Hello all MY name is Matthew and I have two Oscars the big one is around 12 inches and about a week ago had stoped eating. She will only eat flakes. I am worried she is not getting enough nutrition. My other Oscar is about 10 inches and he is eating just fine I normaly feed them night crawlers but my big on will not eat and my little one is eating them fine. they live in a 150 U.S gal tank. I tested water and all readings are good. Any info will be useful.

Hi Matthew. And welcome to OFL

Will you please post your exact readings from your water test.. I wouldn't worry too much as long as your water readings are good. Oscars can sometimes go for weeks without food.

try different food? its possible its bored with what your giving it. maybe try live food? some earthworms perhaps.

Win wrote:


So true, O's can get very easily spoiled.
Mine refuses his food once in a while and loses all interest.
Then I know it's time for a change.
Try some mealworms or some crickets.
He'll come around.

there are times that full grown oscar stop taking foods for a few days
or even week due to several reasons:
1) sick or constipated;
2) sudden change in environment;
3) spawning

just make sure that your water is in tip top condition to avoid
complication. pristine water and varied foods is the first defense
against any fish illnesses.

I did notice that the water temp was around 70 or so so I bumped up the heater a little bit. I think they may have bumped it I going to get some fedders to day and see how she does. My little on will be happy tho he loves them he will try to fix 4 or 5 in his mouth. Thanks to all who replied

good to know he/she is doing well... i would suggest refrain feeding
with live feeders... it will make your o aggressive and could make
it sick too since you are not sure if the feeders are healthy.

yea i agree with paul, i dont feed live fish to my oscars anymore, once you treat ich 10 or 15 times... u start to resent it. worms and crickets fill the role nicely.

Win wrote:


The lady at the pet store tried to talk me into buying some feeders today when i went to buy some hikari gold (wanted to try it) tiger doesn't like it but albino does.

Well I did have to treat ICK about 3 times from feeders from pet store about a year ago. I tried catching grass hoppers last night but she did not eat any she went up but nothing. She did take in a worm about 4 times but spit it out right away. She hasn't eaten anything in about 2 or 3 weeks and getting very concerned. My little one is good eats anything. So I don't think its anything to do with the water.

It could be the water, just because it is only affecting one fish doesnt mean the water is good. Can you test the water and post the actual result to rule water quality out

Try some other foods. Try maggots, frozen prawns or different types of pellets. If they dont work dont put any food in the tank for 3 or 4 days, as this may encourage your oscar that he needs to eat now or he might not eat for a few days

She as already gone with out food for 3 weeks or so