Oscar swimming Vertical

[Tcookou812]

We have a Tigar oscar, a green terror and a jaguar in one tank. The oscar seems to swim vertically when the jaguar is in view. All of them are about 2 inches long.

The oscar swims normally when he sees us, chasing the green terror or at feeding time.

Is this normal behavior?

 

[tlindsey]

We have a Tigar oscar, a green terror and a jaguar in one tank. The oscar seems to swim vertically when the jaguar is in view. All of them are about 2 inches long.

The oscar swims normally when he sees us, chasing the green terror or at feeding time.

Is this normal behavior?

It's swimming like that to avoid being harassed by the Jaguar Cichlid.
How large is the aquarium?

 

[tlindsey]

Is this normal behavior?

Yes the Oscar views the Green Terror as a threat for food.
You likely will just end up with the Jag if the aquarium isn't large enough because it already has claimed territorial rights.
The Jaguar is the high in the ranking order followed by the Oscar but the order may change as the cichlids get larger.

 

[krichardson]

Does the Oscar swim head up or head down?

 

[Tcookou812]

29 gal tank, but again they are only 2". However, they are moving to a 90 gallon tank this weekend. The vertical swimming is head up, like te oscar is dragging its tail on the rocks.

 

[Rocksor]

29 gal tank, but again they are only 2". However, they are moving to a 90 gallon tank this weekend. The vertical swimming is head up, like te oscar is dragging its tail on the rocks.

Would need a larger tank than a 90g during the first year. 4 feet of length is not a lot for such large cichlids. Jags and oscars grow fast when given the correct environment Start looking for a 6 foot long tank at a minimum, even then there is no guarantee the jag and oscar will coexist.

Out of your stocking, the best solo fish in the long term (10+ years) for the 90g is the green terror.

 

[LBDave]

Just my opinion but I have found that Oscar’s like to be the dominant fish in a tank. Yes they can coexist with other slightly aggressive fish but I don’t think it’s the best situation.
Back in the day I tried numerous types fish in a 200 gallon tank with a large tiger Oscar. He did ok but he didn’t thrive like the Oscar’s I have now.
These we’re the old old days when I worked at a tropical fish store.

 

[Tcookou812]

Thank you all! We also have a 125 gal tank that isn't set up at the moment, we are trying to start our fish community.

I appreciate all of your help!