Last month I bought 2 oscars from Walmart. I've never had fish that have personalities before. They already greet me by splashing around when I get home from work or when I walk by the tank. They don't respond or even get shy when it is anyody else!

Both fish were the same size when I brought them home. Both have grown, but one is growing twice as much as the other. They always swim together, rubbing each other, playing in the air bubbles or filter current. It's way cool to watch them!!

When I feed them the bigger fish always seems to be a greedier eater than the smaller one. He always eats more. It's only when I feed them pellets that I can help the smaller fish get more if I drop them right in front of him. He really appears grateful. I'd appreciate any suggestions to help him catch up. I don't know if they will get along so well in the future when they really get big.

I've loved reading the posts here and already have learned a lot. Until now............."I never thought I could love a fish..................!!"

You're not the first person to have two Oscars that grow at a different rate. Not all Oscars grow at exactly the same rate, some will end up a lot bigger than others. I suppose like many animals one may become bigger and stronger so can compete for food that much easier than others. This is certainly not an uncommon occurrence in an Oscar aquarium. Have you tried putting food in at opposite ends of the tank? If you can get them into the habit of feeding at both ends of the tank you may find that they will both get some food. It may take a few feeding sessions to get them into the habit, but it's worth a try. Rather than putting in small amounts of food, you may have to put in quite a few pellets to make sure the smaller one does get his fair share. Give it a go and see what happens

I think the best idea is to feed them at opposite ends of the tank like OFL recommended.

Another idea to try would be to feed the big one a larger pellet or large chunk of food - while he is distracted trying to swallow or eat the larger bits; give the little one smaller pieces that are more readily/easy to eat & swallow. I find my O's sometimes stuff their mouths full; and it takes them a few minutes to chew/swallow. At that time I can feed the other fish that aren't as bullish as the O's while the O's are preoccupied.

I have my first O's too - and have never seen fish with such personality.

just a few posts above is anther asking the same question )))) just goes to show its a common worry.
www.oscarfishlover.com/oscar-fish-advice...growth-paterns#81618

Hello! Just an update since this February post...............

My oscars are both around 4 1/2 inches now. The smaller one is now the bigger one. He (she?) eats everything and is not picky. The one that was bigger before is a finicky eater and while he passes on my food offerings the other one gobbles it up. These are way cool fish!!!! -charley

my tiger is slightly smaller than lutino is. But did you know fish emit a hormone into the water that can sometimes stunt the growth of others, and that by doing your water changes, you are actually reducing this hormone? Just food for thought.

My Lutino has always been very dominate, and the tiger, not so much. So I suppose that make since about why they grew slightly different sizes, but mine are not even a year old yet. Almost, I think around the next month or so they will be a year....I can tell too, they act nuts, the tiger follows lutino, they fight and then go right back to swimming together.

I always feed a different sides, or I distract the greediest with a large chunk, and he is usually so busy chewing he forgets about the other food!

I LOVE my oscars too!!