What's wrong with my Oscar?

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00kevin said:
Temp is a constant 79 and he's in a 55. Ph is slightly acidic at 7-7.5. The water quality is pretty good and crystal clear. As far as bullying, the largest convict is half his size, and he was formerly the alpha of the tank. There are plenty of rocks and natural looking caves, but he's never been a skittish fish. I'll take another photo when I get home, but I've ruled out hole in the head and ich. I've never seen a fish look like this for weeks. I don't want to euthanize him, but he has to be suffering.

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A Ph of 7-7.5 is neutral and as far was water quality you've still yet to tell us about the parameters(Nitrite/Nitrate/Ammonia). Pretty good is a very dubious description of water parameters and the water being crystal clear is not always a indicator of good water quality. You say he used to be the alpha, when was he the alpha? While the Convicts where in there or before? With Convicts that situation can turn easily. Also most will agree a Convict at half the size of an Oscar can easily bully the Oscar because Convicts are usually a lot more aggressive than an Oscar. All these things are important in determining what's wrong with your Oscar and we can't help if your so general in your description of the Oscars living conditions and the Oscars present condition(ie:signs of illness other than not swimming and eating).
 
Stress from overcrowding is possible. Not rediculous. And a Convict half his size can absolutely bully him...
 
Ok...I understand that bullying is possible for any fish. However, I am telling you that for this Oscar, his issues are not from overcrowding or bullying. I can't tell if I'm being sensitive, but please stop with the disrespect. Just because my post count isn't in the triple digits doesnt mean I don't know how to operate a freshwater test kit and raise healthy fish.

That being said, I've had the Oscar for a little over a year. This problem arose a little over 2 weeks ago, and it comes and goes in waves. Sometimes hell be incapacitated on his side in the back of the tank looking very pale, other times he'll be chasing the convicts in full color. I fed him Cichlid pellets for a while, but he hasn't eaten in weeks. I've been on the lookout for nematodes in the gravel, and coming out of him. I really can't figure it out.

Parameters are healthy and regular fish tanks, and every other fish is in great health. Does anyone have any SUBSTANTIAL ideas?
 
00kevin said:
Stress from over crowding is ridiculous. But thanks for your input...

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um, that may actually be the problem, oscars are wimps basially.. cant handle stress well.. whens the last time you done a water change? and why so many convicts?? plus the oscar needs a 75 gallon...
 
You say "Parameters are healthy" but still don't list the Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate readings.

Do that and get back to us.
 
00kevin said:
Ok...I understand that bullying is possible for any fish. However, I am telling you that for this Oscar, his issues are not from overcrowding or bullying. I can't tell if I'm being sensitive, but please stop with the disrespect. Just because my post count isn't in the triple digits doesnt mean I don't know how to operate a freshwater test kit and raise healthy fish.

That being said, I've had the Oscar for a little over a year. This problem arose a little over 2 weeks ago, and it comes and goes in waves. Sometimes hell be incapacitated on his side in the back of the tank looking very pale, other times he'll be chasing the convicts in full color. I fed him Cichlid pellets for a while, but he hasn't eaten in weeks. I've been on the lookout for nematodes in the gravel, and coming out of him. I really can't figure it out.

Parameters are healthy and regular fish tanks, and every other fish is in great health. Does anyone have any SUBSTANTIAL ideas?
Click to expand...

post counts dont mean crap... there could be newbs with 6 counts, and smarter then those with 600 or 1000 post counts....... and that tank is to small.. plus those convicts i bet ARE bullying him!

OH and little over a year? he should be atleast 10 to 12 inches by now...... so i bet hes also stunted....
 
If new fish haven't entered the aquarium in some time parasites shouldn't be the cause. You would be surprised how quick an Oscar and cons will dirty (n03) up the water in a 55. Some say for size they are the messiest fish! Try upping your wc schedule for a month and I bet you will see positive results!

As far as stock and gallons goes I don't have experience with Oscars or cichla, but no one thinks your stupid. The stupid think they are perfect, and don't ask questions then their fish die.


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Honestly this happens all the time to Oscars when put with aggressive fish in a tank too small for them, the convicts are fine because they love to fight and are aggressive by nature, odds are the Oscar feels the convicts are a threat 24/7 because if it was some type of bacteria or nematode your convicts would most likely have it as well

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