That might be what’s stressing him, i would start there and see if it helps. You might want to remove anything sharp until he settles down as well.
oscar keeps getting spooked
- Thread starter cichlid tank
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Sudden shadowy movements tend to spook fish because, although they're in a safe tank, their natural instinct is to flee, for all they know the movement could be a lurking heron or a swooping fish eagle.
Once the fish becomes accustomed to the movement and realises that it's not a threat then it's behaviour might mellow. In fact oscars tend to mellow to such an extent that they can become puppy like. But for now something isn't quite right.
How long has it been in its current tank? Is the tank in a room with high "traffic"? Is your lighting overly bright? Is your tank opposite a large bright window where people walking past inevitably cast a huge fleeting shadow throughout the tank? Is your tank see through on all sides or is there a dark background? Do you have any hidey holes for the fish to chill in?
If it's got to the stage where it's injuring itself you need to take out anything sharp and keep on top of your water changes. The clean water will help reduce the risk of infection in its injuries.
Once the fish becomes accustomed to the movement and realises that it's not a threat then it's behaviour might mellow. In fact oscars tend to mellow to such an extent that they can become puppy like. But for now something isn't quite right.
How long has it been in its current tank? Is the tank in a room with high "traffic"? Is your lighting overly bright? Is your tank opposite a large bright window where people walking past inevitably cast a huge fleeting shadow throughout the tank? Is your tank see through on all sides or is there a dark background? Do you have any hidey holes for the fish to chill in?
If it's got to the stage where it's injuring itself you need to take out anything sharp and keep on top of your water changes. The clean water will help reduce the risk of infection in its injuries.
Oscar is not a good fish to keep solo because it is is a timid fish. It's better to keep oscar in a group or with other tankmates it pays attention to instead of focusing on the surroundings. I used to have a solo Vieja synspillum, similar in size and timidity as Oscar, that would freak out when I walked by. For solo fish, try aggressive species such as Midas and FH.
its been in there since november, its in my bedroom so i would say no to the traffic question, my lighting is just those cheap fluorescent lights, the room doesnt have a window (yet), theres a black background, and has a terricotta pot, and a peice of a drain tube for it to hide in, plus behind the pot has an opening but the crayfish lives there (he doesnt bother anyone)
I do not like skittish fish. It’s annoying enough that I got rid of several magnificent specimen because of the skittishness. Worst offenders are Vieja species. I had to get rid of a 12” V bifas, 12” V melanura and a 14” Hartwegi that got more skittish with age. They would be startled by minor incident and jumped up and cut themselves hitting object. I hate fish that I have to approach in slow motion to watch them.
Hmmm, you say it's going into a new home soon? Is it a much bigger tank? When my balas, chalceus and tinfoils were growing out in my 180g they could be extremely twitchy at times, especially as they got bigger. When I moved them into my 360g the freaking out stopped immediately. Maybe the bigger tank will help it, who knows.
Just out of curiosity, i'm not familiar with crayfish at all but aren't they predatory? Is the crayfish more active at night, maybe the oscars had a few nips from it and is super wary?
If you're indeed measuring 35ppm nitrites, you've got serious water parameter issues that could be lethal and need to be addressed.
55gal isn't enough tank for a single oscar, kept by themselves and a 30% weekly water change my not be enough. I'd re-measure your water parameters and make sure to use a quality water treatment/dechlor product like seachem prime or the granular form safe.
Something isn't right. Oscars tend to be drama queens and not skittish at any stage of their life. If anything they'll lay down on their side and pout.
55gal isn't enough tank for a single oscar, kept by themselves and a 30% weekly water change my not be enough. I'd re-measure your water parameters and make sure to use a quality water treatment/dechlor product like seachem prime or the granular form safe.
Something isn't right. Oscars tend to be drama queens and not skittish at any stage of their life. If anything they'll lay down on their side and pout.
its either a 90 gallon or my uncls 150 or maybe i might get a 180 im not sure
edit: the crayfish is missing a leg, an eye, and a claw, and his other claw is deformed. he doesnt mess with anyone, and he is massive. i got him from a local lake. (mustve had a rough life) but no he doesnt hurt a thing
