hi, i got two new red-oscars, about 3 inches in size. my problem is one oscar has lost part of its skin and got its tail cut in between, and the other one is pretty fine. i feel that they both are of same sex and hence the stronger is taking on the weaker...please let me know whether my prediction is right, and if yes also let me know a solution. thanks in advance,

mahesh.

Welcome to the forum

it's impossible to say whether they are the same sex or not. I think what's happening is one of the Oscars may be trying to show its dominance. It is quite common for fish to cause each other injuries. However, it isn't always as bad as it seems. All I can suggest is to keep an eye on the fish. They are still very young at the moment. If the fighting continues and injuries are being caused on a regular basis then you may have to split them up.

welcome to the site.
if you have observed the actual bullying, then you
have to separate them. but if not, there might be some
reason of skin peeling off. this peeling off of the skin
sometimes show there is problem in water: ammonia burn;
high nitrite; fungus infections; etc. itchy body cause
them to rub hard in any object that may cause wounds.

please do check water parameters.

Thanks a lot for the replies...if the water has some problems in it, it should affect both the fishes right?..anyway i will keep monitoring their action for 1 more week and split them if necessary.

in some cases... only one or few will be affected
if there are parasites. others are just having more
resistance or healthier than others.

that is why i specified if you haven't seem the
actual bullying, better check the water.

oh okay, i got your point now, thank you once again.