[Guest]

iv had my oscar since december its grown alot, but its still really shy.
i wouldnt say that its still sulking but whenever i accidently bump somthing on the tank he swims to the other side of the tank so fast and he hide behind this cave i have in my 100 gallon.
iv seen a couple video with oscar following peoples finger and stuff and iv been trying to get my oscar to play with a magfloat but he gets so scared that his scales or skin [dont really know the name] starts to turn into like the color when hes stressed.

anyways i can get him to not be so scared of stuff and to get him more excited??

exept whenever he sees me opening up the food can...

 

[doghair]

It's usually the unfamiliar that makes animals freak. Mine hid for a long time during water changes until he figured out nothing was going to hurt him. Now he ninja attacks the siphon and glass mop when I'm cleaning.

Get a routine down with what game you want to play and be patient and consistent. He will figure it out.

 

[terd ferguson]

Sudden moves and/or loud noises can spook fishes. Also, they can be spooked when the lights come on. Spend some time watching him, he'll get to know you. Then you can try the "follow my finger" game. Oscars are very personable.

I've read about a guy who trained his Oscar to identify colors for a reward. He had two different colored fish food lids and taught him how to choose the red (or black, I don't recall) for a treat. I've also heard of guys putting a ping pong ball in their tank for the Oscar to play with.

I used to not like Oscars, but after having a couple for a while, they're one of my favorites. Their personality is the best. The key I think is to spend lots of time in front of your tank. :thumb: