Tiger Oscar Relationships

[Cloudk]

I have two tiger oscars. One is 10in and the other is barely 8in. I was wondering about some behaviors I've been seeing. From my research and educated conversations, 8in is the estimated size that the compatibility will show. So, onto the behaviors; they've been rubbing on eachother, and hanging out together in a little gravel hole(idk who made it, one morn it was just there). Not defending it, just swimming together over it. The largest one has suddenly decided to try and renovate around that area. He goes and attacks a circulator(it has a casing protecting it, and him), that's by the hole/indentation, & trying to move the intake, also in the area. Idk if they're clever enough, but it appears they're protecting eachother. I've had these guys for a few months, concerned about possible compatability issues. So, are these behaviors a good or bad sign. To my untrained eye, I see good. But since I know nothing of oscar relationships, I want an experinced opinion. Thanks in advance, I look forward to hearing from people

 

[jagster]

it sounds like breeding behaviour to me, rubbing up on eachother and digging pits, they should lay eggs soon enough in that pit or give them a flat rock to lay their eggs on.

 

[stymie]

Oscars look for a clean flat surface to lay their eggs. If they can't find one, they'll remove gravel/substrate until they reach the flat glass bottom.
Many will go through this ritual many times before they lay their eggs and it could take weeks or months before they are ready. You could
add a piece of slate if you're trying to encourage them.

This assumes you have a male and female. Sometimes 2 females will go through the same ritual.

I have 2 Oscars and they're about 12 and 13 inches. They've been moving gravel and plants for about a year or so. They're almost always side by side
and they lip lock and flare their gils at each other fairly frequently. They've also removed gravel and protected the area around it. When they're in this
mood, they attack my gravel vac if I get anywhere near them. So far no eggs. I'm guessing I have 2 females, but I don't know for cetain. As far as I know,
it's almost impossible to determine their sex without venting.

I asked a similar question on an Oscar site when I first noted their behavior and was given advice similar to what I'm giving you.

 

[Cloudk]

I haven't seen any lip-locking, or flaring gills. Just peaceful swiming, rubbing, and defending eachother(well that's not particularly peaceful).That's interesting that 2 females would do that! Neat I'm not planning on breeding them. If they lay eggs neat, if not, that's fine too. I'll still love them eather way

 

[HungDang]

mating behaviors! the larger one is the male and he will protect his girl with all cost! I believe that when oscars found their mate, they will live together until one die!