Scared oscar

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Southern Rebel

Gambusia
MFK Member
Apr 24, 2012
352
0
16
TN,USA
I've had my wild oscar for nearly 2 months and he is still shy, boring...if I get near the tank he hides..he will eat a little bit if I'm far away...its in a 75 by himself..any suggestions on how to get him to be more "cool?" Everyone says how cool their oscar is....mine is so dull...also I have a large driftwood, few fake plants in there..thanks

Edit: also tank is cycled..ammonia 0 nitrite 0 nitrate 20

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Put some dithers in there, which he can't eat now, but when he's bigger. The presence of other fish will help him feel more secure, then he'll become more comfortable with you during routines & associate you with feedings, etc.
Do you feed him any treats?
I think your baby & mine are about the same age. Mine's f1, but went through a rough period where he couldn't eat (had something stuck in throat) now that's mostly resolved but it took time. I've been re-acclimating him to "go for" treats that I drop in: thawed bloodworms, fresh red wiggler pieces & chopped shrimp.
I think babies feel more vulnerable when alone, it's a survival thing. In nature, seeing other fish around is a sign that predators aren't an immediate threat. that's why dithers can be a tool for fish keepers.
 
He won't eat earth worms, and very few thawed out bloodworms....

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What kind of dithers do you recommend

Also I got him at 5 or 6 inches..and have had him for 2 months


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Southern Rebel said:
What kind of dithers do you recommend

Also I got him at 5 or 6 inches..and have had him for 2 months
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How big is he now, maybe 7 inches? You want something that won't fit in his mouth for a couple months. If he can eat them too soon, he might go on strike for live feeders.
It depends on what you have access to & if cost is a consideration. It's always a gamble... fast enough to escape O could act too skittish, OR could prove that he's a very brave hunter. but I'd look for deep bodied brave schoolers, which aren't too flighty. He might be hiding a killer appetite. LOL.
 
petspoiler said:
How big is he now, maybe 7 inches? You want something that won't fit in his mouth for a couple months. If he can eat them too soon, he might go on strike for live feeders.
It depends on what you have access to & if cost is a consideration. It's always a gamble... fast enough to escape O could act too skittish, OR could prove that he's a very brave hunter. but I'd look for deep bodied brave schoolers, which aren't too flighty. He might be hiding a killer appetite. LOL.
Click to expand...

I'm not good with different types of fish can you give me some examples? Thanks!
 
boseman rainbows get about 4 inches, aren't schoolers, but often hold their own with younger oscars, and have a deep enough body (unlike giant danios- which are often recommended, but can be swallowed. they're fast schoolers, so some ppl get a whole bunch of them)
you could get a school of young silver dollars IF you don't mind returning them later. they're too round to get eaten but need lots of tank for permanent. they can be a bit reactive, MUST have school. and I'd watch them before purchase to see their skittish level.
 
Okay cool thanks, idk where I can find those rainbows..does petsmart or petco carry them

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Dithers could help you out a bit, just make sure you buy something you don't mind being a snack for the O down the road. General rule with Oscars is: If it fits in their mouth, they'll most likely eat it.

With the fact that you O is a wild caught fish I would just assume that it is not used to being in captivity and that it may just take a while for it to feel comofortable (never had a wild myself). Most O's will be eating from their owners hand within a week of arrival from the pet store, it just sounds like your fish is a bit shy, just give him/her some more time.

Only thing I could suggest is plenty of cover with an open area for swiming towards the center or one side along with maybe dimming your light a bit, be it mechanicaly or by adding floating plants.
 
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