Can Oscars & Channa Pleuros coexist together?

[BigFishBoy1429]

Hi guys, can oscars and pleuros coexist together in the same tank? can it be done? I know both species grow in a comparable size and I think pleuros or ocellated snakeheads are one of the more safer options of channa species than giant snakeheads but would I try or chance it and recommend it to keep with oscars in the future? Thanks.

 

[MaloK]

It's a pretty ambitious idea...

Both are predators that can be territorial. And both can be from cool mellow friendly to outright bullies.

I would consider it extremely risky and be ready to move one at moment notice.

 

[GaryE]

It might be a permanent standoff tank. You know, that scene in cowboy movies where the two gunslingers stand in the street. Only in the best case scenario, they might stand. And stand. And stand. And then stand for a while. The stand and stare for as long as you have them.

You might find yourself wondering why you put them together if they don't murder each other, or if they do.

 

[MaloK]

 

[WhistlingBadger]

It might be a permanent standoff tank. You know, that scene in cowboy movies where the two gunslingers stand in the street. Only in the best case scenario, they might stand. And stand. And stand. And then stand for a while. The stand and stare for as long as you have them.

You might find yourself wondering why you put them together if they don't murder each other, or if they do.

Eventually, they get tired of standing. Go into the saloon and buy each other a cup of coffee, and end up on the same side.

That could happen with the gunslingers. The Oscar and snakehead? Not likely.

 

[MaloK]

Ordering coffee in a saloon ?!?!!?!?!?...

Kinda guy that asks for a glass of milk in a bar

 

[GaryE]

Ocellated snakeheads are a fish people outside of their range rarely consider, given owning them is illegal in most northern countries. I saw them before they were banned, and got the impression they needed pristine water conditions. On their own, they'd need very good water conditions, and I would expect a very large tank.

They were very territorial in the large tank I watched them in. My friend kept a pair, so that may have intensified their aggression, but I would say they are a fish worthy of their own tank. Some people keep large fish in not large tanks, and while they can be pretty, they can't do anything. They are a lot less interesting to watch when crowded, or in a perpetual standoff with an oscar.

 

[WhistlingBadger]

Ordering coffee in a saloon ?!?!!?!?!?...

Kinda guy that asks for a glass of milk in a bar

Just tryin' to keep it family friendly. Though when I worked in a restaurant, I used to walk up to the bar during happy hour and loudly order a glass of milk, just to make my friend the bartender laugh.

 

[BigFishBoy1429]

I understand now that C. pleuros are extremely risky combination with oscars thanks. I appreciate it

 

[simonas]

Questions like this with bigger more predatory fish are hard to answer as there are generally no rules. They literally have their own personalities. I keep a mix of bigger predatory fish and the mix has evolved over time finding a happy medium. Occasionally a fish like this can just turn for no reason etc

Oscars are cool fish I have two about 12" each and they are super peaceful. I have kept snakeheads in the past in species tanks and never found them too good to mix with other fish although I have never kept Pleuro. Do Pleuro need cooler conditions and a winter hiberbation like a lot of channa?