Texas and Oscar... issues

[biguebs]

I have a 10" tiger oscar, a 5" texas cichlid, and a 10" florida gar in a 180 gal. I wouldn't even try to sex the oscar or gar, but the Texas does appear to be a male.

The oscar and gar have been in there together for some time (used to have a mono pbass in there, rehomed him). They don't really pay much attention to each other, never have. I introduced the texas about 3 months ago, and until the last 36 hours or so there was a clear pecking order and everyone was pretty calm.

Now, the texas (who has really bulked up in the last month or so) seems to have developed an attitude. Even though he is much smaller, he seems to be the aggressor (not surprising considering the species i guess). The gar is not involved, just a lot of chasing and jaw locking going on between the texas and the oscar. I've been trying to break them up before they inflict any real damage by scattering a few pellets around the tank to distract them.

I have thought about possibly turning down the water temp a few degrees (tank is running at 77), maybe that would calm them down a bit? I'm a little flustered, i thought 180 gal was going to be plenty for these 3 fish.

 

[biguebs]

i guess i should re-phrase the question.... in terms of stocking: should i look at possibly adding a fish or just splitting them up, etc??

 

[Lusus_Naturae]

Your oscar is probably going to get a fin-kicking by the texas form the way it sounds, I'd start thinking about splitting them up, at the least get some decor in there for line of sight.

 

[burzumaske20]

180 gallon is plenty for the Oscar and a Texas.Any Texas I have owned always developed a attitude problem later on and they usually went back to normal where they leave every other fish alone for a while.Now since its a male, it is possible that it wants to mate with your Oscar. Has there been any scales missing as of lately?Also you can add another cichlid into your tank, but I would highly recommend something that is the same aggression level as the Texas.

 

[biguebs]

Your oscar is probably going to get a fin-kicking by the texas form the way it sounds, I'd start thinking about splitting them up, at the least get some decor in there for line of sight.

This is what I'm fearing... i have a few pieces of driftwood in there. would like to put some tall plants in there to break up the line of sight more but I know the oscar won't have that.

180 gallon is plenty for the Oscar and a Texas.Any Texas I have owned always developed a attitude problem later on and they usually went back to normal where they leave every other fish alone for a while.Now since its a male, it is possible that it wants to mate with your Oscar. Has there been any scales missing as of lately?Also you can add another cichlid into your tank, but I would highly recommend something that is the same aggression level as the Texas.

There have been a few scales shed from the two fish running into stuff while they are having standoffs. I do have a 9" or so JD that I could stick in there. He's in a 125 with a couple turtles, he's an old fish tho (like 8 years) and seems to have problems with his vision so I'm not sure how he would fare.

I'm pretty comfortable in knowing what the oscar will do, but this guy is my first texas. I know from research prior to acquiring him that these fish can be maniacs. Anyone with texas knowledge have any input? Or anyone have experience or suggestions for a cichlid that may be a good dither for my situation??

 

[oscaroo]

If it does not stop you should move the texas cichlid

 

[burzumaske20]

Well, do you want another cichlid that will keep your Texas in his place or just some target fishes to keep the Texas occupied?

 

[biguebs]

Well, do you want another cichlid that will keep your Texas in his place or just some target fishes to keep the Texas occupied?

Well, I don't want targets. Not one to intentionally place any animal/fish in harm's way on purpose.... More interested in a fish that would keep the texas from focusing solely on the oscar i guess. Although I suppose there is really no way to know since every fish is different.

 

[burzumaske20]

If you want a cichlid that is at the same aggression level as the Texas and will most likely keep your Texas in in his place, check into a Cuban cichlid.9 out of 10 times they wont back down from other cichlids.