So, I was away for the week and got back to find my one Oscar in a somewhat terrible looking state.

Now I've had a pretty territorial Convict in the tank with the two of them for a while now, which was becoming more and more of a problem, and I planned to remove her at the next big waterchange, since I couldn't manage to catch the little bugger.

Logic tells me that there was a bit of a fight going on, looking at the fins of the poor fish, and thus I figure what looks pretty damn terrible is in fact just damaged scales which are healing now.

But as a precaution I've decided to ask here anyway.


So far I've done a 80% water change, removed the bloody Convict, as well as all the furniture in the tank (drift wood) figuring that's more than likely what they've hurt themselves on. The second Oscar has a mark here and there, but nothing in comparison. I might even be completely wrong, and the Convict had nothing to do with it and just the two Oscars were fighting.

I've double dosed the Nutrafin Aqua+, which is recommended for healing wounds, but also added one tablespoon of salt per 50 litres.

The wounds should heal nicely as you mentioned. I believe you have taking all the proper steps. I am not an advocate of using salt or medications unless absolutely necessary. A healthy fish will heal very quickly and nicely under pristine water conditions. When using salt remember that salt does not evaporate and will remain in the water until diluted by water changes...Do not continue adding salt without taking this into account. I know that some individuals may reason that as water evaporates so to does the salt level. This is false and in the end can cause adverse effects if one continues to add salt. I am hoping for your fish to have a speedy recovery. All should be fine. Have a good evening.

He did seems to take quite a beating, Damn gentle giants...I have seen Oscars become the perpetrators of such injuries, but only during breeding or scarcity of food. I feel sorry for the little guy. Good thing he has a responsible owner like yourself who took care of the situation and eliminated the problem.

On another note pay close attention to these wounds, they will be more susceptible to fungal infections now. As mentioned water quality is very important at the present time.

Hmm, I responded earlier but seems the post didn't go anywhere.

Yeah I'm also not too keen on jumping at medication, thus the reason I opt for salt as a "natural" substitute where possible, and thus I also know that it stays in the water and won't be adding any more any time soon.

It will be mostly flushed out on the next water change regardless.

Will be keeping a close eye on it, but fortunately the Oscars seem absolutely oblivious to it, carrying on as they usually do, eating normally and behaving badly as usual.

Good to hear. Seems they are oblivious to everything else when you show them some food. .

Codeman_T USMC wrote:


Well considering the Convict is looking 100%, and the Oscar that is badly beaten up is the one who has always had issues with the Convict, I am only speculating that the Convict caused some commotion in the tank and thus they probably hurt themselves on the drift wood trying to get at it, or away from it.

Could even be the Convict had nothing to do with it, and they were simply freaking out because I wasn't around.

But I'll wait for things to heal up nicely, and then slowly re-introduce the drift wood and see how things pan out.

I feel bad about the Convict though, because I cheated and put her in my Malawi tank which isn't exactly prime conditions for it, but at least they are quite hardy and it shouldn't really be a problem.

I'll see about giving her away on one of the local forums or some such.

the pictures shows that the scrape is mostly on one side only and at the
tail portion of the body. i have similar case wherein the tankmate always
poke the other fish on that side. it turn out that the one who keeps
banging the other to be the female and the one who allows to be bullied
is the male...who became the boss later...

if they don't change the attitude and appetite..you should not worry much.

SauRoN wrote:

I'll see about giving her away on one of the local forums or some such.[/quote]

do you have a LFS that will take the convict? just an idea.....

MeghanR wrote:


do you have a LFS that will take the convict? just an idea.....[/quote]

Yeah that would be the next option, but I prefer giving away to fellow fish lovers first, before letting the LFS make money off it.

PAUL wrote:


There are some markings on the other side as well, these were just the best pictures I could manage.