oscar is shy

[andrewhuynh265]

i have an oscar in my tank and it is always hiding. sometimes it comes out, but when i walk to the tank to look at it, it goes and hides again. why does he always swim away? i've had him for a few weeks now. shouldn't he be used to it by now?

 

[robertmarda]

What kind of oscar is it? Do you have any other fish in the tank with the oscar? How long is the oscar?

 

[andrewhuynh265]

nope, the oscar is by itself. its only about 3 inches.

 

[Menagerie]

What is the size of the tank? What kind of decor are you using? What are your water parameters (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, temp and pH)?

 

[andrewhuynh265]

the tank is 20 gallons long. there is one big cave in it. the water is fine. when i walk away. he comes out and eats and swims around, but when i stay close to the tank he hides in the cave.

 

[Menagerie]

I would say your finned friend is fine. I will ask oscarbreeder for him to pop in.

 

[spence0416]

After a few months he'll start to associate you with food. Then he will no longer be afraid. Also he is starting to outgrow the tank. Give him more room to swim around and he will become more active.