Odd Oscar Behavior - Breathing and Spaced Out

[quikv6]

Have you tested your water?

Yes

If yes, what is your ammonia?

0

If yes, what is your nitrite?

0

If yes, what is your nitrate?

5

If I did not test my water...

1. ...I recognize that I will likely be asked to do a test, and that water tests are critical for solving freshwater health problems.

Do you do water changes?

Yes

What percentage of water do you change?

71-80%

How frequently do you change your water?

Every week

If I do not change my water...

1. ...I recognize that I will likely be recommended to do a water change, and water changes are critical for preventing future freshwater health problems.

Adult Oscar (5 years old) hasn't eaten in 5 days, and is exhibiting odd behavior. Rapid, Rhythmic breathing and gill movement, and an overall spaced out look, where he is just swimming in place and not responding to any stimuli. The breathing isn't heavy, but it is faster than normal, and very rhythmic. There is a very occasional "cough", and then back to the rhythm. This isn't the typical Oscar sulking. All other fish in the tank are acting normal.

I have done one treatment in the main tank (PraziPro liquid and MetroPlex) yesterday because of this behavior. No change. I don't want to throw the sink at him (or move him) without more specific symptoms. Any ideas are GREATLY appreciated.

Tank/water specifics :

- 8ft 240g, Temp 76-77. 3 FX6s and 3 sponge filters. Water change schedule is 75% every 3-4 days. (Been doing 50% daily since this behavior).
- Ammonia and Nitrite - 0, Nitrates - 5ppm. (Normal is 5-10ppm), GH 50ppm, KH 40ppm, PH 6.7

Thanks in advance!

 

[HUKIT]

Is he showing any physical symptoms? I had a melanura go through something very similar to the symptoms pf what you’re describing. The only difference was the base of his pectoral fins was inflamed. I spent around almost 9 months on/off treating him before ultimately euthanizing him.

Thread 'Septicemia?'

Sep 11, 2025

I am definitely at a loss with this one. I have a 7 year old group of Dan’s Vieja melurua(and few of their offspring that survived) in a 265g with a 75g sump. The largest male is right around 12” and is the only fish that has ever had any symptoms. The base of his pectoral fins are red, slightly darker pigmentation, and his breathing rate is slightly elevated but has been active and eating normally until the last few days but his appetite has decreased. He will still grab a Northfin Tropical stick or a Algaemax pellet or two but his appetite has definitely diminished. I first noticed this...

• HUKIT
• Replies: 10
• Forum: Freshwater Diseases and Health Issues

• 

 

[quikv6]

Thanks for the reply HUKIT

Zero physical symptoms. He looks great. I didn't get any responses here, so I made the executive decision to move him to a small hospital tank. Since then, I have treated him with Flubendazole for 2 days, and I am on day 2 of KanaPlex. Daily water changes while replacing the meds removed.

He has perked up a bit post-Flubendazole. He started attacking his reflection in the bottom glass, which was a great sign. Yesterday. He ate a few mini algae wafers, though he spit out Krill. Still, it was a good sign that he tried to eat. After a Kanaplex course, I may run another round of Flubendazole, due to the spitting.

Overall, there has been a small improvement, but I am monitoring closely. Thanks again for the reply.

 

[phreeflow]

Do you think it’s swallowed something that’s stuck somewhere? Like a pebble?

 

[quikv6]

I suppose it's possible, but I really just have pea gravel or larger rocks in my tank. Nothing in the middle. I tried a couple al algae wafers today, but he didnt go for it. I am going to water change tonight, and will eitehr do another round or Flubendazole, or switch to General Cure. Thanks for the reply....please keep em coming if any other thoughts pop up.