Do Oscar Fish Eat Goldfish: Factors, Prevention & Tips
Oscar fish and goldfish are two different types of fish. Goldfish are a type of carp, while Oscars are a type of catfish. They both eat different varieties of food as both species are omnivores, but Oscar fish are known to eat smaller fish. But will they eat goldfish as well?
This is a question that a lot of people have, and the answer is yes, Oscar fish do eat goldfish. In addition, goldfish are not the only type of fish that Oscar fish will eat. They also like to eat snails, shrimp, and worms. But if you want to keep goldfish with Oscars, there are still possibilities that they can survive together, but to a few reservations.
Table of Contents
Why Are Oscar Fish and Goldfish Incompatible?
Food and Diet
Oscar fish are omnivores and can eat almost anything that is in the water, including small goldfish. They will also eat some types of food that goldfish do not like to eat, such as snails and shrimp. This means that Oscar fish will not be able to keep up with your goldfish when it comes to eating, but these two types of fish will still be in good health. Oscar fish are known for their appetite for live food. This includes things like worms, crickets, and other small creatures. Some people believe that this is why Oscars are so fond of goldfish. Some people think that Oscar fish eat goldfish because they are scavengers. They need to eat something to survive and they think that goldfish are a good source of food. Other people think that Oscar fish eat goldfish because they like the taste.
Competition in Space
Oscar fish is a very active fish and needs a lot of space to swim around. If a goldfish is present in the tank, Oscar fish will slowly eat them up. Also, since these fishes are both racers and jump out of the water to hunt for food (meaning they like to swim around), there might be a few accidents that happen to cause injuries or other problems with your aquarium.
Different Maintenance
Goldfish are very low-maintenance pets and don’t require as much care as Oscar fish. Goldfish are also much cheaper to keep, making them a good choice for those on a budget. In addition, they are also much easier to care for, as they don’t require a lot of attention. While both Oscar fish and goldfish are freshwater fish, they come from different families. Oscar fish eat smaller fish, while goldfish are mostly used for their decorative purposes. Together, they will make a big mess.
Water Conditions
Goldfish can live in a lot of different types of water while Oscar Fish needs specific water conditions and temperature to survive. Oscar needs warmer water temperatures, around 74 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit (23 to 27 degrees Celsius), while goldfish need cooler water temperatures, around 68 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 23 degrees Celsius).
Cost of Care
The upkeep of an Oscar fish tank will be costly, as Oscars are known for their high food needs. As mentioned, aquariums with Oscars typically require a varied diet that includes both fresh and saltwater fish. In addition, Oscars require a lot of space, as they can grow to be quite large.
How to Keep Oscars and Goldfish Together?
Get a Larger Aquarium
Keeping Oscar and goldfish together can be a bit of a challenge. One way to do this is to make sure that both fish have their own space. Indeed, getting a bigger tank for Oscar and goldfish is a good idea. The reasoning behind this is that these fish live in large groups and need plenty of space to swim around and play. However, some experts say that this is not always necessary and that a smaller tank can be just as adequate. It all depends on the size and type of fish and how much they like to swim.
Balance the Temperature
Aquarium temperature should not be too hot for Oscar fish, which prefers temperatures around 74 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit (23 to 27 degrees Celsius). And as mentioned earlier, goldfish need cooler temperatures between 68 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit (20 – 23 Celsius). The temperature in a fish tank can be easily balanced by adding or removing water. However, the temperature of an aquarium can also be balanced by adding or removing objects and ornaments.
Put Hiding Spots
Oscar fish love to hide. Always give them plenty of hiding spots when keeping an Oscar and goldfish together, or they will do their best to sneak around the corner where you can’t see them! You could add plants that grow pretty close to the walls around your tank (use pots with holes next time!) considering many Oscars like underground homes. Make sure there are lots of places in the aquarium for goldfish hatchlings as they will need to hide as they grow too.
Give Enough Food to Both Species
Both Oscar fish and goldfish need to eat a similar ideal diet. Food is the easiest way (and sometimes only easy way) for weak or sick fish to be treated, so it is important to keep both species of fish well-fed when they live in an aquarium with other fish. In addition, the diet of both species can be altered to include foods that they enjoy.
Oscar fish and goldfish do not always get along well together, but with a little patience and attention to their needs, you can have them happily swimming around your aquarium for years to come!
What to Consider When Putting Other Fish With Oscars?
- Oscar fish like peaceful and aggressive fish that have similar swimming habits.
- Some of the best options to avoid Oscar fish aggression include other small fish and loaches.
- Oscars can live with other fish in a community tank, but they are best suited to tanks with other Oscar-type fish.
- Be sure to choose a tank that has plenty of room and is well-planted to accommodate your new friends.
- Some good Oscar tank mates include corydoras, plecos, gouramis, silver dollar, cichlid, and tetras.
What Are Other Incompatible Fish for Oscars?
As mentioned, Oscars prefer to eat smaller fish, such as goldfish. Other fish that Oscars will eat include minnows, catfish, and trout. Some other incompatible fish for Oscars are tilapia, grouper, salmon, and oyster. In addition, Oscars can be aggressive towards other fish that have similar swimming habits.
