Oscar eating problem, please!?

Question

I have a 6 inch tiger Oscar. I feed him Hikari pellets (medium size pellets)

For awhile now, every time he eats, he either chews it up, spits it out or food comes out from his gills when he eats. Its very messy.

I don't think he could be full because I feed him once a day.

(I know I'm suppose to feed him more often, but I just did this to see if it was the cause of fullness)

Anyways, a month back, this didn't happen. He would eat everything I feed him.

He's sharing the tank with another Oscar, a green terror and Jack Demsey, and the rest are eating their food properly except my Tiger Oscar..

Can you please tell me why this is happening?

Thank you

Answer 1

If all the other fish are eating, there is very little doubt that this fish is getting bullied considerably.  The stress from being the victim of all the others' aggression often causes fish to stop eating.  I sure hope your tank is about 150 gallons, because as adults, they will need every inch (and then some) of that tank.  Until you get such a tank, you will continue to find this fish not eating, as it will continually be attacked.

I would not recommend chicken at all.  If the fish does eat it and decides it likes it, the chances of you ever getting it to eat something other than chicken (which really isn't that healthy for fish) are VERY low.

Answer 2

No. but try feeding it some small chicken pieces nothing too big but enough to feed him. should love it.