Questions about Oscar behavior

[annamarie92]

I have 2 oscars, one is about 8 inches and the other is around 6. They are in a well planted 120 gallon. So far I haven't had any issues with them rearranging the tank? Every now and then a plant will be pulled up, but it's very rare. The sand is hardly ever disturbed. Is that normal? Lol I've heard they can be destructive. Is that something that will come with age? My tiger Oscar has developed a chin bump but I don't see him digging. I would appreciate any insight or experience! Just curious.

 

[tlindsey]

Oscars and some other specie of cichlids will have that behavior of moving gravel, driftwood, and plants perfectly not out of the norm behavior

 

[vinod_uthaiah]

Yes it is normal...and some fishes are not as good gardeners as others are...I have red terrors in one tank....which are not worried about the decor...while I have a pair of Dovii in other...where everything (pipes , plastic plants) gets rearranged daily...

 

[jclyde13]

Oscars do vary pretty widely in behavior, but I think it will probably come with age.

 

[annamarie92]

Yes it is normal...and some fishes are not as good gardeners as others are...I have red terrors in one tank....which are not worried about the decor...while I have a pair of Dovii in other...where everything (pipes , plastic plants) gets rearranged daily...

Lol that's funny! I guess it all depends on their personality as to how much rearranging they do. Maybe as mine mature they might get some decorating skills!

 

[annamarie92]

Oscars do vary pretty widely in behavior, but I think it will probably come with age.

I just keep waiting for the day I wake up and my tank is destroyed lol I keep wondering if I should add some stuff for them to move around, like small stones? I have a sand bottom.