Many Oscar fish enthusiasts wonder if Oscar fish like to play with toys. They also want to know why these fish like to entertain themselves.
Here’s the straightforward answer to this question:
Since fish have primitive minds, they cannot comprehend the world or entertainment. However, one thing we know without a doubt is that the Oscar fish are frequently looking for a chance to explore. So providing them with a toy would have a positive effect.
Tiger Oscar Playing Soccer & Hand Feeding (Video)
If you notice this breed of fish, you will observe that they are moving all over the place or discovering something strange in the tank to engage themselves. It is their natural tendency to entertain themselves with anything they can find in the tanks.
Oscar Fish Playing and Exploring 101
Why Should I Entertain My Oscar Fish?
Oscars and numerous other fish will probably become sad when they are distant from everyone else in the tank. It is a good idea for the owner to learn about their normal living style and social structure. The most important thing to find out is how to keep them busy or occupied.
Always remember not to buy a single pair of Oscar fish, as one might kill the other due to their aggressive nature. However, you can always buy them in numbers greater than two to keep them busy. The Oscar fish loves to move around and needs a lot of space in the tank, more than you might expect. So keep them in a large tank to avoid aggression.
Giving them toys or engaging them in diverse exercises would be an astounding way to keep them occupied.
Toys are the Finest Form of Entertainment for Oscars
If you purchase an Oscar fish, it is important to keep them happy and engaged. We are not just expected to think about their physical well-being but their psychological wellness.
Providing them with mental and energizing exercises and toys would lessen their pressure and stress levels. Moreover, it will create a joyful relationship with the owner. The happier they are, the healthier they will be.
As discussed above, there are a few toys that would keep the Oscar fish energized. Following is a list of toys that they might like.
Ping Pong Balls
A simple ping pong ball could entertain your Oscar.
They can play with it as a football, and it can be pushed around to either of the two ends as a goal. Once they start playing with the ball, their fascination for it will only increase.
You can make it more enjoyable by adding floating plants in the tank. If your Oscar likes to play at the bottom of the tank, you can use heavier balls.
Bridges and Tubes
Just like many other fish, Oscars love to move around in tubes. They find it amusing to chase other fish and swim around freely. It would be even more fun if you placed a floating tube near the surface of the water.
Waterwheels
The Oscar fish also enjoy moving around in waterwheels by turning them. Some of them learn to turn the wheels by keeping stones on them. You can also find waterwheels that turn around automatically with a battery.
Such battery-driven wheels are perfect for fish which are hesitant to turn the wheels themselves. These are made of plastic and can be purchased at any pet shop.
Aquarium Plants
Aquarium plants can be counted as toys for the Oscars. They can be used as hiding spaces, and they also help to produce oxygen, which is beneficial for them.
An Oscar can play with the ping pong ball between the plants with its peers as well. Just make sure that the plant does not have sharp edges that could cut the fins of the fish.
Mirror
A floating mirror can be used to enhance the excitement for the fish. As we all know, Oscar fish have a competitive nature. A small mirror can make them protective of their territory.
This technique can be used to reduce the boredom of your fish and make them exercise by flaring their fins.
Be cautious, though, as this can lead to issues because Oscar fish are known to attack their own reflections.
Floating Log
A floating log is indeed an amazing addition to your Oscar’s tank. It provides a sense of home. An Oscar can play, move around, sleep, or even build a bubble nest in it. Oscars can float in it on the surface of the water and communicate with their surroundings to kill boredom.
Sinking Ceramic Log
A sinking ceramic log becomes the perfect place for Oscars to have a hideout. It will give them shelter in a playful manner. They can use this place to chill and rest.
Fluval Moss Ball
This is a fake moss ball that floats on the water. It is designed to keep the water clean and fresh. It usually absorbs and traps phosphates and nitrates in the water for up to 2 months.
This serves to keep your tank water fresh and stop the growth of ugly organic matter. Your Oscar will always be inquisitive about this toy.
Safety Measures
There are certain precautions that must be considered while providing toys to your Oscar fish. The safety of the fish should be your main priority.
- Never use toys that have sharp edges.
- There are a few plastic toys that have sharp spurs in them. You can make them secure by cutting down these edges with the help of a pair of scissors.
- Metal is dangerous for Oscars as it contains harmful compounds. It is better that you never purchase toys that have metal in them.
- Be aware of the toys that have a small size. These toys can be swallowed by the fish. It’s better not to purchase extremely small toys.
- You should avoid those toys that have big holes, as your Oscar might get stuck in them.
Conclusion
Toys can be quite stimulating for Oscar fish, but not all toys are suitable. Some flashy toys may actually stress them out. Also, the color of toys matters – avoid sharp or bright red colors as it can trigger aggression in them.
Toys can bring joy to your Oscars and reduce stress and boredom. They are less likely to get bored or lonely when they have interesting and engaging toys around.
The best toys for Oscars are ones that are flexible and easy to move around. Additionally, using toys can help you build a strong bond with your Oscar fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to make an Oscar fish grow faster?
To make any living individual grow faster, it is important to feed them often; every two or three hours. Always choose the right food for your Oscar. There are many food items available in the market that are basically designed to make your Oscar grow faster and healthier. In the end, make sure that the water in the tank is clean.
Are Oscars aggressive to other fish?
Yes, Oscars are naturally aggressive fish. However, they can coexist in a tank with other fish of similar size and temperament. It’s essential to ensure that the other fish are neither too passive nor too aggressive. Over time, Oscars can develop friendly relationships and even play with other fish in the tank.
Does Oscar need a heater?
It’s crucial to monitor the temperature in your Oscar fish tank. The ideal temperature range for Oscars is between 74° and 81°F (23.5° and 27°C). To maintain this temperature, it’s advisable to use an aquarium heater and a thermometer. Additionally, Oscars are known to be messy fish, so regular tank maintenance is essential.
At what age do Oscars breed?
Oscar fish usually become sexually mature around 14 months of age, when they reach a size of about 6 to 10 inches. However, some Oscars may not start breeding until they are 2 or 3 years old. You can tell if an Oscar fish has reached sexual maturity by observing the development of their breeding tubes.
Does Oscar’s bite hurt?
No, Oscars don’t have teeth, so their bite doesn’t hurt, and you won’t bleed from it. However, larger Oscars like the Astronotus ocellatus do have teeth, and their bite can be painful.
