Observation: They
are very smart fish
I have found that oscars are very smart fish.
They adapt quickly to their environment as well. My oscars seem
to know what is going on around them. They will follow a persons
finger and have no fear when a person approaches. I have heard
them called the "dog" of the fish world. Observation: Interaction with
other fish
There is definitely a pecking order with fish.
From the first day we had the oscars they knew who was the
largest of the two and who got to eat first. The larger dominant
one chased the other around continuously. At this stage of the game, they
definitely use their size to get their way. We found that the
smaller oscar eventually became larger and then the tank was
evened out and neither fights the other. They are aggressive
with other fish as well and
will run other fish around. However, they never actually bite a
tank mate, unless it is smaller and considered a meal. They
commonly
chase.
Found on the net: Origin
They can be found in Central and
South America and other areas. They are now more wide spread in
tropic areas because of dispersion by humans.
Found on the net:
Taxidermy difficult
Because not a high enough demand of
people tend to taxidermy their oscars they are unique to
taxidermists. They must be carved before the skin can be
stretched over them. It is very uncommon and pricey to
have them taxidermied.
Instructed: Salt is like gatorade
to a fresh water fish
A Petsmart worker explained that the correct amount of salt
is provides necessary electrolytes to a fish. They are able to
breathe better because of the effect of the salt on the gills.
Too much salt can make a fish ill and kill it. For oscars about 1
tablespoon per 5 gallons does fine. Be sure to account for
evaporation. As the water evaporates the salt content
rises.
Quoted: They can become very
friendly
That say the fish will eat right out of the
owner's hand. It can be spooky because they are so aggressive
and can actually nip at a finger. I have unintentionally held a
pellet out of the water while one of the oscars ate another
pellet and by surprise the second oscar comes clear out of the
water after my hand. It is not healthy to handle the
fish a great deal because human oils can be dangerous. Besides,
oscars have spines and a wound to the hand can become greatly
infected.
Experienced: Watch out
for the water heater
I have heard that oscars will attack a water
heater because of the light in them. I know there are special
durable heaters that can be purchased. As well, some people hide
the heater behind some type of decoration.
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