Behavior?

**kilroy2730** · 05-18-2009, 02:47 PM

My Oscar opens his mouth whenever someone comes near his tank. Is this normal? Also, my 8 year-old grandson was looking at him and put his face close to the tank and the oscar rammed it with his mouth open. What would cause him to do that?
Thanks for any help/suggestions!!

Kelly

**rich311k** · 05-18-2009, 02:48 PM

He is doing his defensive display. He must be a very cranky boy. He does not like anything apparantly.

**Northernguy** · 05-18-2009, 02:52 PM

Lots of different things will make an oscar get grumpy! lol
It may have been challenging his reflection.
How big is the tank? How much filtration are using?
How big is the oscar?
What tank mates does it have.
My Oscars come up to the glass everytime I approach the tank.Usually for food.lol

**janislovesfish** · 05-18-2009, 04:19 PM

I have a lot of Oscars and they are one of the most interactive fishes i've ever seen. They even follow the direction where I trace my finger on the tank. :] What your Oscar did is normal, don't worry. :] They seem they're always hungry but they're not, they just like eating a lot and pooping a lot! Feed it regularly though but make sure not to overfeed.

**MCHRKiller** · 05-18-2009, 04:54 PM

Oscars are intelligent territorial fish. They can see outside that tank and regard that as their space to...the child was simply intruding on the oscars turf and the oscars was doing his best to defend it behind that piece of glass. lol totally normal behavior...some oscars just have a pissy streak. My female is a prime example she takes moods and hates everything and everyone. If Os are cramped this behavior gets worse...and they become more aggressive but ramming the glass at a person isnt an uncommon thing

**Taurus** · 05-18-2009, 06:49 PM

Bonk!

**Oscar_freak12321** · 05-18-2009, 11:13 PM

They're very intelligent, and they understand a lot about what's going on around them. He is just being a little defensive, and doesn't like you near his tank. Start spending some more time with him and this should start to go away.

**Malawi/Oscar** · 05-19-2009, 09:17 PM

I really can t wait to get my oscar, especially after hearing all these stories about their personality etc. They really do sound great fish

**kilroy2730** · 05-21-2009, 01:55 PM

Thanks to all of you for your replies. I was really beginning to worry about him!

**Northernguy** · 05-21-2009, 02:00 PM

If you have a ping pong ball or a red and white fishing bobber ,toss it in the tank.It will give something to focus its attention on.A toy!
Oscars are a lot like puppies.They always want attention.They act tougher than they are.Some are tough as nails though! lol