playing dead

Question
I got my oscar from wal-mart about three days ago and they put him in the bag in cold tap water. I called petco and they explained that he needed to be in 75-80 degree water.. so I got everything set up accordingly, and he seems to be doing better, except every time I walk up to his tank he lays on the ground and "plays dead". Is there something wrong with him or is he just scared and "playing dead"? I am worried because of his experience on his way to his home...no thanks to walmart.  thank you.

Answer
Hi Tillena,
  "playing dead" is a normal thing for an oscar.  The temp should be between 75 and 80.   It often takes oscars quite a while, sometimes many weeks, to get used to a new home, so please be patient.

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
  Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>