My LFS has a batch of what they describe as black smooth skinned Oscars in. I haven't heard of these before and wondered if anyone had any comments about them. At the moment they have a bad case of fungus which is been treated and is clearing up quickly, they look nice healthy fish apart from this so I'm not overly worried about it, although I wonder if they are more prone to it than other types.

I've never heard of them, but then there's a lot I don't know try google.

They know nothing about it.
www.google.com/search?q=black+smooth+ski...amp;client=firefox-a

personally I would find another LFS if those Oscars have a bad case of fungus..It may look cleared up on the outside..I think it may take longer inside. just my opinion. good luck.

Recently at Petco, My wife and I saw an O that was all black too. I almost went out and bought another set up soley because I'd never seen one before either. I hope someone comes on here that knows more about this.

Happygrl is right, Casino still gets the fungus from time to time but Jackpot never does and she stays right with him. I'm thinking his dark skin makes him more likely to get it...or not Either way adding some salt and turning up the heat to about 80 works really well in getting rid of it or just use Melafix.

fungus aside i think the smooth skinned black oscar is just a marketing ploy to get you to buy an oscar.

i try to keep up on all oscar morphs and this is the first time i have heard of this specific name. when i bought my long fin oscar he was for all intents 99% black with only a white and red stripe on him. now 6 or so months later he has changed dramatically still a nice looking o but not the way he was when young.

im always leary about these newly introduced types of fish and found that most of the time it is just a new name for a standard sub species.

Thanks for everyones replies on this.

I'm still keeping an eye on these fish. They do have scales, just very small ones which gives them the 'smooth skinned' appearance. They are a really nice shape too but I think I prefer Tiger Oscars.

In LFS's defence I have to say that these Oscars are not currently for sale due to the fungus and these are the only fish I've seen in this kind of condition.

I understand cody, I wasn't trying to be mean, it's just better to buy fish that are-look healthy. we all take chances when we buy from our LFS. in the long run it will save you money and heart ache.

oscar is a natural scaled fish. but will live
for a while if scales were removed. with some
medication, it will survive and have a change to
regenerate scales.

i used to do the removal of scale for tilapia
when i was still a boy. after removing the scales
we released them inside the crab trap as bait. in
some occasion, this tilapia regenerate the scales.
perhaps some people were doing it on purpose.

Happygrl: I didn't think you were been mean at all but I realised that my post probably did make my LFS sound a bit dodgy when in fact they're particularly good especially with regard to quality of fish. So even though I didn't name them and most of you probably aren't in the UK anyway, I felt I ought to put the record straight so to speak.

Paul: I'll have to have a closer look at them but I wouldn't think this is the case with these guys.

yeah, i understand but they don't have control over the source either.