Oscar Short term stress and anger

Hi!

Bit curious. I have a super ugly fake plant that I leave in my otherwise natural tank because my oscar likes to attack it. However I do notice that he flares at the plant, attacks it, and rather aggressively moves it around.
Same reaction that he gives my gravel vac when I do my waterchanges.

Now I'm curious; is this shortterm and temporary aggression good or bad for him? Surely it creates some stress, but no fear.

He usually keeps it upp for a few minutes each day. Then back to normal.
He is furious the entire waterchange, which lasts maybe 20 min.

Cheers

 

Probably the highlight of his week.

What else happens in a typical week?

My understanding is it's an intelligent fish in need of stimulation.

 

Probably the highlight of his week.

What else happens in a typical week?

My understanding is it's an intelligent fish in need of stimulation.

Even his massive hatred for the gravel vac? Worried it will stress him out too darn much

 

Its a territorial attack fish being given something in its territory to attack.

Isn't this natural behaviour? How much of the time in the aquarium is it left with nothing to do compared to the wild situation where it will be defending territory and seeking a mate 24/7? For this it is perfectly adapted no? More stress without opportunities for natural behaviour no?

He is successful in chasing the gravel vac away too. Does he not party afterwards?

 

Even his massive hatred for the gravel vac? Worried it will stress him out too darn much

If you think about natural behaviors in the wild, an aggressive territorial fish like an oscar would have these "stressful" moments daily. Whether it be going after other fish or defending its territory.

IMO the gravel vac invading his space once per week isn't a significant source of stress him that you should worry about, especially since he isn't afraid of it. It seems to me that he's just displaying normal, aggressive cichlid behavior.

 

Don't be surprised when the Oscar bites your hand. Lol.

 

It's not unlike dogs who like to attack the floor vac while in use. Since vacuuming is not an all day event I'd not be too concerned about it being overly stressful for him.

 

Thanks!

Yeah it is a rather funny display. Pretty sure it was called som of that "old ultraviolence"

 

Another thing I've noticed, he will sometimes "shiver" for no apparent reason. He has done this daily for years. Usually he does it several times for a few minutes, then stops.

Why?