Can an oscar live in a 30 gallon its whole life?

[CichlidGluttony]

I know someone who thinks that his oscar can live in a 30 gallon its whole life. He feeds it a wide variety(mostly plant based foods) and does daily water changes. Could his oscar live the regular lifespan or would the small tank still shorten its life?

 

[fishman09]

yes of course the oscar can live its whole life in the 30 but that may be only a couple years or it could be 20.

 

[C L O W N K N I F E]

No. You will eventually stunt its growth and decrease its lifespan.

 

[MonitorSpiderCichlid]

It would stunt its growth. The oscar might be healthy, but he will stop growing at a certain point. His intestines keep growing which can cause deformity or even death.
Is it hard enough to buy a 55 at the least?

It can easily live in a 30, but he wont look good. FYI, their life span wont shorten if you change the water daily and give em vegetable foods.

 

[oscaroo]

no at leat 50 gallons

 

[Loves severums]

NO a full grown Oscar getting up to 14" a 65 gallon would be better..

 

[clekchau]

i'm sure it could but it would be miserable in my opinion.

 

[AQUAMONSTER]

just another person who was given the wrong info at the petshop from people who dont know too much. Like throwing a pacu in 20 gallon

 

[BlueKiller82]

Ask this someone if they could live in a regular sized closet the rest of their life! Thats how the oscar will feel.

 

[Jc1119]

Technically you could, but it's bordering on animal cruelty IMO. I would live for awhile, although it would be a miserable life