A severum only tank wouldn't be a bad idea either. Personally I never had any problem with severums and aggression but that was probably do to them being in with bigger and more aggressive fish.
Why a Severum shouldn't f*** with a big Oscar...
- Thread starter FINWIN
- Start date
I read somewhere that the red morph was actually discovered in the wild back in the 60s. Then it was line bred or something.
Yup in a bucket and doing ok. Problem is I don't have the space or time to deal with another "one fish only" tank...I've already got three parrots in separate tanks (due to fighting) in addition to the main one...just too much on the plate. Chip's gonna have to adapt or (I hate to say it) deal with his fate. Chip tries to be tough, but an Oscar several times his mass can't be intimidated. If it weren't for the cover at the bottom I'd be worried for the catfishes too...even though the featherfins are between 6-7" they can still be bitten. In fact my previous ocellifer nearly got bitten in half by Brick when he kept 'tasting' him with his whiskers. I would say Brick for the most part is pretty tolerant of tank mates. The parrot can share his space but nobody else. He's scaped out 1/3 of the tank for his apartment, a nest of plants and vines. There's a big pit in the middle he sleeps on. It's calmed him down tremendously once he made his own area. He seemed to be going through some late teen/young adult hormonal thing for awhile.
On a lighter side note, Brick loves cramming his big @ss into tight spots...he even squeezes into the parrot's hide. Will grab a pic when he does it next. It's really funny!
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Update on Chip. Things took a bad turn in the bucket...I went to check on him this evening and he was nearly gone, on his side and barely breathing. Water slightly cloudy, which is odd because I used Prime. 3 hours prior he was fine! I refreshed his water several times a day.
He perked right up in the main tank and swam around a bit. But he is severely traumatized from his head bite. He darts up to the surface and hugs the back wall under the filter. He won't move from there unless a fish swims by. Then he shoots wildly in every direction with his tail bent 'up'. He isn't giving any eye contact either. His breathing is very rapid and he flaps his fins constantly. If he were human I'd call it a panic attack.
So far the others haven't bothered him. They checked him out a bit then ignored. Brick swam over to him a couple of times and Chip nearly stroked out, gasping and flapping wildly. His behavior is so bizarre and submissive no one sees him as a threat right now, so they leave him alone.
He perked right up in the main tank and swam around a bit. But he is severely traumatized from his head bite. He darts up to the surface and hugs the back wall under the filter. He won't move from there unless a fish swims by. Then he shoots wildly in every direction with his tail bent 'up'. He isn't giving any eye contact either. His breathing is very rapid and he flaps his fins constantly. If he were human I'd call it a panic attack.
So far the others haven't bothered him. They checked him out a bit then ignored. Brick swam over to him a couple of times and Chip nearly stroked out, gasping and flapping wildly. His behavior is so bizarre and submissive no one sees him as a threat right now, so they leave him alone.
Poor Chip. Hope he gets some more strength back lol. Salt dips is meant for short term depending on its strength IMO.
I personally use Epsom salt when it comes to wound care. I dont leave the fish in for longer than 10 minutes at a time when using it as a dip. I add it to the tank itself in small doses too depending on situation
I personally use Epsom salt when it comes to wound care. I dont leave the fish in for longer than 10 minutes at a time when using it as a dip. I add it to the tank itself in small doses too depending on situation
Ok, further update on Chip. He's breathing normally now but keeps to himself and stays near the surface or upper column in the plants. Does a lot of head standing and sits motionless. I thought he may be developing a bladder issue but he swims normally when he wants to. The Choc Bobo stays around him...they had a small go at it but all the fights gone from Chip. He may really be a different fish from here on out. The BP Boss tested him once too but he didn't respond so Boss left him be (the parrot fights mostly when he gets excited about it). Brick eases his way and he drops like a stone or darts out of sight. Extremely passive now so everyone ignores him. Likely a good thing as it will keep his stress down as he heals.
Not sure if those white marks are going to be permanent scars or not, they look pretty ugly. Still keeping an eye on him, but he definitely may not be the same. The new attitude may save his life! But will wait and see how it plays out.
Not sure if those white marks are going to be permanent scars or not, they look pretty ugly. Still keeping an eye on him, but he definitely may not be the same. The new attitude may save his life! But will wait and see how it plays out.
I had used sea salt for a dip. He was in it for an hour (probably too much) but then the water was changed out.
What size is the tank? Might not be large enough for the two of them to cohabitat. I think with enough room they should be able to work it out though. Sevs are pretty tough and all things considered i dont think the head wounds were that bad. Seems indicative of territorial disputes. Ime, the situation is more dangerous when you start noticing chunks taken from the belly and sides, as that indicates the fish is being targeted with lethal intentions.
I agree with this, aggression is almost always due to housing too large, and too many fish, in too small a tank.
This is never the fault of the fish, they are just dealing with the resources (space) allowed to them, and how instinct dictates them to behave.
Expecting a couple largish fish to live amicably in s space the size of a water filled truck tire rut in the road, or small culvert, is not realistic.
