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Posted: Sun Nov 14, 2004 10:42 pm Post subject: Rainbow with possible pop-eye

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I 've had around 18 rainbowfish and several rummynose tetras in a 58 gallon planted tank for a couple months now - 9 praecox and 9 boesemani. Today I have discovered one of my male praecox's eyes definitely more poppish than it should be. The strange thing is, one eye is much farther out than the other one. What could be causing this and can I treat it?

Tank information: 25% of tank changed every week, only thing that goes in tank as additives are various plant nutrients as well as CO2 from a DIY yeast generator (my water has no chlorine - well water). pH is around 8.0 and water is pretty hard. Filter is an Eheim canister professional II.

I would observe, if he has no behavioral differences and doesn't appear ill in any other way. It's possible he was injured by another fish (mating "issues" ). Maybe the swelling will go down with time, if it is not damaged.

Alternative explanation, if it progresses: "Popeyeexophthalmia), especially if it is one eye. Read what KoiVet, Dr. Erik Johnson says on the subject:

http://www.koivet.com/html/articles/articles_details.php?article_id=101

While there are many causes, from injury to parasites, viruses, different bacterias (including fish TB), it may respond to antibiotic if it is an infection that is not TB. Jungle has just made a new antibiotic medicated feed that is widely available in most, if not all, PetSmart stores, including their online store. If you feel you need to try something (behavior starts to indicate illness), I would do the medicated feed. It has no impact on the tank and you can feed it to the entire tank for 7-10 days. Jungle says it can be crushed to reach bottom feeders and for fish with smaller mouths. If there is an infection going around the tank, it may nip it in the bud before it can go too much further.

Otherwise, you can quarantine and treat with waterborne antibiotics, but those can't get behind the eye socket. Medicated feed can work through the blood stream.

Here is what it looks like:

Link for Jungle Anti-Bacteria Medicated Food at Petsmart

Last edited by Cory_Di at 15-Nov-2004 18:56

Thanks very much for the informative response.

Over a day or so, he's begun to show other behavioral signs that indicate illness, such as isolating himself (where he would used to school with his buddies) and gasping. In addition, he is also showing reluctance to eat. I don't think I'll be able to use the medicated feed, though it would be far easier and probably more effective if he would only eat it. Would the best method be now to try to hospitalize him and treat through water antibiotics?

Thanks again.

Poor water-quality is usually to blame for pop-eye, though it may not be in this case. Just one eye affected isn't too impossible, either. A friend of mine had a bichir with major popeye in only one eye, and was able to cure him just fine.

QT is probably your best option to keep him stress free and keep the rest of your tank away from whatever the culprit is.

Popeye is also sometimes linked as a prelude to Dropsy. I treat my fish with Maracyn-Two. It can treat Dropsy, septicemia, popeye and finrot, so it would be a pretty good longterm medication investment.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

Poor water quality may be the case - I've been feeding a bit (not extremely, but a bit) too much lately out of carelessness, even though I know how detrimental that can be.

I'll quarentine and start medicating tomorrow - I believe I have come Maracyn II handy. Wish him luck, and thanks for everyone's help!