Oscar tank mates

**aa2007** · 08-04-2012, 02:50 AM

I just started a cichild aquarium. I have two blood parrots and one oscar. I wanted to add another type of cichild but dont know what would work with both. I like red jewels, jack dempsey, Gold severums and black belt cichilds but dont know if any of them would work. I would appreciate any help. I dont want to sacrifice fish.

**Goes to 11!** · 08-04-2012, 03:10 AM

Two questions for you:

A. What size tank is this?
B. Is it cycled?

**aa2007** · 08-04-2012, 03:37 AM

55 gallon. yes it is cycled.

**Lady Hobbs** · 08-04-2012, 03:41 AM

You can not add anymore fish. One Oscar should have 75 gallons.

**Goes to 11!** · 08-04-2012, 03:44 AM

Thanks,

Personally, I don't think a 55g tank is big enough for a single Oscar. Much less one with company. 75g is the minimum I could suggest a solo Oscar be in.

When full grown the O will barely be able to turn around in there.

Being a large messy deeply bodied fish I hope you have filtration for double the tanks volume at least.

How big is the Oscar now?

EDIT: NINJA'd By LH

**Lady Hobbs** · 08-04-2012, 03:49 AM

I would suggest returning the Oscar and instead getting a Severum. This will save problems later or force a bigger tank on you.

**aa2007** · 08-04-2012, 04:02 AM

the oscar is 2 1/2 inches. I just got him from the pet store. I know they grow pretty big. I Cant return it unless its dead. Just the store policy.

**FinalJenemba** · 08-04-2012, 04:29 AM

If you plan on keeping the Oscar for his entire life you will end up being forced to upgrade, especially if you keep him with the parrots. But you can keep them in the current tank for probably a year at least, just keep an eye on him. What are you running for filtration?

**Goes to 11!** · 08-04-2012, 04:46 AM

Ok, So it doesn't go back to the store. But that doesn't mean he can stay with the parrots in that tank.

They also grow fast, Are you aware that [If healthy] he is going to be nearly three times the size he is now by new years and the parrots are not going to be able to defend themselves or get out of his space if he gets territorial on them [Another issue with smaller tanks].

Also, The O is far more aggressive than the parrots & IMO you will have issues before a years time and it's not 'if'.. It's 'when'.