I was given several small fish found in an abandoned house. Most were small koi (?) plus a beautiful fantail and this third one I discovered was an Oscar. All the fish had hemorrhagic septicemia & despite my attempts at antibacterial treatment in a hastily rigged hospital tank, all died except for the fantail & the Oscar.

(I only do pond fish plus a medium size tank aquarium fish; mostly fantails of various types, shebunkins, platys, neons, etc. I am a limited-knowledge fish person. I have now had to resort to purchasing 'fish health' books!)

The fantail seems cured & is happily adjusting to the pond. Oscar is still in the 'hospital' tank, has survived now for about 10 days -- I've been treating him for 'popeye' with antibiotics; treatment time has ended & he's been returned to a plain, unoccupied tank. I have no idea how to care for him, tho -- books on the subject all give differing advice.

I think he must be a baby -- 2-3", velvety gray, very shy but also territorial. If he eats, I don't see him doing it. Bought some cichlid flakes to tempt him. He seems to be getting used to my presence & comes out more often to swim, but often I notice him lying on his side in the corner, doing nothing. (He was quite lively before I removed the fantail.)

Does he need a 'playmate' to challenge him a bit & make him swim around more? How big is he going to get? What does an Oscar eat anyway? Do I have to buy an 85-gallon tank to accommodate him? Does he need a mate? What happens if I just toss another Oscar in there -- is he going to go with the program? Maybe a different fish from the Cichlid family?

There seem to be Oscar fan clubs all over the internet, so I'm guessing this is a 'prized' fish. It's too bad he landed in my care, but it beats his prior living conditions. I'm just asking what I should do here: one large, established indoor tank, one large established pond are about my limit & I'm not sure I want to start up my own 'Oscar club.' On the other hand, I can't just let the little guy go untended; he is kinda cute, big eyeballs & all.

Please! Anybody who cares for/loves/knows about Oscars take pity on us & offer along any advice you care to give!