FishProfiles.com Message Forums

HEllo all to this forum guest and members. im new at this and new at the aquarist. my question is, my oscar of the three in a ten gallon tank(which the oscars are "infants"soon to get a bigger one, i know. but he is depositing these white strands, it looks like hes doing his business but the other fishes business is a brownish color, not a bright white. does anyone know or can explain these deposits? first thing i said to my wife was sperm there mating but i think there to young to start that and i dont think thats how the whole ordeal works. any insight wouldd be beautiful

thanks, kenny

so is the question about a discolored droppings?

um, yea it would be to young to breed, and maybe he hasn't been eatting, try some meat in their diet and see if it is better, the only thing that is alittle worring is that oscars get sick often so watch out for any health news.

welcome to F_P

well if no one else is gona say it i will. you need a much larger tank.

varied diet would also help, sounds like constipation.

Dont feed meat or high proteins food as suggested, it would quickly taint the water in such a small size tank and may cause more problems to the feces.

White feces is usually due to intestinal infections, probably intestinal flagellates.

I'd make a run down to the store and check the medications available.

Its not sperm for sure, sperm is hardly ever visible in aquarium fish.

What size are the fish?

Id Say that the oscars are about 2 inches from mouth to tail. im getting a 75g for the three and a pleco. i have a gold, tiger and albino oscar. just that one gold one which is slightly bigger than the other two has done it. i didnt see any last night around the tank or this morning. i really wasnt convinced that it was sperm it just kinda reminded me of it.

kenny

3 oscars and a pleco is to much fish for a 75g when fully grown. 75g is good for a single oscar and a pleco if maintence is kept up. 3 oscars i would say a 125g is a must. these are cichlids and demand territory one way or another. if they dont get what they require they will make the room removing competition. this will be even worse if 2 of the 3 pair up and breed. they will double team the 3rd wheel with out hesitation. and to make matters worse oscars defense to attacks is to play dead. this wont work against severe teritorial disputes.

my $0.02

When would you say that they'll start becoming more terriorial? they arent very aggresive now but in due time i know they be. Do i have at least a month?

kenny

i would say after they reach 6 inches including tail they are gona be to much fish for a 75g tank. will take about 2 months to get to that point. cant keep them in a 10g in the meantime they will curtainly stunt and more then likely die from the effects. stunting shortens the lifespan by alot. imagin your size heart,intestine,stomach ect all packed into a 2 yr old body. make for a rough day.