My Poor Tummy!!

I have an Oscar that is about 5 inches long now so we were moving him into a larger tank. I put a large plastic bucket on its side in the tank and tried to guide him into the bucket with a net but he panicked and forced his way between the bucket and tank and scraped up his side! I've got him in the new tank now and he is swimming around fine. Weaving around in the bubble curtain (he's never had one before). He seems pretty happy and doesn't seem to be in pain but should I preemptively medicate him? And with what? I tried to get some pictures. Hope they help

 

He doesn't look badly hurt, I'd just do daily waterchanges for a bit and he should heal up nicely.

 

Maybe this will help too

 

He doesn't look badly hurt, I'd just do daily waterchanges for a bit and he should heal up nicely.

Thanks for the advise! He's a tough fish and this isn't the first time he's hurt himself but it is the worst injury so far.

 

I see it a bit better now, I'd still suggest daily waterchanges. If it doesn't get a bit better within a week then you might want to think about trying some meds. Hopefully he gets better soon! He's a beaut by the way, I like oscars.

 

I agree with Platylover....water changes should do the trick.
Al little off topic. I'm sure that you know this, but just keep an eye on your Oscar with the Cory Cat, if the Oscar decides he is hungry and goes after the Cory, it will not end well for either one of them. They also love to shoal, so maybe add a few more of the Corys. Most members who keep them always suggest no less than 6.

 

I see it a bit better now, I'd still suggest daily waterchanges. If it doesn't get a bit better within a week then you might want to think about trying some meds. Hopefully he gets better soon! He's a beaut by the way, I like oscars.

Thank you so much! He's my first fish and I think he's part dog. He gets excited and wags his body when I walk up to the tank and gets so excited when its time to eat. He got a nasty bump on his head once jumping out of the water to eat a krill because he hit the tank lid. My daughter named him Tummy and I think it's the best name for him.

 

I agree with Platylover....water changes should do the trick.
Al little off topic. I'm sure that you know this, but just keep an eye on your Oscar with the Cory Cat, if the Oscar decides he is hungry and goes after the Cory, it will not end well for either one of them. They also love to shoal, so maybe add a few more of the Corys. Most members who keep them always suggest no less than 6.

The Cory is kind of a rescue and came with the bigger tank. I didn't know much about them but I am keeping Tummy's old tank set up just in case they start to fight I can move the catfish into it. I did make sure the little guy has hiding spots where Tummy can't get to him but hopefully they will play nice

 

By the way...how big is the tank your Oscar is in? Even for one Oscar, a 75 gallon tank is suggested.

 

That number grows with every person I talk to lol. He's in a 35 gallon now. This will not be a permanent tank for him. We are going to be moving in 3 months and will be purchasing a 150 gallon tank once we get settled in and have a permanent place to put him.

 

Some people say 55 gallon would be enough but I think 75+ is best. I mean they can get up to 14" long and a 55 is only 13" wide so they can't even be straight in the tank if looking out.

The 35 should be fine for now but he will need a bigger tank and I'm happy you notice that have fun with him he is beautiful