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Old 12-01-2007, 10:28 AM   #2
gavin
Endangered Dragon
 
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Join Date: Mar 2006
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Common Names: Oscar Fish

Size: 12-16 inches standard length and up to 3.5 pounds (though closer to 12+ inches is more typical in a home aquarium). When young, can grow at the impressive rate of up to 1+ inches per month. Don't be fooled by their small purchase size and get a small tank thinking you will have time to upgrade later; this is a common mistake.

Temperament: Oscars are mildly aggressive. They have a rumored vicious nature, but that just isn't the case. This rumor is derived from the fact that they are many times willing to attempt to eat anything in the tank they think will fit in their mouth. In all reality, the are pretty mellow compared to other cichlids, and are many times bullied by other more aggressive cichlid tankmates. They are territorial though, and a breeding pair may become highly aggressive towards tankmates when spawning. Also, providing too small of an aquarium can cause two Oscars in the same tank to constantly fight, sometimes to the point of being fatal.

A Brief Overview: Oscars are extremely intelligent fish capable of being conditioned to do many little tricks. They quickly learn to recognizing those that feed them and reacting accordingly (usually begging for food). They have a unique presence, intelligence, and attitude that makes owning them a true joy to those that love them. This combined with the fact that Oscar can live just as long as a dog makes them more like a pet than most other fish could ever be. Each fish seems to be an individual with its own unique nuances, making owning one of these fish even more appealing.
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