I had 2 Oscars that were COMPLETELY incompatible. I tried for a very long time to find a solution but being disabled and unemployed, I have no income for a new fish set up.
Punk (turns out) is a "monster". He is about 9-10 inches long. He is the one that caused January to become disabled.
As a disabled person, I couldn't get rid of my disabled fish. Felt wrong.
So after SO much stress, I was able to find a fish store who was willing to take him! We drove an hour to drop him off. The guy said he may already have a home lined up. He called Punk a Lemon. So I thought I had 2 broken fish (🤣) but that's his color.
So my beautiful little disabled January FINALLY has a chance to thrive. There was so much assault from Punk, she was always hiding
Her front set of jaws dont work, but luckily she still has her back set. She can absolutely not see food sinking? She aims and it always hits her forehead.
Gravity is her friend. She cant really smack the top of the water. I've used slow sinking pellets in the past and was a bit more successful. I think she just grazes at the bottom. Feeding her has always been my biggest concern. I try hand feeding her mealworms but she just headbutt them.
I cant believe it all worked out for all of us. Im so happy for Punk getting a new home, and that January gets a 75 gallon tank to herself now.
I am finally a happy fish owner with happy fish
Can I do anything to make her life even better?
Has anyone ever cared for a fish like Jan?
Posted by northdakotanowhere
3 Comments
I’ve never seen a disabled fish before but now I want one. I love that lil guy ðŸ˜
Finding someone to take your fish that you care about but cannot take care of forever is so hard. When I was a kid I had a Jack Dempsey who outgrew my 55 gallon tank in a year or so. I was 12, I was not convincing my parents to get an even bigger tank but I found a super cool guy on craigslist who wanted him as his crown jewel in a Cichlid tank.
Poor thing!! It could maybe help to use a bowl? So you’re consistent with where the food comes from.
Also, I feel you. Disabled, probably shouldn’t be taking on fish that are *more* work, but…I have such a soft spot for them!