[Tonebonealone]

My Oscar is acting very odd. Having owned him for 2 years now he is always a happy friendly fellow. Last night he was as active as could be. But this morning at 8am when I woke up to now which is 3pm he has done nothing but lay at the bottom somewhat to the side and is breathing very slow, almost calm like. I have seen him rest like this before but never for so long. He also will shake his tail fin occasionally, a very rapid shake and twitch. He did eat and got all excited like usually but then right to the same spot and is still laying there. Why is he doing this? He "looks" healthy, no spots, torn fins, bright and colorful etc.
My water is at the fowllowing.
PH-7.2
Ammonia-0
Nitrites-0
Nitrate-9
75 gallon tank, his tank mates..(Pictus Catfish, Convicts, Firemouth, Rams, Cory Cats..some others) are all being normal.

 

[fish monger]

Hopefully, the cichlid experts will chime in here. The only time my Oscars ever reclined on their sides on the bottom was when I had a heater malfunction in the middle of winter and the water went down into the low 60s. The twitching might indicate parasites, but I don't know. Anything out of the normal happen in the tank for the last 24 hours ?

 

[Bongox3]

I'm far from having even close to the knowledge as most here, but if ur water looks fine and temp is good....maybe he swallowed something he's having difficulty passing. Mature oscars eat just about anything and also dig like mad when of spawning age ... Perhaps a blockage??? Often it's an issue with substrate, like small gravel being swallowed... But, again rather defer to the experts....

 

[Tonebonealone]

No nothing with the tank in the past 4 days really since my last water change :/ he's still in the same spot. Very lethargic, but he will eat..., another thing is that all of fins are "tucked" in so to speak, he won't extend them like he normally does.
he will also point upwards every once in a while(not at the top of the tank like he's gasping for air) but will float in the water in this position...hmm

 

[Bongox3]

Geez....ok how is the water temp, filtration/aeration ... Are any other fishes acting lethargic at all?

 

[Tonebonealone]

water temp is at 76, filteration is two 75 gallon bio wheel filters.
no the other fish are normal as they always are. He's still in his spot. Still the same:/

 

[Bongox3]

Is your Oscar eating??? If not, try to offer it something it absolutely can't resist rather than it's staple diet... Nothing too large that can further blockage (if that's what it is) but something to excite him to move....bloodworms are always something my oscars go crazy over... Just not too much, only to get it's interest up...

For a 75g, bio wheels (hangover filters right?) generally aren't enough for a large Oscar and additional fish... You may want to look into a large canister filter...maybe even two.... (Or even better a combo of both 1 of each)... Just my opinion, bio wheels, though listed at high output, just arent as effective as canister filters at ensuring water quality...but its an argument commonly had... Till then frequent water changes are key.... Be careful to ensure the temp and chem load of the newly added water matches the dispelled water - or this too can cause stress...

If you can, maybe notch up the temp slightly and somehow increase circulation and surface agitation in the tank...not too strong, but enough to introduce a gradual change...

 

[Bongox3]

At risk of banishment, and I mean absolutely no disrespect to this site, but since this is an emergency, and I'm no expert... Further post the situation on other expert sites too... One of which is oscarfishlover.com, or something like that... The faster u get an expert response the better...and that site specializes in this species solely.... I wish I could help more, I'm only telling u stuff I'd try....

 

[Tonebonealone]

Thanks for your help!!!!
idk what happened but he is up, swimming, and all around active again! I am still paranoid because it makes no sense why he was behaving that way. But to say the least he seems 100% normal. Lets see what tomorrow brings. Again thanks for the help. Its really appreciated!
I dont think this site will banish you for being honest and helpful. That site is a very very informative and helpful.

 

[Bongox3]

I would hope not... I still think he probable ate something that caused a blockage or distress.... usually, not always, they do this while digging... for older oscars make sure, if accidentally swallowed, ur substrate won't cause this be being gravel like and or course... a small fine substrate is preferable with large stones he's unable to inhale... congrats and happy all is well...I was worried too...