Oscar Fish Diseases

Oscar fish is a very popular tropical fish and is a member of the cichlid fish family, that originated in South America, in the waters of the Amazon. The Oscar fish is also known as the albino, red and tiger Oscar and it is found in variety of colors and patterns like albino, olive green, dark gray and brown. Generally, Oscar fish grow large, reaching to a size of 12 to 14 inches (30 to 40 cm roughly). Generally, a 55 gallon capacity aquarium or a large size fish tank is essential for their proper growth and health. The Oscar fish weigh 1.5 kg (3 pounds) and feed on pellets, lakes, freeze dried and other smaller fish that can fit in their mouths.

Oscar fish is one of the most loved aquarium fish. The popularity of Oscar fish is due to the fact that these fish respond to their owners, just like a puppy. They play and swim in the aquarium while their masters are around and it is believed they have the ability to recognize their masters! The Oscar fish are also brilliant actors and they pretend to lie at the bottom of the tank/aquarium and in doing so they grab the smaller fish that swim near them!

Diseases that Affect the Oscar Fish
These diseases must be treated in a timely manner, so that you don't have to regret it later. Following are the diseases that can affect an Oscar fish.

Fin Rot
This disease causes the edges of the fins to turn white or the base of the fins to get ragged. In acute cases of fin rot, the fin may slowly become shorter over time. As the fin rot disease reaches an advanced stage the area near the fins may get bloody patches as the fins wither away with time. Fin rot is caused by the bacterial infection and can be treated with by antibiotics treatments.

Septicemia
Septicemia is a disease caused by the bacterial infection. It usually happens when an injury or wound is left open without properly treating it. In case of the Oscar fish, it can injure itself if it has a fight with the other fishes in the aquarium. The water in the fish tank may get infected so it is necessary that if a fish has injured itself, then the water should be changed immediately and treated with some antibiotics.

Hole in The Head Disease (HITH)
Various members of the cichlid family including the Oscar fish, suffer from the hole in the head disease, that leads to small holes in the region near the head and around the face area of the fish. There can be pitted areas along the lateral side of the fish and the holes can increase in size like small craters. Though the exact cause of hole in the head disease is not known, it is believed that flagellated protozoans and bacteria cause the HITH in Oscars.

Velvet Disease
Velvet disease is caused by the parasite Oodinium. These parasites first find a fish and then attach to it using a flagellum. After that, it forms rod pseudopodia that penetrate the skin and soft tissues of the gills. The parasites feed on the nutrients inside the cells and after destroying the cells completely, these parasites mature and rupture into dozens of cells. Each cell is released into the water tank to find a new host (each cell can thrive for 24 hours and if it does not find a host, it dies). This disease is very dangerous and can affect all the fishes in the aquarium within a few days.

Oscar Fish Care
Taking care of the Oscar fish is of utmost importance in order to keep it disease free. To ensure it, follow these steps:

• Once the aquarium is set up, wait for some days for the Oscar fish to settle, as they will be a bit uncomfortable for the first few days.
• Add only one or at most two fish at a time, as their biological filters take time to respond to the new changes and members of the tank.
• An Oscar fish must be quarantined before it is moved to the main aquarium. This will reduce the risk of infection to any other fishes.
• Oscar fish need special treatment. Decorate your aquarium with lots of plants and small rocks and pebbles. Get it designed in such a way that the Oscar fish can hide. They love playing and hiding!
• Generally, Oscars are loners, but you can choose other fishes that have a similar temperament as that of the Oscars. Neither a belligerent nor a passive Oscar is good for the other fishes.
• Changing the water in the fish tank periodically is essential.
• Use low intensity light as Oscars don't like bright lightning. You may use fluorescent light bulbs with ratings at 10,000K.
• Choose gravel that can't be swallowed by the Oscar fish.
• The air pumps and air stones must be placed so that they can oxygenate the water and release harmful chemicals by stirring the surface of water.

Oscar fish diseases can be controlled and treated by adopting proper methods of fish care. A vigilant fish owner will surely keep a check on its aquarium pets and treat them nicely. Make sure you are one such fish lover!