Heartsick.

[Jexnell]

Very true. I'm doing some research about what it might have been (I'm a multitasker). Gives my mind a break from the grief. I still say in some universe Brick and Toni would've made some pair, raising 300 hell babies and ruling a pond!

As far as I know she is still alive, the person has since recluse from the site and no contact for a couple years. But last I heard she would winter over in a 225, and summers were is a 5000 koi pond. She was 14in years ago, I wonder now how much she has grown.

This is the last pic I got of her @14in

 

[quikv6]

FINWIN,

Even though I am a newer member year, Brick (and all of your informative posts) made quite an impression on me. As hard as it is (and will continue to be), know that Brick's reach here was very very wide and far-reaching. It inspired and educated me as an Oscar owner, and I know there are many, many more here who can express the same sentiment. In a somewhat direct way, many other fish and fishkeepeers are better, thanks to you and Brick.

I am grateful for you both, and his spirit will continue here, and through all the O's out there that are loved by their keepers, just like you did with Brick.

Thank you both, truly.

 

[scottts210]

So sorry to hear. Having lost our red oscar just recently, I really feel this. RIP, Brick.

 

[FINWIN]

The support is wonderful everyone. Just finished talking to my brother (not about Brick). I've been all over the place today and these thoughts have kept my focus stable. I think I would be a self described "hot mess" right now.

I have an idea about the next chapter but details are too soon. Will probably get another Oscar though. Callout and major props to Dawn for Having Big Boy so long. I fully believe Brick would have hit 16" had he lived another 4-5 years.

I gotta get some sleep.

 

[celebrist]

Really sorry to hear this, your level of care is unparalleled so indeed a mystery

 

[dmyersWv]

If you are thinking about any Amphilophus species I have a few I would be happy to give you.

 

[krichardson]

As far as I know she is still alive, the person has since recluse from the site and no contact for a couple years. But last I heard she would winter over in a 225, and summers were is a 5000 koi pond. She was 14in years ago, I wonder now how much she has grown.
View attachment 1537705
This is the last pic I got of her @14in

Good looking Oscar.I had a similar looking pair(Hawk and Animal) years ago that both died during my relocation.I was really bummed out over it so I can feel Fin's pain.

 

[Trouser Cough]

Bummer, FIN. There will be more good and there will be more unexplainable bummers.

Absolutely no idea what it could be though. I know it's not for everybody but I wonder if a hillbilly autopsy might reveal something that would allow you to skip a similar event in the future. Based on your brief description I'd suspect an intestinal blockage of some kind. A rock, a whole snail, something undigestible. If there's one thing for certain it damn sure wasn't neglect!

Sorry to hear about your buddy.

 

[Ogertron3000]

Oh Man, bad news, sorry for your loss.
I remember saying in one of your threads how you treat your fish more like "real" pets than fish.
If you imagine the fate of most oscars purchased from an LFS i think old Brick hit the jackpot when he was chosen by you.

 

[FINWIN]

Bummer, FIN. There will be more good and there will be more unexplainable bummers.

Absolutely no idea what it could be though. I know it's not for everybody but I wonder if a hillbilly autopsy might reveal something that would allow you to skip a similar event in the future. Based on your brief description I'd suspect an intestinal blockage of some kind. A rock, a whole snail, something undigestible. If there's one thing for certain it damn sure wasn't neglect!

Sorry to hear about your buddy.

Thanks. If you go back through the thread I did some research and discovered this malady strikes a considerable number of oscars. Sudden bulges on the sides or belly, acting completely normal but expiring soon after. From what I've read once you see the bulges it's too late. AND when the bulges are in the early stage a vet can't operate because of location. So either way it's f___ed up. No known treatment or cure. With some fish it goes into remission but always comes back suddenly and worse than ever. There was a member on Oscarfishlovers.com that had a famous tiger O, big with loads of personality. Same thing...sudden huge belly bulge then rolled over. Whatever it is with these Oscars it doesn't show until early adulthood or maturity. It's concerning.