I've tried every thing, from ick away to parasite gaurd. Nothing seems to help. He is constanly scratching himself on the mountain in the middle of the tnk, or the filter. Th other fish, (a, algea eater) doesn't seem to have this proble, and I thought that maybe if only on of the fish were havng it, then it wasn't a parasite...Now i'm totally confused...Help?
2006-12-06 08:30:54 · 10 answers · asked by Alxias 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
He is a red oscar, about a foot long. The tank is a 30 gallon freshwater tank.
2006-12-06 08:32:48 · update #1
I said about. Not exactly a foot long.
2006-12-06 08:38:28 · update #2
probably time to buy yourself a dip net and a new fish.
2006-12-06 08:32:45 · answer #1 · answered by BC 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When fish start rubbing themselves on decorations or the gravel, they are telling you that there is either something wrong with the water quality or they have parasites.
I would first do a 40% water change and see if that slows him down any. Do another 25% change two days later and another 25% two days after that. Then go to the regular weekly change routine. You need to be doing 25-30% water changes every week to keep the water quality good and reduce the build-up of ammonia (which is the likely culprit), nitrites and nitrates. All three of these chemicals are toxic to your fish. Water changes are the single most important thing you can do to keep your fish healthy and happy.
Many times parasites get into the fish's body and cause pain or itching. Some will attach themselves to the gills too. If the water changes don't do the trick, email me and we can talk about parasites. Remember, you have to enter your email address twice into the answers site to confirm it so you can receive emails back from others.
Good luck.
2006-12-06 17:29:19 · answer #2 · answered by 8 In the corner 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I agree with the water quality issue. I have had fish do that. Check for visible signs of parasite. If none, it is most likely stress due to water quality. Once the tank settles down biologically things should get better. Do a test on the tap water. Oscars dont like v hard water. Also check for alkalinity,ph. You can buy these tests. Does it have a place to hide for it to feel safe. Sometimes just a black background will give it the security it needs. Add plants (fake for now incase you have a water quality issue)some long ones to hide in and a few rocks.
2006-12-06 23:47:21 · answer #3 · answered by foxpumpkins 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
first of all, a 30 gallon tank is way too small for a fish that is a foot long. and, if he wont stop rubbing himself on the mountain, take the mountain out. it sounds like somethings wrong with him. if he is sick, he will get the other fish sick, so you need to seperate him into his own home. sounds like you wont be able to properly do that though since you only have a 30 gallon tank and a foot long fish. how is he even happy in there?? get a bigger tank. that is basically fish abuse.
2006-12-06 16:36:27 · answer #4 · answered by Mom2Be 1 · 3⤊ 1⤋
What do you mean by "scratching"? Is it physically hurting itself, or just constantly rubbing up against it?
I once had an angel fish that began acting strangely territorial around a sword plant in the middle of the tank. As it turns out, she wasn't sick, just ready to lay eggs (which was a surprise to me since I thought she was male). I had the wondrous experience of watching her cover the entire bottom of one of the leaves of the sword plant with eggs over a several hour period. Unfortunately, to my dismay she ate them the next day.
Perhaps your fish is not sick, just looking for a good place to "dump her load".
2006-12-06 16:37:33 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
check for any spots or green scales (like on some trees with fungus) and if there are scales, you can buythis one medication just for that. also, the oscar could be getting old and could be dying. if I were you, i would check everything out on it soon, and see if you can sell it to meijer, walmart, or petco.. ect. and buy a new one.
my friend bought 2 oscars for about 10 dollars, and raised them, then sold them back to the store for like 50.. I do not know the exact dollar amounts for either, but he sold it back to the store for more than he bought it
2006-12-06 17:02:10 · answer #6 · answered by Go Mike 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Take the mountain out of the tank and see what happens.
2006-12-06 16:45:08 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think thats you should go to a petstore and ask, they could tell you whats wrong. If he is sick theyll give you something to put on the water, or maybe its the tank.
Hope your fish gets better!
2006-12-06 16:40:58 · answer #8 · answered by Baby Doña! 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
What kind of fish? Could be your pH levels are too low or too high. I would recommend getting your water tested...his/her skin my be irritated causing him/her to scratch.
2006-12-06 16:34:08 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
That is the same kind of fish we have.......he has a big tank in the beasement.........she was doing this......and died in a few days.
2006-12-06 16:40:35 · answer #10 · answered by ♥Brittany♥ 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋