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this sounds like what most people wouldn't do and the tank is a 55 gal. I'm

Last edited by riri1 at 08-Apr-2005 16:44

You can have most catfish that will grow big enough not to fit in your oscars mouth.
beware though that Oscars ( especialy bigger ones) that have been on their own, will sometimes not allow anything else in the tank,

I have a Pictus and striped rafael in with mine, all introduced when young.

hope this helps.

I have an oscar in a sixty. When he was young he was teamed with a 4 inch BN which has grown wise as oscar has grown and knows where to hide. However, when he was 9 inches a 3 inch common plec was added and we never saw it again. He is now ten inches long and has a major attitude.

Raphaels and other Doradids should be safe even with the most pugnacious Oscars. As I said in a thread on this Family of Catfishes, the Doradids are the main battle tanks of the aquarium, covered all over in spiny armour that makes them about as appealing to the mouth of another inquisitive fish as one of those mediaeval spiked balls that used to be used as weapons of war. Plus, Doradids have an additional defensive weapon. The pectoral fins are powerfully constructed, and the forward pectoral rays are hardened & covered in more spines. These act in opposition to certain key spines on the body where the pectorals naturally fold back, so anything that tries attacking a Doradid usually finds itself being clamped between these spiny edges. Don't forget Oscars and several Doradids share the same native waters, so even the most foul-tempered Oscar will think twice before trying to beat up something like a Raphael or a Talking Catfish. And if it doesn't, the Oscar will be the one getting the rude awakening


Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002

I have had great success in keeping the aforementioned catfish with oscars. Also to be suggested are large synodontis, certain sulirids, and pims.

how about a RTBS or a rainbow shark or maybe some pictus catfish

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''All the clown fish and yellow tangs in the world cant save you now!''

I don't think that a red tailed black shark or a rainbow shark would be a good idea. First of all, they aren't even catfish. Secondly, they reach a much smaller size than oscars, which is an open invitation for the fish to get picked on. Thirdly, they are actually quite peaceful, which means that an oscar could easily dominate these Cyprinids. And fourthly, they aren't quite as good as catfish are at hiding. Many catfish usually know when to get out of the way of aggressive tankmates, though red tailed and rainbow sharks will often just sort of hang around. That is my impression of them from work, anyhow.

I would go with either raphael or pictus catfish, personally. They're tough and resourceful, and have plenty of catfish spines and defenses.

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And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."

I have a 55 gal with a pair of convicts and along with many other fish I have a rainbow shark. I know that the cons. are not big enough to eat the RS. but the RS holds his own in the tank. I would have to say that if the oscar is smaller and there are lots of hiding places then a RT or RS would be ok.

you have to remember that the sharks are quite quick and have a bit of an attitude. Mine some times even chases the cons around.

Female Con. 3"
Male Con. 5"
Rainbow Shark is about ... 3.5"

Last edited by Wingsdlc at 12-Apr-2005 08:08

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric

How about nothing. A 55g can't support any catfish and an oscar.

How about nothing.

That was a bit caustic...
Anyway, you could fit a pictus or raphael, but you would have to be good with water changes. Promise me you'll be good? Hey, no crossing fingers!

- Dj:88)

Last edited by djtj at 12-Apr-2005 19:47

Ok weekly or every half week.

Better still, start saving your pennies for a 125

May take time, but you know you want one ... and so will your Oscar in time

Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002