Heartsick.

[jjohnwm]

This is a heartbreaker; I have no idea how to help but positive thoughts.

Just an idea; Brick is more like an "angling" fish than a typical "aquarium" fish. Handling and supporting the body weight is important with a lot of big fish; could that be a concern here? I sometimes think that part of the problem that many keepers face is brought on by the fact that they are forever moving the fish from this tank to that tank to a bucket to a bin and back again.

I agree that the 4-degree temp drop isn't ideal, but it's less of a concern when the fish has this much mass to it. I definitely think you should post something in the Diseases/Health forum to catch all possible replies and suggestions.

Brick is an icon around here. If he were mine, I think I'd move out all those other fish rather than cause him any stress by moving him. My thoughts and best wishes go out to you both.

 

[FINWIN]

Shortly after my last post he was gone. My head's not in a good place right now but I wanted to share how truly a BEAST my magnificent oscar was. Life can be so cruel...this is the third main fish I've lost in March. I don't get it.

Here's how he was in the cooler. His ball will go with him.

 

[FINWIN]

Side view. You see the dark coloration he kept for about 2 weeks prior to this.

 

[FINWIN]

True definition of MONSTER. The angle is wonky because he's hanging off the scale. Look at the weight. Over 3 1/2 lbs.

Love ya, Brick. I gotta go.

 

[jjohnwm]

I am so sorry....

This literally saddens me more than many of the fish that I myself have owned and lost over the years.

 

[LBDave]

I can relate.
I'm learning that you just have to enjoy the time they have with you (as my wife says).
I have lost 3 personable fish in the last year. One like Brick and 2 male silver dollars about 15 years old.

On the flip side I restarted a community tank after my last oscar passed. Sorta a new beginning. It has really helped.
And it goes to show that even when we fishkeepers do our darndest to keep the fish healthy sometimes they just pass. Sometimes much earlier than expected.

 

[SilverArowanaBoi]

True definition of MONSTER. The angle is wonky because he's hanging off the scale. Look at the weight. Over 3 1/2 lbs.

Love ya, Brick. I gotta go.

View attachment 1537698

I'm truly sorry for your loss, FINWIN@, I know how much he meant to you. He will always have a special place in the hearts of the many Oscar (and other fish) keepers here that he has impacted. You took really good care of him; he was lucky to have such a devoted and wonderful keeper.

 

[FINWIN]

I can relate.
I'm learning that you just have to enjoy the time they have with you (as my wife says).
I have lost 3 personable fish in the last year. One like Brick and 2 male silver dollars about 15 years old.

On the flip side I restarted a community tank after my last oscar passed. Sorta a new beginning. It has really helped.
And it goes to show that even when we fishkeepers do our darndest to keep the fish healthy sometimes they just pass. Sometimes much earlier than expected.

Yes, my mom was telling me this as well (she loved Brick too and his antics). My aunt called...she was the only one besides me Brick would play ball with. Maybe I'll get another oscar at some point. The kind words from everyone is really helping...this is just raw. I got maybe half an hour of sleep and had to start work at 8am.

I've been checking YouTube on break and am finding out this is a somewhat common issue with oscars: they're fine, get weird bulges or bloat suddenly, act normal for a short time then roll over. My mother made a good point about Brick's odd black color being a warning sign. With oscars its hard to tell because they change color based on mood. I was monitoring but how can you treat something when you don't know what the hell is going on?

 

[Jexnell]

I am so so sorry
Brick will always be a legend, in my mind anyways.

Life gives us these test. And best way foward is to jump back on that horse and dig in the spurs.

 

[FJB]

Very sorry for your loss. This is very hard stuff to take. A legendary fish and the best are possible. May he live long in your memory, but let you soon feel better about stuff that is sometimes inevitable and not a fault on one’s part.