Oscar weird bahavior and scales turning opaque white.

[JioFreed~alias~]

I recently got an Oscar (2 inches), and for the past 3 days or so he's started to sit on the bottom of the tank, and leaning against the wall or rock, but this is only when he's not swimming. He seems fine when he's swimming the only outward thing that physically appears off is parts of his side are turning lightly opaque white though it seems to have gone away a little as well as he's gotten more active, but I am still concerned.

Unfortunately he's going to have to stay in a 20g for a while until I have the pennies to get a 50/55g or larger, but I do do regular water changes b/t 1 and 3 times a week depending on conditions, average temperature falls between 73 and 77f currently and fairly steady at 76.

P.S. He swims a decent bit but when he sleeps, or he realizes I'm watching him its like he runs to his corner and shuts off, unless I'm feeding, and I have 2 Jack Dempseys in with him (each around 1 inch respectively.) which are in fine health.

 

[Lupin]

What are your water parameters? Check the ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH. Use API liquid test kit here for accurate results.

The white scales could simply be bacterial infection albeit columnaris. Do you have pics?

 

[Yanbbrox]

Oscars tend to sulk in a new tank. You'll need to upgrade quickly for a 20, any pics?

 

[jfkelley_24]

I own two oscars myself and they just finished their bacterial infection treatment. They did have white spots and stringy white stuff covering much of their bodies. They sat at the the bottom of the tank while they had it. It is also very true that oscars are class A sulkers in new tanks.

 

[tcarswell]

I recently got an Oscar (2 inches), and for the past 3 days or so he's started to sit on the bottom of the tank, and leaning against the wall or rock, but this is only when he's not swimming. He seems fine when he's swimming the only outward thing that physically appears off is parts of his side are turning lightly opaque white though it seems to have gone away a little as well as he's gotten more active, but I am still concerned.

Unfortunately he's going to have to stay in a 20g for a while until I have the pennies to get a 50/55g or larger, but I do do regular water changes b/t 1 and 3 times a week depending on conditions, average temperature falls between 73 and 77f currently and fairly steady at 76.

P.S. He swims a decent bit but when he sleeps, or he realizes I'm watching him its like he runs to his corner and shuts off, unless I'm feeding, and I have 2 Jack Dempseys in with him (each around 1 inch respectively.) which are in fine health.

Ugh man 2 JD and an Oscar in a 20 gallon What are your parameters..... When I first got my O he laid on his side angry and was easily frightened but eventually he turned into a happy puppy not to worry there. Id worry more about their future in a 20 Gallon.