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What is Hole in the Head Disease (HITH, LLE), and how can I treat it?

Oscars, as well as other large cichlids, are commonly afflicted by hole in the head disease (HITH). The symptoms are easily recognizable � pitted areas or holes around the face and head area and along the lateral line of the fish � but the cause of HITH is not so clearly understood.

Catfish

There is nothing like an exotic catfish to add beauty to your aquarium. Below you will find a list of a few South American catfishes that will make a good match for your Oscars. By Federico Soriano

The Bala Shark - Balantiocheilus melanopterus

Is this fish a good tank mate for your Oscars? I did a search on the internet and found several people that have placed them together and claimed to have no problems. The water and temperature parameters should also pose no problems. Since bala sharks are hardy fishes and pretty fast swimmers (by no means an easy catch from the Oscar�s point of view) they should be able to live together happily ever after. Personally, I have never mixed these two species together but for those of you who want give it a try here is some general information about these fellows:

Silver Dollar

Another compatible species for your Oscar aquarium, the silver dollar (Mylossoma pluriventre) is a peaceful, schooling fish that can be kept in groups of three to six with most other community tank species of similar size. They can grow to 6" and probably larger. They live for several years.

The Convict Cichlid

Some times called Zebra Cichlid, 2 facts are certain about these South American cichlids when it comes to breeding: 1)They are prolific breeders. 2)They become absolute terrors controlling the entire aquarium and beating the heck out of fish even twice their size.

Jack Dempsey

This South American Cichlid was named after legendary heavyweight: Jack Dempsey, although usually smaller than the average adult Oscar (8 in � 20 cm) this beautiful cichlid is considered by almost everyone the perfect match for our bully pet: The Red Oscar. Do to its aggressive behavior Oscars soon will learn no to mess with �Jack�.