Oscar fish, those vibrant, intelligent creatures that seem to hold a whole personality within their scales, often capture the hearts of aquarists. But when you picture an oscar, you probably think of a sizable fish dominating a large tank. And it’s true, they can get big—up to 12 inches in length. This leads many people to wonder if there truly are small oscar fish, and if so, how they can be kept happy and healthy. Let’s explore the reality of these fascinating freshwater fish.
The truth is that there’s no such thing as a “dwarf” or inherently “small oscar fish” variety. Those tiny oscars you see in pet stores will eventually grow to be sizable adults. However, this doesn’t mean you need a massive aquarium from the start. Young oscars can be kept in smaller tanks initially, allowing you to appreciate their unique character up close as they mature.
Table Of Contents:
- Tank Size Matters: Choosing the Right Home for Your Oscar
- Building the Perfect Oscar Environment
- What’s for Dinner? Feeding Small Oscar Fish
- Choosing the Right Tank Mates
- FAQs about small oscar fish
- Conclusion
Tank Size Matters: Choosing the Right Home for Your Oscar
A small oscar, like the ones commonly found at Elmer’s Aquarium and That Fish Place, might be only a couple of inches long. At this juvenile stage, they can be comfortably housed in a 20-gallon tank. However, their rapid growth will quickly require a tank upgrade.
Within the first 6–12 months, a young oscar can achieve two-thirds of its adult size. So, you’ll need to be prepared to provide them with a 55-gallon tank as they develop. Some experienced oscar keepers even recommend starting with a 75-gallon tank to give your fish plenty of room to turn around as they grow, as advised by Aquarium Co-op.
Long-Term Housing: Adult Oscar Requirements
As your oscar approaches its full adult size (around 10–12 inches, sometimes more.), a 75-gallon tank becomes the absolute minimum requirement. Keep in mind that this species has a 10–20-year lifespan. Committing to an oscar means investing in the space they’ll need for a long, healthy life.
You might wonder if you could house more than one oscar together. Well, this depends on their temperaments. Multiple oscars can live harmoniously in larger aquariums. However, this is not guaranteed as oscars are known for having distinct “personalities.”
Aquarium Science highlights that their individual temperaments are hard to predict. While some may get along just fine, there’s a chance you’ll end up with an aggressive oscar that doesn’t tolerate tankmates. For two oscars, plan on a minimum tank size of 90–100 gallons with a length of 5–6 feet. As for keeping more than two together, consider a larger “monster tank,” but always have a backup plan if territorial disputes arise.
Building the Perfect Oscar Environment
Deciding on a tank size is just the first step. Now let’s talk about creating a stimulating habitat for these intelligent and often mischievous fish. There is a wide range of options available when setting up your tank.
Oscars Love to Rearrange Things
First, it’s important to acknowledge that these “water dogs” are not delicate, plant-nibbling species. Oscars are strong, curious fish that enjoy exploring and redecorating their surroundings. That beautiful, elaborately planted aquarium you envision might not last long once an oscar takes up residence.
Don’t worry, though; there are plenty of decor options that work well. Choose sturdy items with smooth, rounded edges to minimize the risk of your oscar getting injured. Rocks, caves, driftwood, and even artificial plants are all good choices. The key is to create an engaging space with ample swimming room—remember, those small oscar fish you bought won’t stay small for long.
Clean Water Is Key
Another crucial aspect of oscar fish care is providing pristine water conditions. Although oscar fish are quite hardy, they produce a lot of waste, so make sure your tank is equipped with a robust filtration system.
Aquarium Science recommends an FX6 canister filter for a single, 12-inch oscar. And if you choose a filter with ceramic rings, lava rock, Matrix, or Biohome, you’ll need four to eight Sunsun 303s canisters for a single oscar.
A large filter isn’t just for keeping ammonia levels down; it’s about creating truly clean water. Low levels of bacteria help to replicate their natural blackwater habitat and prevents common diseases. Even when water changes are done regularly, filtration is paramount for their well-being.
What’s for Dinner? Feeding Small Oscar Fish
Oscars are hearty eaters and are sometimes called “garbage disposals” of the aquarium world. Their omnivorous diet includes a range of items like insects, crustaceans, worms, and vegetation in the wild. In your home aquarium, you can easily provide a diverse and nutritious diet to keep your small oscar healthy.
A great base for their diet can be high-quality cichlid pellets, like Xtreme Big Fella Pellets and Hikari Cichlid Excel. These can be found at your local pet shop.
Add Variety to Avoid Trouble
While a consistent diet of pellets works, oscars really thrive with some dietary variation. They can become picky eaters who crave something different—remember, those little personalities make each oscar unique. Adding freeze-dried snacks like krill, crickets, and mealworms provides both enrichment and important nutrients.
You can even offer live treats like snails or earthworms if you’re feeling adventurous. Be mindful of the amount of food you offer to your small oscar fish. Tropical Fish Magazine recommends observing your oscar’s belly to gauge how much to feed.
A slightly rounded belly is a good sign, while a concave or swollen belly might suggest an adjustment is needed. Additionally, incorporating vitamin supplements helps ensure your oscar gets all the nutrients they need.
Choosing the Right Tank Mates
Oscars aren’t inherently aggressive, but given their size and scavenging nature, careful tank mate selection is a must, especially as your small oscar grows. First and foremost: small, delicate fish and invertebrates are off the menu—quite literally. Your oscar will see them as a tasty snack, and there won’t be much you can do to stop them.
Tankmates From Similar Environments
Aim to choose larger, peaceful fish that can coexist with your oscar without being bullied or becoming bullies themselves. Fellow South American cichlids, like Silver Dollars, are a good example of a species that make excellent companions. Certain plecos, provided they are of comparable size, can also work.
Consider Their Natural Habitats
Another aspect to keep in mind is habitat compatibility. Oscar fish, in their natural South American range, coexist with a limited number of compatible tank mates. They wouldn’t naturally encounter African cichlids, for example. While they can be kept together in some cases, it’s generally not recommended because their temperaments and water parameter preferences are often very different.
Careful Observation Is Key
Lastly, it’s crucial to observe how your oscars interact with their tank mates. Some might get along from the start, while others may need time to adjust. You always need to have a backup plan to rehome fish if necessary.
FAQs about small oscar fish
Are there small Oscar fish?
While young oscar fish start small, there’s no “dwarf” variety. They all grow large. Tiny oscars in pet stores will become 10–12-inch adults. If you are looking for a fish that will stay small, oscars are not the fish for you.
Can Oscar fish grow in a small tank?
A small tank will only house a juvenile oscar temporarily. While they can start in a 20-gallon tank, they grow fast. Upgrade to a larger tank as they develop.
Can you keep an Oscar in a small tank?
Adult oscars can’t thrive in a small tank. Aim for 75 gallons minimum for one oscar, and a much larger tank for multiples. The adult size of an oscar is something you need to consider before purchasing one.
What size tank does a dwarf Oscar need?
The term “dwarf Oscar” is misleading. There’s no such species. Any oscar fish, regardless of the name, needs a sizable tank once it’s an adult.
Conclusion
Oscars can bring vibrancy, curiosity, and even mischief to your aquarium. Even as small oscar fish when they’re young, their personalities shine through. Providing for an oscar means making a commitment, not just to the small fish you initially take home, but to the large and personality-filled fish it will become. They can live up to 20 years, so be prepared for a long journey together.
Remember, it’s all about giving them the right-sized tank, an engaging environment, good food, and suitable companions. With a little knowledge, a dash of love, and a big enough tank, those captivating small oscar fish you bring home can truly thrive and captivate you for years to come.