CichlidFish.com - Fish That Think.

Hi there, something is up w/ my white oscar. For 3 days now he's been looking depressed and sits at the bottom of the tank Leaning on the glass. He hasn't eaten in 2 days, yesturday I put feeders in and usually he or she puts like 4 in it's mouth at a time, but alls it did was sit at the bottom of tank leaning on the glass. He doesn't look sick (fins are perfect, also skin) he just stares at me, but I noticed he shakes alittle and gasps periodically. CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHATS WRONG WITH MY BIG BABY!?!?

Hi, we need more details, how old/big the oscar is, how long he's been in that tank, water parameters, water quality etc...if that's all fine then I'd say try some anti-parasite medication, some antibiotics, could even try adding some salt and raising the temp.(around 1tablespoon aquarium salt for 5gallons of water). good luck,


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Joe
www.cichlidfish.com

Ok, it's hard to tell for me what may be wrong with your Oscar, but referring to your update I'd say he's definitely sick.

Did you check your water parameters - ammonia, nitrite, nitrate? If you didn't or if they are not fine (that means ammonia and nitrate 0 ppm, nitrate under 40 ppm), I'd suggest a water change and vacuuming the gravel as first aid - slowly, but at least 30%.
It could be ammonia or nitrite poisoning that causes the fish problems with breathing, or it could be a bacterial infection caused by stress or the feeders. Or a parasitic infection he caught from the feeders (that's one reason why many ppl here are against feeding feeders).
I'd take the feeders out if they're still in the tank, and add some dissolved aquarium salt or pure cooking salt (not table salt) to the water you replace, about 1 tsp per 10 gallon. It will help him breathe, and many parasites can't stand it. An additional airstone may help, too.
Before we are able to find out what your poor Oscar is suffering from, it's important he get's the best possible water conditions and enough oxygen.

It could help if you told us the a.m. water parameters, and perhaps send a pic. Is your sick O the only tank inhabitant, and if not, what about the other(s)? What size is the tank, and so on.
Sorry to have no better advice for the moment, but good luck so far. I hope he makes it.

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Gisela
moppel@gismo.owl.de

Oops, I was to slow, but Joe is right.
Since you mustn't mix different medications and we don't know what it is he has, I'd first check the water quality and try the water change and salt method, though.

[This message has been edited by gisela (edited 06-15-2002).]