My big 3 year old tiger oscar is very sick. For the past two days he has been inactive and not eating...but sitting upright nearer to the top of the water. Today, I came home from work and he's floating on his side near the surface...barely breathing...and there appears to be a clear little lump coming out of his anus. I threw in some fungus meds...as this is what i have on hand.

Ok, have you tested your water peramiters? What are they? I have no idea what is wrong with your O but I do know the best defense and first step in treatment is Clean water...

Amonia is at 0 and Nitrates are fine too. He does have a mild case of HITH...so I've been cleaning the tank better, and am waiting for meds to arrive for that.

Is he getting enough oxygen? It's possible he could have a swim bladder problem, google it and read the symptoms and see how close they match his behavior. Have you fed him anything new lately? Any recent changes at all? If you can get us water stats we'll be much more help, please keep us posted on how he's doing, good luck to you!

He died. Poor fellow...that was fast, with almost no symptoms other than inactivity for a couple days prior.

So sorry for your loss...

I'm very sorry hun but also glad he didn't suffer for long. A few people here have had to kill their pets to get them out of their misery, I'm glad that didn't happen to you.

Heather36 wrote:


very sorry to hear about your loss. it sounds as if it was to late by time you notice him being sick and died very quickly. if you have other fish in the same tank keep a close eye on them, I would also check your water. did you suspect fungus??? its not normal for a fish to die quickly of fungus. If you where not sure it was fungus in future I would say dont treat unless you have a very good idea what the problem is. certain meds can make the fish worst if its the wrong stuff for the job, also if you do add the wrong med it may take many days before you can retreat with the right med. again very sorry

very sorry for your loss, did you still test your water?
Nothing unusual that could explain his sudden passing away?
good luck!

Thanks. I just wish I knew what happened! The other fish are fine...water is fine. I'm cleaning the tank tonite for good measure. Make sure everything is pristine for the new little oscar I plan on getting shortly.

Remember not to clean your filters at the same time you clean your tank or you'll mini-cycle...what kind do you plan to get?

i am so sorry to hear about that. my oscar is like a dog to me. i cant pet him but is my only pet and try give him every thing i can. i would recomend the red oscar. they are beauties.