What Is It About This Fish

I don't know what it is about this fish that new hobbyist are drawn to this amazing species of fish myself included . He is the boss of his 55 gallon pond. I hand feed him love's crushing nightcrawlers. I purchased him at the local Wal-Mart tiny thing. Cured him of ick and other bacteria ECT. Now he's a beast. Love this hobby we all share.

 

Is it dead?

 

Is it dead?

If not it probably soon will be if treated like this. poppinpinto this is not a good way to handle or display a fish, the stress will put a strain on its immune system making it susceptible to disease & you can damage its slime coat which will also open it up to disease, it's a lovely looking fish, it would be a real shame to lose it now by mistreating it.

 

Its called character. Great fish.

 

You can call it character all you want, but no.

 

Its called character. Great fish.

What does that even mean?

 

It was a simple question. What is it about this fish that new hobbyist are drawn to?

My simple answer is: Character is what draws people to the Oscar. That's my opinion anyway. I think they have a lot of character.

 

It was a simple question. What is it about this fish that new hobbyist are drawn to?

My simple answer is: Character is what draws people to the Oscar. That's my opinion anyway. I think they have a lot of character.

Right, understand now (and agree), thought for a minute you meant that displaying it like this gave it character.

 

If not it probably soon will be if treated like this. poppinpinto this is not a good way to handle or display a fish, the stress will put a strain on its immune system making it susceptible to disease & you can damage its slime coat which will also open it up to disease, it's a lovely looking fish, it would be a real shame to lose it now by mistreating it.

Keeping it in a 55 gallon long term isn't great either

 

Oscars are hardy but should never be removed from the water and laid out on a paper plate like that.

 

That I agree with, all the Oscars I caught in south FL. we cooked them before we put them on our plate.

 

That I agree with, all the Oscars I caught in south FL. we cooked them before we put them on our plate.

Yeah they are in the wild down there. I have seen and caught them. Never ate one though but hear they are pretty tasty.

 

I would never do that personally with my fish, in fact there is no way I could with a 11.5" Clown Loach. They have huge spines, go absolutely crazy, are way too powerful and the slipperiest things in the universe (they are covered in deep slime).

But I tried not to give negative comments and to stick to the question at hand, I've seen owners measure their fish like that before many times so I was not so shocked as the first time.

 

I've seen owners measure their fish like that before many times so I was not so shocked as the first time.

Yeah, I see fish displayed like this a lot too, usually when put up for sale so like you not shocked by it, still think it's wrong though & will never by from anybody who does this.

 

It is the only way to properly measure fish. Biologists do this too. I’ve done it when I capture a tagged fIsh and want to report it. It helps in their study. Keeping it on a styrofoam plate was not a bad idea. Protects the slimecoat. That said, I’m not the biggest fan of Oscars and cichlids in general. They look like fish I’d cook in my frying pan, lol.

 

It is the only way to properly measure fish. Biologists do this too. I’ve done it when I capture a tagged fIsh and want to report it. It helps in their study. Keeping it on a styrofoam plate was not a bad idea. Protects the slimecoat. That said, I’m not the biggest fan of Oscars and cichlids in general. They look like fish I’d cook in my frying pan, lol.

Maybe so but IMO I still think it's wrong & unnecessary for fish in an aquarium environment, why put them through that stress when it's not needed.

 

Maybe so but IMO I still think it's wrong & unnecessary for fish in an aquarium environment, why put them through that stress when it's not needed.

I agree. I don’t measure my wet pets. Some people want exact measurements, and that’s fine, too. I guess my point is that a fish won’t just turn over and die, if someone wants to do it. I must admit I roll my eyes when people have a ruler or tape measure on the aquarium glass and think they are getting a decent measurement; they’re not.

 

Oscars are hardy but should never be removed from the water and laid out on a paper plate like that.

Should NOT be kept in 55 gallon tanks!!!

 

I agree with all above and using a plastic plate may be its saving grace, we use to catch them by the boat load in south FL. back in the 80's and they are very good to eat, the meat is firm and white as snow, very good. We would catch plecos and other exotics.

 

Is it dead?

No

 

I see your in Miami, did you buy or is it local caught?

 

You guys, stick to the original question. Yes, it’s an Oscar. I think that’s great that you cured it of several sicknesses!

 

They are popular because they are hardy, will eat just about anything, and can be very personable. Sometimes they act like puppies, begging for their treats. I just never had a tank big enough. The biggest freshwater setup I have ever had was 10 gallons.

They are an invasive species in Florida because people have released them into ponds and canals when they got too big.

 

To be clear I take every precaution to make sure my fish are in no harm. I fed him first then removed all hardscape. Clean arms and hands with warm water. Used a fish safe net. Netted him quickly no stress.
Reasons why I did this was to check his health checking for any fungus bacteria ect. I not trying to be a show off I care only about my animals health. The measuring was to see how big his new tank needs to be. Sorry if this upset anyone, but he's was not harmed. everyone

 

I see your in Miami, did you buy or is it local caught?

Wal-Mart rescue

 

Should NOT be kept in 55 gallon tanks!!!

I agree with you looking for a 75 gallon for him. Just find a good deal.

 

Is it dead?

No

 

If not it probably soon will be if treated like this. poppinpinto this is not a good way to handle or display a fish, the stress will put a strain on its immune system making it susceptible to disease & you can damage its slime coat which will also open it up to disease, it's a lovely looking fish, it would be a real shame to lose it now by mistreating it.

To be clear I take every precaution to make sure my fish are in no harm. I fed him first then removed all hardscape. Clean arms and hands with warm water. Used a fish safe net. Netted him quickly no stress.
Reasons why I did this was to check his health checking for any fungus bacteria ect. I not trying to be a show off I care only about my animals health. The measuring was to see how big his new tank needs to be. Sorry if this upset anyone, but he's was not harmed.

 

Keeping it in a 55 gallon long term isn't great either

Getting a 75 gallon for him soon

 

Hey, you’re explaining yoursef way too much. If they don’t like it, too bad. It’s not like you’re out to abuse animals. Most Oscars are lucky to even get a 55g. 75 is better of course.

 

Hey, you’re explaining yoursef way too much. If they don’t like it, too bad. It’s not like you’re out to abuse animals. Most Oscars are lucky to even get a 55g. 75 is better of course.

 

Most Oscars are lucky to even get a 55g. 75 is better of course.

This is very true. I have seen many in 29 gallon tanks.

 

I must agree I know my new pair of oscars have a great personality. One of my favorite to watch