Does my Oscar cichlid have hole in the head disease?

Question

I have an oscar and I thought he had hole in the head disease, but now I am not sure. I noticed that the hole goes down to scales. I didn't realize that there were scales under it's head. I have not done anything to take care of him yet and I noticed that the hole is healing itself. Is that hole in the head disease or is an injury (possibly from a broken flower pot)? If it isn't hole in the head disease, what do I do to take care of him?

Answer 1

It sure sounds like "hole-in-the-head" disease.Oscars are particularly susceptible to it.It's usually caused by poor water conditions,that compromise the fish's auto-immune system. The treatment is to get the water into good shape and keep it that way with weekly 25% water changes. If you get the water clean it will slowly heal.-----Good luck.----PeeTee--- The disease can also show up as lateral line erosion,or holes along the lateral line.