If you’ve ever seen an Oscar fish, you may have noticed that they often lie on their side at the bottom of the tank. This behavior is perfectly normal and there are a few different reasons why Oscars might do this.
For one, lying on their side gives Oscars a better view of their surroundings. Their eyes are positioned on either side of their head, so by lying sideways they can get a panoramic view of everything going on around them. Additionally, this position allows them to better blend in with their environment since the bottom of the tank is usually lighter in color than the water’s surface.
Oscars also tend to lie on their side when they’re feeling ill or stressed. If your Oscar is suddenly lying on its side and showing other signs of distress (loss of appetite, lethargy, etc.), it’s important to take it to the vet for a check-up as soon as possible.
In most cases, though, lying on their side is just a quirk of Oscar fish behavior and nothing to worry about!