behavior, maybe?

If it's a tank size issue, then it's only a temporary problem. I'm in the works buying a 200 gal. So as soon as it's properly cycled the only thing going in there is an Oscar, JD, a Pictus Cat, and eventually some SD's.

 

[SidKarver]

No one here has kept a Jack Dempsey with an Oscar???

 

[rich_one]

I have 3 Jack Dempseys with my Oscar. However, for the very reason you described above, I am rehoming my JDs. Really, the only guy with a problem is my 9 inch male JD. He has not viciously attacked my oscar... but he is pushing the envlope enough to make me uncomfortable. So I have found someone who will take care of him.

I'm not saying it cannot work... just telling you my experience with it. As you can see, I decided to split this combination up, before "posturing" turns fatal for the oscar.

Good luck!

-Rich

 

[SidKarver]

The thing is, -


I already removed all my African Cichlids (which were doing great with the South Americans) because they harrassed the Oscar from the day I brought him home. And I had to remove my Red-Fin Tinfoil because the JD and Oscar both harassed him.

I had 11 fish now I'm down to 5. Mostly because of the JD. I hope moving them to a 200 gal will level things out. I'm not getting rid of either one. The JD's colors are so ridiculous, he's definitely a show fish. And the Oscar will be too once he's huge.


Anyone else have experience keeping these two 2gether?

 

[rich_one]

The thing is, -


I already removed all my African Cichlids (which were doing great with the South Americans) because they harrassed the Oscar from the day I brought him home. And I had to remove my Red-Fin Tinfoil because the JD and Oscar both harassed him.

I had 11 fish now I'm down to 5. Mostly because of the JD. I hope moving them to a 200 gal will level things out. I'm not getting rid of either one. The JD's colors are so ridiculous, he's definitely a show fish. And the Oscar will be too once he's huge.


Anyone else have experience keeping these two 2gether?

Well, good luck... you can either try using a divider until the 200 is ready, or I guess your oscar will have to just hang in there. Oscars are typically pretty timid... so if your JD is going after him, I don't know what else you can do about it between now and the time you get your 200 gallon setup, other than spit them up somehow, be it remove one, or maybe use a divider.

At any rate... hope it works out for you.

-Rich

 

[SidKarver]

Well, good luck... you can either try using a divider until the 200 is ready, or I guess your oscar will have to just hang in there. Oscars are typically pretty timid... so if your JD is going after him, I don't know what else you can do about it between now and the time you get your 200 gallon setup, other than spit them up somehow, be it remove one, or maybe use a divider.

At any rate... hope it works out for you.

-Rich

That's a good Idea. I've been thinking about buying a tank divider anyway. It's worked up until last night and they seem fine now. Hopefully it was just territorial, but I'll get a divider anyway just in case..

 

[rich_one]

Good idea. Once you move them to your 200, there is a good chance this will dwindle. That's a pretty small tank you have them in. Mine are in a 125, and my JD still is kinda pushy.

-Rich

 

[Sebub77]

My JD is in a 125 with my oscar, he is smaller but was bigger then the oscar when they first werre in the tank, never messed with my oscar, still doesnt.. my jd is 7" my oscar is 12".. guess as always, depends on the fishes temper

 

[Piscine]

Mine never got along, either. My JD was entirely too aggressive.....I did the divider thing for about a week, then I realized that they did not have anywhere near enough room in the divided tank. I rehomed the JD and moved the oscar to his new home shortly there-after.

 

[SidKarver]

My JD is in a 125 with my oscar, he is smaller but was bigger then the oscar when they first werre in the tank, never messed with my oscar, still doesnt.. my jd is 7" my oscar is 12".. guess as always, depends on the fishes temper

It seems so weird man. They are best bud's now. They often swim together almost as if their pairing up to mate lol. Oddest thing I've ever seen..

On a side note I still haven't seen any bullying since it first happened (last night).


I agree with anyone that says my 55gal is way too small to house them both. There's enough room as far as their size goes (for now) but I know the Oscar will be ready for the 200 gal as soon as it's cycled. I can't wait to see him in there!