My son "gave" me his tank when he left for college a few weeks ago. I'm researching how to take care of the tank - I'm testing the water (values are good based on other posters), doing water changes, etc. I know I've got a lot to learn....

Could you experts look at this photo and give me an idea of what might be wrong with my Oscar? images37.fotki.com/v1310/photos/1/132540...7500/IMG_5113-vi.jpg

I know it's not the best photo, but they are hard to photograph! The white spots on his body and the front part of his dorsal fin don't look like any of the photos I've been able to find for ich. None of the other fish in the tank have these spots. He appears otherwise healthy and happy - comes to see me when I approach with food and eats well. Do you think these spots are injuries? I know the tank is too small and I must do something soon (40 gallons - 2 Oscars and 2 silver dollars). He's about 5-6 inches now. The silver dollars are the same size and the other Oscar is about 3 inches. I have added some aquarium salt yesterday just based on some of the other comments on this site. Thanks, Karen

it looks to me like an abrasion and not ick. you should keep an eye on the situation and if you dont notice and improvement in a few days take another pic and post it. oscar heal really quickly with good water conditions and they might just disappear in a couple of days. since you know you need a new tank all i'll say is that if you want to keep the 2 oscars and silver dollars you should be looking into a tank in the 100 gallon range.


btw welcome to the site

Thanks, I was kindof thinking they looked more like an injury vs. a fungus/infection. Yes, I'm going to have to make a decision soon about a new tank. I'm sure I'll have more questions along the way. This site is great!