Does anyone out there have an Oscar that plays in bubbles? I've read that some do and I've read that it shows signs of problems. One of mine likes to attack the undergravel filter tubes and then will occassionally swim through the bubbles in the bubbler. He like floats in them - letting them take him to the top of the tank.

He has done this since I purchased him... and I remember seeing him do it at the fish store too. I checked them out for a week before I purchased them.

Yes mine "Play" in the bubbles all the time! They love the bubble bar! Completely normal behavior!!

are you kidden me you should see the fit my larg oscar bubblese throws when i turn em off or even move em for general cleaning!!!

My fish will not eat or come to the surface if the bubbles are off.
If I turn them back on, they'll eat out of my hand.
Guess they're used to them so much...

I guess that answers my question. I was told that fish (not Oscars specifically) only go in the bubbles when something is wrong.. like Ich. I did notice when I was without my bubbler for a mere 24 little bitty hours that Red was sulking in the corner. I didn't put two and two together.

Damn I love these fish!!

I have also read when fish float in the bubbles it's a sign of parasites with the belief that floating in aeration bubbles is a way to relieve the irritation caused by the parasite or fungal infection. With saying this it could also be an absolutely normal behavior. If I were in a tank with a bunch of bubbles I would play with them often. Maybe your fish is a thrill seeker and find it exhilerating!