Hey guys,

Finally got my tank ready for some oscars, so I went and picked up a 2.5" Albino. Brought it home and done all the jazz to ease it into the tank and it settled in quickly. The next day I went and picked up another oscar, this time a slightly smaller red tiger, it also settled in quick. In fact no more than 15 minutes in the tank and it had already had a go at the albino.

The problem is that they just do not seem to get along, even the slightest thought of eye contact causes a charge, sometimes it is even unprovoked, like the little red tiger is just looking for a fight. I have now noticed a couple of minor injuries on the albino.

Is juvenile aggression common or is it that these two oscars just wont ever get along? I will hate having to decide which one to keep if I must separate them, the red tiger looks like he could turn out to be really stunning, but he is very aggressive and I am worried he will be the same to any oscar that comes near. Which means he might have to go. I can't keep him alone because I want two, an albino and a red tiger.

Is it possible that they are both male and already having problems or does that not start until sexual maturity?

These little guys are in a 6ft tank, there is plenty of room for the both of them but still the battle is on...

I am afraid that these are the sort of things that can happen, it would happen in nature if you forced two animals to live together in an unnatural environment. No one will be able to give you an absolutely conclusive answer to why this is happening, it just does happen and obviously if it is obvious they are not going to be able to live together in harmony, you will have to re-home one of them.

Hey OFL,

Yeah, I knew there can be problems. I guess I just wasn't expecting it to be quite so prominent at such a young age. You would think young fish would want to stick together for safety, but I guess in a closed environment they work out there is no danger.

Another thing I'm worried about is that the albino might now be automatically defensive against other fish that come near it, even if it is a different oscar that actually isn't trying to be aggressive...

At this stage neither fish seems stressed, except for when they are facing off they are both swimming around and constantly looking for food. I can't ignore the fact that the albino does have two or three minor wounds though, so I will be watching them closely.

I have the same situation, Nothing you can do will stop there aggression towards each other.

Hey Ripspring,

Sadly I have had to make arrangements with the LFS to swap the red tiger. Hopefully the next little fella will be more friendly, I just hope the albino doesn't act defensive thinking it is the other one.

Anyway, going to pick the new one up in the next hour, so I'll let you guys know how it goes.

2 hours after introducing the new red tiger they appear to be the best of friends. Initially the albino was very weary of its new mate, a little bit of dominance behaviour but the little red just took it in its stride. Now the little fella is sitting in the corner getting used to his new home and the albino who normally rarely sits still hasn't left its side, it's quite cute actually.

All in all, everyone including me, is now stress free!!!

Just keep an eye on them buddy your not out of the woods yet

Hey Staffie,

I'm sure they will have their moments, there has been a couple of gill flares and gentle nudges but that is just oscars. Hopefully they will remain friends, at least for the next 10-15 years...

all the best but can turn sour pretty quickly just keep that in mind =]

Wait until the first morning before that sigh of relief...they get up to their mischief over night...if all is well when the sun comes up then you are probably OK..Sounds good though...gotta love those personalities...shazzzzzzzzzz

Hey Guys,

Just to let you know that everything is still fine, they are still just chillin' together... lol.

Glad to hear they are still buds! I hope it stays that way. My two that I inherited with the tank about 5 weeks ago are great friends at 8" and 9". Best wishes!