I Am A Sucker For A Sob Story!

[star4]

Went to visit dear ol mum today, and decided to drop into the fish shop near her, there sitting in a tiny tank was "Chops". I bent down and looked into those soulfull eyes put my finger on the glass and was "kissed" through the glass. I got up and walked quicky down the row of tanks then found myself sitting on the floor back in front of "chop's" tank again. A voice above me said, "how big is your tank". I looked up laughing saying "which one, I have 3 400l tanks etc". He then asked if I knew about oscars, I rattled off the list of fish I have and he beemed from ear to ear. The assistant then proceded to tell me that "chop's" days were numbered as no one wanted him and the manager wanted it out of the shop, drawing a line across his throat with his finger. I said I cant take him I havent got any money on me, the assistant walked off, leaving me looking at the sad little face, he returned with a bag and netted "Chops" and handed it to me, "look after him" he said as he walked off!!!!

So "chops" has come to the madhouse, a 4-5" tiger oscar with a deformed face, heaven knows where I am going to put him. He will be in quaranteen for a while as he is a little skinny and can see a couple of spots so he will be treated for ich and a course of parasite meds just in case, but will see how he eats first. Then I will no doubt have to find him a home, but he is so adorable!!!!

Will try and get a pic in a few days once he has settled a bit.

 

[shroob]

At least the assistant seemed to care. I find it disheartening walking into my LFS and seeing the same fish there week after week - they happen to be 2 oscars. Shame no one wants them but its understandable given their needs.

What are your options with regards to placing the little fella?

Looking forward to pics, you've made him out to be quite.... interesting looking.

 

[ArnieStinger]

wow!....

 

[bae1994]

hope to see pics atleast the shop will know not to get more as they wont sell

looking forward to pics

 

[star4]

Sadly they had a tank full of 2" lutino oscars too, the assistant I spoke to was not impressed with the new manager, he really genuinly seemed to care.

Chops's future is uncertain as at present I only have a 120l quaranteen tank for him as I already have 3 other oscars. I have an empty juwel 260 vision (which hubby is trying to remove the scratches from) or another 4ft tank (around 200l) I may try him with my small oscar Rusty see how they get on but you know cichlids, he definately cant go with the other 2. Realistically he cannot stay with me permanantly, but he is ok at present. I just couldnt leave him in the shop!

 

[N0body Of The Goat]

Even if its just a short term stay with you before you find Choppy another suitable home, I'm sure Choppy will appreciate your TLC.

 

[Jenste]

aw so happy for Chops!!! And definitely impressed with that employee! makes me wish I lived near your mum to visit this shop!! Can't wait for pictures!!!

 

[star4]

Well the skinny side I dont think is anything to do with internal parasites as Chops has just polished off some frozen brine shrimp & garlic, a few hakari pellets and is peeping over the worksurface begging for more!!! he certainly is not shy or sulky!! although I think he desperately wants to say hi to the fish in the tank next to him. He must be hungry as I really didnt think he would eat for a couple of days till he settled

 

[hamfist]

 

[elisew]

Well the skinny side I dont think is anything to do with internal parasites as Chops has just polished off some frozen brine shrimp & garlic, a few hakari pellets and is peeping over the worksurface begging for more!!! he certainly is not shy or sulky!! although I think he desperately wants to say hi to the fish in the tank next to him. He must be hungry as I really didnt think he would eat for a couple of days till he settled

Bless him, I bet he thinks all of his Birthdays and Christmas` have all come at once!!

Good on ya star

 

[star4]

A friend has just taken this on his phone, doesnt show Chops's odd face too well, but the white under his eye is where the damage is. You can maybe tell his nose is shorter than normal and his eyes are huge compared to my other oscars, it sort of makes him look like a chiwawa but you can see there is no depth to him hardly. He looks just so happy in the quaranteen tank swimming up and down stretching his fins, he is a right character he is now re-arranging the plastic plants!!

 

[Jenste]

aw with a little TLC I am sure he will turn into a beaut!!! His face is a little odd shaped.... Can't wait to see how he develops!!!

 

[fishnovice]

A friend has just taken this on his phone, doesnt show Chops's odd face too well, but the white under his eye is where the damage is. You can maybe tell his nose is shorter than normal and his eyes are huge compared to my other oscars, it sort of makes him look like a chiwawa but you can see there is no depth to him hardly. He looks just so happy in the quaranteen tank swimming up and down stretching his fins, he is a right character he is now re-arranging the plastic plants!!

He's so cute! Well done for taking him in and giving him a home. I am sure he will be gratefull to you for saving his life and will reward you by turning into a loving pet. Wish I had space for an oscar but my larger tanks are full of rescued fish.

 

[Verminator89]

Rescue storys are always fantastic to read. The fact he was due to be sent to the slaughter is shocking, but from a LFS point of view a fish that isnt making money being sold is costing it to keep. Being disfigured he's even less likely to be sold. Its unfortunate but its how it can be, atleast this little fella has a brighter future to look forward too.

He looks adoreable. Lesley, if you do end up getting rid of him, give me a shout maybe Its not likely i can take him (if you can't) but theres always a slim chance.

 

[star4]

Chops has made himself right at home, came down this morning to his whole tank turned upside down plastic plants floating all over the place. I have put them all back again and he was constantly swimming around my hand nudging me with his nose, not biting just nudging. He seems to have a bit of bother with sinking food if he gets a mouthfull of gravel he has trouble expelling the gravel due to his wonky jaw. He actually has a tummy this morning and food is comming out the other end ok Going to feed him every 4 hours with just a couple of bits of food for a few days then feed him normally once I am happy all internal workings are fine.

As for his future, we have decided we will try him in our other tanks see how he gets on, if there are problems he will have to be re-homed I am pretty sure he is stunted on account of his huge eyes, will have to see if he grows over the next month or so. Although the way my hubby keeps waving at him and talking to him I think another tank maybe in the pipeline