Hi. My name is Aaron I have a Tiger Oscar(about 6") He has become quite reclusive and spends most of his time in the far back corner of the tank. He has developed a few whitish spots on his under belly and around his head. I have been doing frequent 50% water changes and adding some medication(tettracyclin) He has stopped eating and seems very sluggish. any help would be great

Welcome Aaron, A few questions. What size tank do you have him in? What tank mates? What are your water parameters and is the tank new or it it an established tank? What do you feed him? I know there are a lot of questions but we need some more info for a correct diagnosis. Tetracyclin is a pretty strong bacterial medication which can be used to treat a broad spectrum of bacterial and secondary infections. It needs to be used for it's full cycle. How long have you notices the spots and when did he stop eating? Also can you get pics for us.....if so it would be helpful.

Yes, to what MC said.

Tetracycline isn't going to do much though if it's Hole in the Head. I'd have to look it up, but I don't know if it does anything for ich either.

I thought I had posted this before but I don't see my post any more. Anyway...pics would help greatly. If you can't get pics could you describe the spots...size, shape etc...

I have a Water home 32 thats been established for appox 4 months. the water temp is kept between 22 and 24C. Other tank mates include one Pleco. His diet includes Omega one Shrimp/Krill meddle, goldfish and the ocassional plant from the tank, I have yet to check all the ph. nitrate and nitrite levels. With all the frequent water changes right now it might not help. I have been trying to get a few pictures for you but he is very skiddish right now and moves away from me when ever I go near. He has also been displacing alot of the gravel in the tank makeing small little pits everywhere would this behavior be a mating thing? oh yes, the spots. Most have begun to heal with the introduction of the tetracycline they where located around his head and one larger one on his belly. White and mushy (like rot) I guess is the best way to describe them. started off as just discoloration and then opened into small depresions.

I would continue the treatment if it seems to be working....He is digging to claim territory. Unfortunately the tank you are currently keeping him in is going to be too small very soon. Oscars enjoy pristine water conditions and require lots of room. For now don't over feed, keep water perfect (less than 20ppm Nitrates) and make sure to feed a variety. Feeder goldfish can introduce disease into the tank and will not provide your Oscar with enough nutrition. Bad diet and foul water are likely the main cause of the stress and or disease you are experiencing with your Oscar. Also look to upgrade soon a 75 gallon tank is suitable for an Oscar. From your description it sounds like some sort of bacterial infection.

Thanks very much for the information. Hope I can find a tank