Baby Oscar crook

[Burko]

I recently bought 2 young Oscars, they both settled in quickly in a tank of thier own. They were feeding often and greedily as they do.

A couple of days ago one of them was breathing heavily and hiding. He is now unhappy and has a long 6-8 inches of clear poo stringing from him.

He hasn't eaten in 4 days. I did give them some chopped up prawns before the turn and one O ate most of the offerings.

Could this be the cause?

I've added some salt and the other one is eating happily.

Any advise on how to help the little blighter.

 

[Lupin]

If I were you, I'd isolate the weaker one and treat him with praziquantel just in case. Praziquantel is a very mild treatment for flukes and internal parasites. Add garlic on its food to persuade it to eat. I don't like to recommend salt for situations like this as the fish does not clearly need it.

 

[Geoey]

i had exactly the same problem it would affect 1 oscar while the other 3 were fine they both died after a week i tried different treatments on 2 fish this happened to at sepperate times i can tell you its not bacterial or a normal parasite . good luck.
my next plan was to try some type of specific fungal treatment,
How big are they?

 

[Lupin]

How can you tell yours is not a case of bacterial infection or parasite? What treatments did you use?

 

[Cichlaholics Anonymous]

it clearly sounds like internal parasites rather than fungus, praziquantal is a great choice like lupin said, i use it on most fish when in quarantine

 

[Burko]

"Praziquantel is a very mild treatment for flukes and internal parasites. Add garlic on its food to persuade it to eat. I don't like to recommend salt for situations like this as the fish does not clearly need it. "


OK I'll try the LFS, hopfully Praziquantel is called the same thing here.

Garlic eh I'll try that. Do I just soak a pellet or two in the juice then feed?

I added salt because I guessed that it was constipated after a large chunk of prawn.

 

[Burko]

"i had exactly the same problem it would affect 1 oscar while the other 3 were fine they both died after a week i tried different treatments on 2 fish this happened to at sepperate times i can tell you its not bacterial or a normal parasite . good luck.
my next plan was to try some type of specific fungal treatment,
How big are they?"

Doesnt sound promising, I guess the key is to get him back on the tucker sooner rather than later.

They are only 2 inches long, maybe they needed smaller food still?

"Good luck" Yep cheers for that.

 

[Burko]

"praziquantal is a great choice like lupin said, i use it on most fish when in quarantine"

Pre-emptive strike eh, sounds sound.

 

[Lupin]

OK I'll try the LFS, hopfully Praziquantel is called the same thing here.

Garlic eh I'll try that. Do I just soak a pellet or two in the juice then feed?

I added salt because I guessed that it was constipated after a large chunk of prawn.

It's available as Prazipro in online fish sites or local stores and as Droncit in veterinary clinics. Your nearby vets should know what praziquantel is if you ask them.

 

[justonemoretank]

I know this is a proverbial question, but what are your params? It could be that one is hardier than the other, and, therefore, less affected by higher levels of toxins.