OSCAR EMERGENCY, he jumped out...

[terd ferguson]

One of my Oscars (10"+) jumped out. I got him back in and tried moving him back and forth and holding him by bubbles. I don't know how long he was out, but less than 2 hours. He was still wet. He's now at the bottom breathing rapidly (about two breaths per second).

Will he be ok? What else can I do to help him. Any and all help is greatly appreciated. I don't want to lose him. Thanks in advance.

 

[Edwin]

he should be okay, maybe he got scare of his life...

 

[Tongue33]

He will likely make it. O's are almost as hard to kill as Convicts.. If he is breathing.. let him sit the night and see in the morning.

 

[terd ferguson]

Thanks guys, your replies are encouraging.

Is there anything else I can do to help him besides just wait? It's the middle of the night, would the light on or off be of any benefit?

Thanks again.

 

[Tongue33]

Add some aquarium salt.

 

[terd ferguson]

I've also added an airstone for more oxygen and turned the light off. I figured this couldn't hurt.

Any more ideas?

 

[MommyJulia]

I think he will be fine. I hate it when fish jump out of the tank...my golden algae eater did that during one of the water changes. He is fine now.

 

[Fish Eat Fish]

if you set him up so that water runs towards his head he will be able to breath better. could use a powerhead and place him in a way that he will not drift away

 

[terd ferguson]

if you set him up so that water runs towards his head he will be able to breath better. could use a powerhead and place him in a way that he will not drift away

I tried that and the only real way to do it is to physically hold him there. I can't really do that for hours on end.

 

[headbanger_jib]

as others said if he is breathing then he will recover will take some time and patience but he will recover
don't feed him anything as of now just let him be there in the tank and its a good thing you added another airstone
and do add some Aq salt