I have two Oscars that have paired off. They are about the right age and vibrate all over the place. For the last month or so, he has been pretty hard on her, now today the tables have turned, If he so much as moves. She beats his ass. He has major scales missing, and looks unhappy.

I know Oscars are violent when they breed but good lord. She moves a mouth full of gravel and then HUNTS him down. No matter where he hides she finds him. Then back to moving gravel...

How long will this last? And how can I help him?

This type of behaviour could go on for ages and they may never lay eggs. next time they're going at each other, see if their sexual organs are protruding at all. As a lot of people will tell you, they can be very rough with each other and can often cause little injuries. This is quite normal and as long as it isn't serious aggression, just leave them to it. If you've ever seen the state carp get into when they are spawning, you wouldn't be too worried.

I can see his thorn, no tube from her... But Boss dead serious if he moves she kicks the crap out of him. He just tried to help her move gravel and he got it for that... The water is in perfect condition I even have the nitrates down to 5ppm but he looks really bad.. Would salt help?

I shouldn't worry, if your water is in good condition, the injuries will heal perfectly okay, I really don't think there's any need for salt, I certainly wouldn't use it.

Thanks Boss!

That's just my opinion Nicki, doesn't mean you can't do it, I'm just saying I wouldn't bother myself. The thing is, I've never ever use salt in all the time I've been keeping fish so I probably wouldn't even be able to give you advice based on personal experience, only what I've read in my books etc.

when my previous pair started to spawn, they used to liplocking
and splashing around. eventually, they mellow and laid eggs.
sad i lost the LadyGreyBelly.

my oscar are realy aggresive they fight every day all the time and suggestions there is only 2 of them in the tank with 3 other tankmates