I have seen this twice before in fish shops(different shops), both were small (bout 3 inches) and were returned. I asked both times how this can happen and both times i was told it is either from a deformity or from fighting. If its a deformity then it isnt going to get better and may get worse. If its from fighting it may heal, its just a waiting game.

If the fish cant eat then euthanasia is the best option. If the fish is eating then its your decision whether to keep it or not.

As you can imagine fish shops find it very difficult to rehome these deformed fish so please remember this when deciding if you are gonna take it to a shop. I can imagine a situation where a shop may kill a deformed fish that they cant sell (or even give away) as it is not profitable to keep especially when its a fish that gets as big as an oscar! I can also see a situation where someone with big fish may take a deformed oscar as live food for the big fish, so please take this into consideration when deciding if to return your fish to a shop!

This is a difficult situation you find yourself in, good luck with your decision

the fish is 1yr old...a friend of my recommended teramicin,its a anti biotic...i hav put dat in my tank,n i c little difference...

noway m givin it 2 the fish guy...
i m keepin it n going to heal it...thanx brother...

Thats great.. just cos this fish is deformed a little you dont need to do away with it. Its eating ok and is not being bullie to much so it should live fine like this.. But please dont pin too many hopes on it getting back to normal, i dont think this will happen but i'll keep a eye out so post a reply if you see any change. Good luck

It looks like a cross between a parrot fish and an oscar,now we all know parrot fish are hybrids,maybe a small chance you're O has a bit of parrot in it!!It sure looks like 1 with the mouth and gills.Just a possibility.

regards

tim