oscar size limit

**oscarkid36** · 12-19-2011, 05:23 AM

i have a 10 inch oscar he was about a inch and a half when i got him i have had him for 9 months he was growing very fast up to 8 inches and then he slowed way down now it seems like he is at a stand still i was wondering if he is done growing and what is the time period that a oscar can grow for

**korith** · 12-19-2011, 06:24 AM

Think they can get around to 12-15 inches.

**genocidex** · 12-19-2011, 06:35 AM

i think 15 is a bit big but they should top out about 12inches.

http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/cichlid/oscar.php

**Dave66** · 12-19-2011, 06:45 AM

Actually, the female Oscars grow to 14 inches, the males a half-inch or so less. What's odd is male Oscars almost always select a smaller female to mate with.

Dave

**icefreeze57** · 12-26-2011, 07:50 PM

I don't own an Oscar, because I don't have a tank that can fit them lol. But 10-14 in seems to be the common numbers I've gotten from looking stuff up and talking to my dad/grandfather who owned some super tanks

**Fishguy2727** · 12-26-2011, 09:21 PM

Their growth rate does drop drastically at about that size. However, since they are cold blooded they do not ever actually stop growing completely.

The actual max size of oscars seems to be highly debated. Most people think they only hit around 12" or so, so most end up in 55s because the people think they won't outgrow them. This is a self-fulfilling prophecy though because when we cram them in to tanks that are too small (and don't do enough water changes) we stunt them, ensuring they won't outgrow it. I have heard of oscars hitting 15-18". I have even heard people claiming they had oscars of 20" or more. Considering that they never really stop growing and they can live to be 20 years or more, I definitely believe that 15-18" is a real potential for them.

**MCHRKiller** · 12-26-2011, 10:15 PM

Genetics also play a role in "adult" size. Domestic fish for the most part will be smaller than a fish which is of wild genes. This is due to the inbreeding and growth hormones mass farmed domestic fish are subjected to. Wild fish which are grown out in the home aquarium are typically of hardier stock and have the potential to grow larger due to being genetically superior. I had a pair of 15" Peruvian Os which were around 6 years old when a power outage claimed them. My current A.orbicularis(close cousin to the "Oscar") is now around 12" and hit that in his first 10 months. His growth has also came to a screeching halt but has not stopped completely.

**fishguy66** · 12-28-2011, 03:54 PM

I haven't had Oscars for a few years, but back when I had a breeding pair(In a 180 gl), mine were over 18". This was due to the massive water changes I did ( 75% every 3rd day) & me feeding them a high protein diet(krill, beefheart, nightcrawlers). Makes me want to start keeping them again. They are a big, impressive fish.

**ldoerr** · 12-29-2011, 01:14 AM

Originally Posted by fishguy66

I haven't had Oscars for a few years, but back when I had a breeding pair(In a 180 gl), mine were over 18". This was due to the massive water changes I did ( 75% every 3rd day) & me feeding them a high protein diet(krill, beefheart, nightcrawlers). Makes me want to start keeping them again. They are a big, impressive fish.

I would love to see pictures of your fish and set up. Sounds very cool.

**fishguy66** · 12-29-2011, 02:41 AM

Originally Posted by ldoerr

I would love to see pictures of your fish and set up. Sounds very cool.

I do not currently own Oscars; I have not for several years; I do however have 2 juvenile Managuense in a 180 gl. If you would like to see a video of this, here it is. Be advised that the fish in this video are a little bigger than when filmed.