Oscar and Africans

[ccantlin]

I know that for the most part these two do not mix, but if I were to have them in a 220g tank could it be feasible? I love my Africans, but would like to add a large fish to the mix. I saw a beautiful long finned tiger oscar today at my lfs. Any input is welcomed!!


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[sinibotia]

I personally wouldn't do it, especially not if the oscar is long-finned. On water quality alone- their requirements are too different.

 

[ccantlin]

I have not had fw fish in a long time, but I came to the hard realization that saltwater is not a good option at the current time. I never have had an Oscar but I've kept Africans for years


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[Mebbid]

Oscars and Africans are a big no no. Africans are big bruisers and will pick on the oscar a lot.

 

[ccantlin]

Are there any other options for a large fish? Kinda like a centerpiece? Another African that gets to be a good size?


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[Mebbid]

Are there any other options for a large fish? Kinda like a centerpiece? Another African that gets to be a good size?


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I can't really think of anything that will work well as a centerpiece for africans that won't also murder all his tank mates. At 5 - 10 inches on average each, africans aren't really small fish.

 

[Freakgecko91]

There are many hap species that work nicely as center pieces, but typically aren't the best tank mates for Mbuna, as they tend to be a bit calmer and less territorial than mbuna


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[EdwinV]

Mbuna and tilapia buttikoferi are large growing africans . Buttikoferi become killers when they mature but they have been cases in which people have kept buttikoferi that were mellow

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[TMRC Exotics]

Psuedotropheus crabro, 8 inch adult size, a Malawi mbuna, should fit nicely.

 

[ccantlin]

Psuedotropheus crabro, 8 inch adult size, a Malawi mbuna, should fit nicely.

That just might be what I was looking for. Online said three females for every male. Could I get away with two males and eight females or three males and seven females? Like to keep groups of tens.


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[Mebbid]

That just might be what I was looking for. Online said three females for every male. Could I get away with two males and eight females or three males and seven females? Like to keep groups of tens.


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Multiple males of the same type will very likely beat the crap out of each other. I personally wouldn't recommend more than 1 male per species.

 

[ccantlin]

Multiple males of the same type will very likely beat the crap out of each other. I personally wouldn't recommend more than 1 male per species.

So one male and 9 females would be ideal?


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[TMRC Exotics]

1 male 3 females would be fine but they are difficult to sex.

Nvm, I get your point now, if they can be sexed (vented) then 1 male should be fine with extra females. Given the nature of these fish I think two males could coexist as long as 8 females were present. That gives you your 10 count.

 

[ccantlin]

1 male 3 females would be fine but they are difficult to sex.

I like the look of having groups of ten


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[TMRC Exotics]

See edited post, sorry.

 

[ccantlin]

No worries. What would be the best ratio for a group of ten bumblebee cichlids?


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[Grannysneo]

You might try a frontosa I have one in with my Africans. They r slow growers though


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[TMRC Exotics]

You might try a frontosa I have one in with my Africans. They r slow growers though


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Frontosa are from lake tanganyika and are peaceful, they shouldn't be stocked with mbuna.

 

[Freakgecko91]

Frontosa are from lake tanganyika and are peaceful, they shouldn't be stocked with mbuna.

Sort of peaceful, Fronts are predatory and I have seen plenty of pics and videos of them trying to eat large fish. Saw one try to choke down a 6" altolamprologus compressiceps in one video. Not to mention no matter how slow they grow, adults still need to be in groups, which will require a tank of at least 180 gallons.


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[TMRC Exotics]

Come on freakgecko give me some credit, I'm learning lol.