Albino Oscar With Severe Skin Problems

[dml52186]

I bought this Oscar at a Petsmart about 7 weeks ago. I had seen in there for months and even when his price was cut down to 5.00 dollars no one wanted him. So I finally gave in and got him. I asked the Petsmart associate what was wrong with him and he said they have had him since he was a baby and he was picked on a lot. I'm not sure if his outer appearance was caused by other Oscars beating on him or it's some type of disease. Does anyone have any advice? Thank you!

 

[minxfishy]

That looks nasty, look up hole in the head disease, this causes the deep pitting in the skin, usually caused by being kept in bad water quality and poor feeding.

 

[Davo86]

That looks nasty, look up hole in the head disease, this causes the deep pitting in the skin, usually caused by being kept in bad water quality and poor feeding.

It looks to have very severe neuromastic pitting, (slightly different to HITH)
Like HITH though it is brought on by environmental issues, i.e. poor water conditions, poor diet, overcrowded or cramped living conditions,

In order for the Oscar to survive this you are going to have to get the water in perfect condition as well as feeding a a high quality, vitamin enriched diet.

 

[minxfishy]

Thanks Davo, I wasnt sure exactly what it was and hoped someone else could give a better diagnosis. Poor little chap, never seen anything that bad before, hope he pulls thru.

 

[Davo86]

Thanks Davo, I wasnt sure exactly what it was and hoped someone else could give a better diagnosis. Poor little chap, never seen anything that bad before, hope he pulls thru.

Yeah thankfully its not too common and I've never actually seen the disease in the flesh, (which can only be a good thing).

It is actually most commonly seen in Satanoperca Daemons, yet I know with your care and attention, yours will never suffer anything soo horrific.

 

[minxfishy]

Really? something to keep an eye out for then, although aside from one loss, which I put down to neotropical bloat unfortunatley, mine are extremely healthy and growing well

Is there any kind of medication the OP can use for the Oscar?

 

[Davo86]

Really? something to keep an eye out for then, although aside from one loss, which I put down to neotropical bloat unfortunatley, mine are extremely healthy and growing well

Is there any kind of medication the OP can use for the Oscar?

I think this would be best asked in the emergency section as i'm not 100% on this one, I know that Metronidazole and Octozin are available for HITH and similar diseases,

IMO building the immune system of the fish would be the main priority, and once it is eating a vitamin enriched diet and is living in clean water I'd say that might be enough to prevent the disease going further.