Can axolotls live with oscars?
Verdict
No
No. Axolotls and oscars should not share a tank. Axolotls are coldwater animals (60–66°F); oscars need 74–81°F. No temperature suits both.
What to watch
- Deal breakerAxolotls are coldwater animals (60–66°F); oscars need 74–81°F. No temperature suits both.
- Deal breakerFish nibble at axolotl gills, and axolotls swallow small fish. Keep axolotls on their own.
What works
- pH 6.5–8 suits both.
- They use different parts of the tank: axolotls the bottom, oscars the mid.
Water side by side
Size to scale
Care at a glance
| Axolotl | Oscar | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 60–66 °F | 74–81 °F |
| pH | 6.5–8 | 6–8 |
| Adult size | 10.0 in | 12.0 in |
| Minimum tank | 20 gal | 75 gal |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Semi-aggressive |
| Swims at | Bottom | Middle |
| Group | Alone or in pairs | Alone or in pairs |
| Diet | Carnivore | Carnivore |
Better tank mates for oscars
Common plecoYes
Clown loachYes
Black ghost knifeYes
BichirYes
Elephant nose fishYes
Chinese algae eaterYes
Questions
Can axolotls live with oscars?
No. Axolotls and oscars should not share a tank. Axolotls are coldwater animals (60–66°F); oscars need 74–81°F. No temperature suits both.
What temperature suits both axolotls and oscars?
None. Axolotls need 60–66 °F and oscars need 74–81 °F, so the ranges do not meet.
What size tank do axolotls and oscars need together?
At least 75 gal, set by the oscar. Add space for each extra fish.