punkrockviolet5

Hello Fish Friends,

Stitch, my Albino Oscar, is very active. He eats 2-3 times a day. His water is clean & clear, and stays that way without too much attention from me. The problem... (and this is kinda gross) he has a hole in his face by his nostril. We received him this way from friends, about 1 1/2 mths ago and it doesn't seem to be getting any better.

Is there anything we can do?

What is it?

Here is a picture: (This side is worse than the other)




Thank you

Barbrella

You have an Oscar in a 10 gallon tank?

He needs 55 gallons at the very minimum. You may think his water is clean because it's clear, but no doubt it's full of ammonia and other toxic substances. If you have a water test kit, you'll find this to be true.

What's probably happening is Hole-in-the-Head disease, as he's being poisoned by the poor water quality.

If you don't put him into a very large tank very soon and do frequent water changes, the holes will increase and spread and he'll die.

punkrockviolet5

Ok. I'll start changing things up today. We are planning on upgrading his tank but he is only 3 1/2 inches right now. I figured I could use this tank until he was 5 inches or so. Is the ratio different for bigger fish?

Can I medicate the water with anything to assist his healing?

Our friends thought it was normal that he 'slept on his side'. He doesn't do that anymore, since we've had him but I was pretty sure he was sick when I noticed his face. They hadn't cleaned his tank in 2 months. It was super gross when we picked him up... I guess hearing all this, I feel like we rescued the poor 'little' guy. Now, I want to make sure we get it right so he can get better.

Barbrella

What do you mean? You don't do many water changes? How much and how often do you do them?

Yes, the ratio is very different for large fish. Obviously a 5" Oscar is going to produce way more waste than 5 neon tetras, right?

I'm afraid 10 gals is not nearly big enough for him even now. Oscars produce a lot of waste and quickly become poisoned by the toxins in small tanks. Hole-in-the-Head is believed to be caused by poor nutrition and/or overcrowding and/or bad water quality.

This poor fish has been through too much and urgently needs a large tank and clean water right now. I can't stress that enough. Rescuing is wonderful, and your hearts are certainly in the right place, but does the fish no good if his living conditions are still bad to the point of him getting this disease.

Yes there are medications and foods that are used in the treatment of this disease, but aren't going to be of much benefit while he's in this tank.

Neville

I don't think that's Hole In The Head! That's just his nostrils. but oscars require a 55 gallon tank; they may grow up to 6-7" within 6 months and they r messy fish both in thier feeding and toilet habit. so buy a big tank and enjoy your oscar!