CichlidFish.com - Fish That Think.

I have one large, what I believe to be male, Oscar in my 45 gal. corner tank. He is approx. 2 yrs. old. Has been alone in this tank always, with exception of 2 plecos and 3 feeder fish he has decided to keep around for whatever reason. He has cleared a large space at the bottom of the tank in the center-moved all gravel to side, he can now see his reflection in the bottom and never leaves it! He litterally just stares into the reflection. I tried replacing gravel, but he just moves it back. He seems to eating, not as often or with as much viggor.. but what can I do? It is hard to tell if he is sick, he looks good, no visable signs of disease or stress. Just wont come up off the bottom. Is this normal? He is usually very active and friendly to me.. now, all he does is look into the glass at himself. I love him a ton and dont want to lose him... dont want to sleep on a problem I could prevent. HELP!

The fact that hes on the ground is the first sign that he is massivly stressed by something. That and the fact hat cichlids should always act robust at feeding times. I really can't tell you much based on the information you gave though.

Check your water parimeters and get back to us. In the mean time I would add aquarium salt.

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Candice
ccmso12@yahoo.com

FEEDER NAZI

Yeah he definalty sounds like he has some stress. I would check ammonia,nitrate and PH then do a good size water change. 1 tsp salt per 10 gallons after water change should help with the stress too