posted 02-03-2004 01:21 PM         

They require totally different water. Oscars prefer softer water with a lower pH while africans like harder water with a higher pH.

Oscars grow very large, very quickly. Most africans don't get much more than 4" and grow rather slowly so there's a good chance he'll end up being a snack for the oscar.

Africans are much more aggressive than oscars. So until the oscar gets really big, there's a good chance the africans will rip him to shreds.

They require totally differnt tank decorations. Oscars prefer large open areas. Africans (especially mbunas) like lots of caves and rock work. This allows them to establish more distinct territories and helps to keep aggression down. If you have large open areas for the oscar, the africans will be even more aggressive. If you have lots of rocks and caves for the africans, the oscar will tear himself up on the rocks.

So no, don't mix the 2.