"Blueberry Oscars"

[nc_nutcase]

I've seen these a couple times at LFSs and want to know a little more about them. Are they hybrid or dye jobs? The ones I'm considering buying don't look extremely healthy but I'm not sure if that's just because they have lived their lives in less than adequate conditions or because they are some science project gone wrong...

 

[spAcE mOnkEy]

they are dyed... i wouldnt get them. the ones i see are always lying down or dead.

 

[freddyk]

Even the 'healthy' ones in the store don't last until adulthood, and the color fades over time, you'll end up with not only a stupid cartoon of a fish, but an ugly one at that once the blue turns to muted brown. Stick to the originals if you like fish! Black Oscar, tiger oscar, red oscar, and the line-bred albino's are the most common.

 

[DannyBoy17]

I believe there are Blue and Gold Oscar Hybrids now that are not died.

Anyways, I would stick to the general line-bred Oscars. Tigers look awesome!

DB

 

[nshockeyplaya]

Indeed, an orange tiger oscar is the coolest looking of them all. Why get a stupid blue one???

 

[nc_nutcase]

I considered getting a 'stupid blue one' because I'm stocking a 550 Gal indoor pond with 12 Oscars and want a variety.

But... after a little research I concluded not to get the blue Oscars because of the inhumane dying process.

 

[nshockeyplaya]

Why just oscars man, if you want variety get some other fish. I mean you have 550 gallons to work with!!! Just oscars is boring, make a variety.

 

[nc_nutcase]

What can I say, I'm an Oscar lover. But while having this pond I will still have a 125 Gal, 55 Gal and 29 Gal housing cichlids as well. So it's not like I will only have Oscars.

 

[pica_nuttalli]

Why just oscars man, if you want variety get some other fish. I mean you have 550 gallons to work with!!! Just oscars is boring, make a variety.

the man is building a pond. he can put whatever he durn well pleases in it. have you *seen* his list?

 

[nshockeyplaya]

Yes, i have and i wasnt telling the man to do anything for your info buddy. I was simply making a suggestion.

 

[pica_nuttalli]

oh, ok, coolness.

so where you gonna put this "indoor pond"?

 

[nc_nutcase]

"Just Oscars is boring, make a variety" sounds more like a statement than a suggestion. But with the internet we don't hear tones or see body language, so it's easy to take things wrong. (I'm smiling now and not bitching, lol)

The pond is initially going in a corner in the basement. If all goes well it is designed to double as a coffee table that matches my living room furniture. I have a big unfinished basement and if... my first pond project goes well... and after I get some experience with it... I've got my eye on a 1200 Gal kiddie swimming pool that I want for my Pacus to mature in. That one would have a healthy mix of fish in it (although it'll still be 50% Oscars...)

If your interested in the pond there is a thread down a little ways called "Oscar Pond" that's been collecting thoughts for about a week. I will also make a web page of some sorts explaining structural design, showing pics, sharing thoughts and so forth. I just don't want to do any of this until I know for sure that the walls aren't going to plunge out when I fill it with water (which should be this coming Sunday)

 

[nshockeyplaya]

Sorry if i sounded like i was giving orders, what u said about online is very true. I was just suggestiing, at the time i also didnt see that u had other tanks as wel. So anyways GL with the pond

 

[nc_nutcase]

No worries. Internet communication allows us to be taken out of context rather easily. No apologies necessary and thanks for the good wishes.

PS. I’ve been asked for pics of the pond in progress... well they aren't impressive as for now it's simply four bulky sidewalls awaiting to be attached (tomorrow nights project), but... the link in my signature below has a couple pics of the walls and the corner where the pond will reside

 

[cichlidmaster]

First off,

"Blueberry" oscars are dyed or at least the majority of them you see for sale are.

There was a debate at another forum about a breeder who actually, through selective breeding, developed a true strain of blue oscar.

This was never proven however!!

Second,

the blue oscars that are dyed are of the albino variety and NOT the standard oscar so once the dye faded you would have an albino!!

This being said, a higher percentage of dyed oscars would make it to adulthood as they are a very hardy fish!!

Now, before anyone starts blasting me thinking I am advocating buying dyed, hybrid or genetically altered fish.....DON'T!!!!

Those who know me here know my stand on the above mentioned "FRANKENFISH"!!!

I do, however feel everyone has the right to own whatever fish they please as long as they are fully informed of the fishes origin beforehand.

CM