Baby oscar is a pig

Question
Hello I have a 3 inch baby oscar named Abby.  I have had her in a ten gallon tank for about 3 months now.  All the water is fine.  I just recently, today, gave her some live feeder goldfish.  I am going on holidays and thought that if I purchased live food for my oscars then my friend wouldn't have to do as much work to take care of them.  I put them in the same tank since that is what I have always done with my 10 inch oscar and she gobbled up 6 in one shot.  I was just wondering if I should be worried about her over eating and what to do if she has managed to do that.  My other oscar only eats what he needs so I just assumed that she would be the same.  I would appreicate any advice you would have on how to handle this situation and what should I watch out for in case she has made herself sick.  So far she just seems very pleased with her self and very FAT.  Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hi Twyla;

She sounds quite normal to me! Gluttony is what oscars specialze in, especially babies. It is very dangerous for them to overeat so it would be better to let someone feed them while you are gone. Since her overeating episode, watch her to be sure she is digesting. She may get constipated from it. If she is not digesting, add 1/2 teaspoon of epsom salt to the tank and do not feed her at all until her belly is smaller and she is having regular bowel movements.

Actually, feeder fish really aren't necessary for your oscars and can actually be harmful. They are kept in deplorable conditions and can carry disease to your pet fish. Being stressed and run down, these feeders often don't give your fish a well-balanced diet anyway. It is best to feed them a good quality pelleted food to be sure they are getting the nutrition they need. I've found that the tank is much cleaner and easier to maintain too. Feeders make quite a lot of mess because of the undigestable parts in them. (yuck!)

Hope she feels better soon....

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins