My oscar fish acting weird

[bobthebuilda]

I have an albino Tiger Oscar fish that is about 6 inches in a 15 gallon tank. Filled good with plants and hiding spots and it has enough room to make it self comfortable.

About a week (maybe 2) ago i tried to feed it and it jumped out of the tank. It fell about 4.5 feet onto a hard wood floor. It was there for about 30-40 seconds flapping like crazy as I panicked. After some hard work I managed to pick it up with a blanket and put it back in the tank. It swam around for about 3 seconds then started to lay down on the floor. I thought this was normal since it was probably in some sort of shock because of out of oxygen or healing in some way. I mean it must have been a big trauma to it. Anyways it stayed there on the surface for a long time then it started swimming again.

After that, it seemed to be eating great and eats a lot actually. It swims around fine. But some times the fish lays on the surface for like an hour, maybe more. It never used to do this before. Is it damaged? Is it dying? Is it sick? I don't know whats going on... any help/feeback?

Water temp is fine btw

 

[Dunk2]

Unfortunately, your tank is far too small for an Oscar.

How long has the tank been running and what are your water parameters?

 

[bobthebuilda]

Unfortunately, your tank is far too small for an Oscar.

How long has the tank been running and what are your water parameters?

its been there for 2 years so thats not the problem, can you just tell me the problem with it laying on the surface?

 

[Dunk2]

its been there for 2 years so thats not the problem, can you just tell me the problem with it laying on the surface?

You came here for help?

 

[bobthebuilda]

You came here for help?

yes so can you please tell me why this is happening

 

[jkkgron2]

its been there for 2 years so thats not the problem, can you just tell me the problem with it laying on the surface?

I think the too small tank is indirectly causing the problem. With such a big, messy fish in a 15 gallon there’s a lot of waste in there that pollutes the water. I think that the affects of the pollution is only just starting to show up because of the trauma, but I think this might’ve been causing internal issues for awhile now.

 

[bobthebuilda]

I think the too small tank is indirectly causing the problem. With such a big, messy fish in a 15 gallon there’s a lot of waste in there that pollutes the water. I think that the affects of the pollution is only just starting to show up because of the trauma, but I think this might’ve been causing internal issues for awhile now.

then why didnt anything happen for 2 years

 

[Dunk2]

yes so can you please tell me why this is happening

Sorry, but your tank is too small for an Oscar.

How long has the tank been running, what are your water parameters and how often are you doing water changes?

 

[jkkgron2]

then why didnt anything happen for 2 years

Because the trauma of jumping out of the tank made the issue start showing up in a way you can see it, instead of just internally.

 

[bobthebuilda]

Sorry, but your tank is too small for an Oscar.

How long has the tank been running, what are your water parameters and how often are you doing water changes?

i do water changes every week and a half running for 2 years ands its about 76-79 degrees

 

[Analisemcg]

i do water changes every week and a half running for 2 years ands its about 76-79 degrees

Do you have a way to get your water parameters? I’m guessing that they would be the cause of all this but I could be wrong.

 

[Mcasella]

He most likely damaged internal organs in the fall. With the floating behavior likely his swim bladder. However an oscar in a smaller tank can lead to ammonia and nitri/ate issues that could show up during times of stress (like jumping and landing on the floor) - keeping the water clean and warm is of utmost importance right now. I would honestly upgrade as soon as you can because oscars can attain a length of 18", on average they should be 10", especially after 2 years of having him.

 

[bobthebuilda]

He most likely damaged internal organs in the fall. With the floating behavior likely his swim bladder. However an oscar in a smaller tank can lead to ammonia and nitri/ate issues that could show up during times of stress (like jumping and landing on the floor) - keeping the water clean and warm is of utmost importance right now. I would honestly upgrade as soon as you can because oscars can attain a length of 18", on average they should be 10", especially after 2 years of having him.

yeah im kinda broke so i cant but will the internal organs heal?

 

[Mcasella]

yeah im kinda broke so i cant but will the internal organs heal?

Given time possibly. I would look at saving up as it is unfair for your oscar to be kept in a 15 gallon tank long term, I would try for at least a 40 breeder (36"x18"), if you are in the states those are on sale at petco(s) for around 50$ plus tax, otherwise I would look at getting a secondhand tank that will fit him. (Craigslist, offerup, facebook marketplace are all good places to look and you likely can find a full setup for fairly cheap compared to brand new prices.)