An oscar and his toys

[Synirr]

My oscar, Aristotle, got a new toy today. Along with his rubber ducky and cork bobber, he now as a ping-pong ball. He seems fascinated by the fact that more than half of it is above the surface. I consider play behaviour and curiosity to be sure signs of intelligence, and let me tell you, oscars definitely have it! He has been playing with his ping-pong ball all night, like he has done with all his toys when they were new, but within a week he'll get tired of it and only play with it when he's feeling particularly spunky...
I just wanted to share the story, and maybe inspire some of you to get your big intelligent cichlids some toys of their own

A few minutes ago Aristotle actually jumped so high in an effort to body-slam the ball that he knocked the heavy glass lid up a few inches and splashed water out of the tank like shamoo

 

[Miss Dib Dabs]

Beast! I have to say I wasn't especially drawn to them but having come across one of close to adult size and seeing the look in their eyes you can see the thinking process happening. Makes me think I might want one in the future for sure. Sadly I cannot afford another big tank right now. Give it 6 months or so tho....
Hugs,
P.

 

[pica_nuttalli]

between your Aristotle and the lovely baby i saw at the LFS, i have to keep reminding myself how much i've spent on the fish i already have!

(oh, you would have loved him! jet-black with just a few pure red speckles and a Perfectly Circular eyespot on the tail. oh and a thin white edge running along the tip of the dorsal and tail. he was so pretty, i'm tempted to go back tomorrow and take pictures! )

 

[juanveldez]

lol my JD won't play with his while it is on the surface so I took a drill bit and by hand turned it into the ball a couple different places so that all the air could get out and sank it now he loves it plays with it all the time.

 

[JackDemp528]

I just may have to get some toys for my new JD. He's settled in well. I got him from excessive on wednesday. He was moving and needed a new home for him. So now he's got a great home. And I might just have to find a toy for him. I'll be sure to get pictures up of him soon.