My oscar fish used to come up to the top of the fish tank she won't anymore, why is my fish doing this?

Question

She also just stays at the bottom of the tank all the time.

Answer 1

Sounds to me like she's ill or the water balance is out of whack, which is stressing her.

Make sure she doesn't have any ick, parasites, fungus or other illnesses on her first. If she does have something, you'll need to go purchase treatments at your local pet supplier.

If you verified that she's in good shape physically, it's time to look at the tank. Is it clean? Are the filters changed and working correctly? Is the water's temp appropriate for the fish? What is the pH level? It is appropriate for the fish? What about the ammonia level? There should be no ammonia. How long has it been since you've done a partial water change? If it's time, change about 30% of the water out.

All these factors could influence your Oscar's behavior & health, so start looking into them.

Good luck and may your Oscar have a long & happy life!

Answer 2

You don't give much info to go on here. Here are some ideas. Do a 40% water change ASAP. Test the water levels. If you don't have a test kit, take a sample of the water to an aquarium shop and have them test it for you. If you have been doing regular partial water changes then you may be able to just get the water tested.

Otherwise, tell us the size of the tank, how long have you had fish in it, what fish are in there, and PH, ammonia, nitrate and nitrite levels. Right now I am thinking that you have high ammonia or nitrate and nitrite levels.

Good Luck

Answer 3

Has anyone ever poked it? My Oscar used to come to the top, would even take the food from our fingertips, but my boyfriend's friend poked it in the eye, now he won't come to the top of the tank unless the lid is closed.

Answer 4

Maybe shes sick or dying. Try getting a book on fish , that might help.