Oscar + Tankmates
 

I have a 55g with a 5" Oscar, lots of snails, and 10 loaches. He leaves the loaches alone, never messes with them. The tank has lots of driftwood, rocks, and plants.

I'm looking to add little things in there. I have a never ending snail population, so I do not mind that my oscar eats them every now and then. Even when I think he ate them all, I find about 15 of them the next day.

I was thinking something along the lines of Crayfish. I know the oscar would eat them if given the chance, but if they had lots of hiding places do you think it's be okay?

Are there any other little creatures anyone had in mind besides Snails, Crayfish, and Loaches?

Do not add a crayfish in the with Oscar it will be dead quickly.

I would not add anything else as your tank is too small for the oscar long term, they need a 75g minimum for a single fish.

I am aware the Oscar needs a bigger tank. I am not looking to add fish. I'm looking at Snails and little things.

This oscar is about 2 years old and only 5 inches. He was in a 120g with 2 small Cichlids but he constantly got beat up by them. He never grew past 5 inches.

I am not looking to add fish, but small interesting things besides snails or crayfish.

What type of loaches?

IMO oscars need a bare minimum of a 75 for one or two since they can hit 15" or more if properly cared for. They may not bother tankmates yet, but as they get bigger it will be easier and easier for them to do exactly that, especially if you miss feedings.

Not feeding any live foods ever is a good idea since this can increase aggression and contribute to compatibility problems.

Kuhili Loaches.

Oscar's generally will eat whatever they can fit in their mouths.Snails,loaches,crayfish, are all on the menu for these fish in the wild, and in our aquariums.