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Hi everyone,

I didn't add the water params simply because I don't think they're relevant. If you feel they are after reading, I will be more than happy to provide them.

A few months ago, I noticed one of my zebra danios was missing an eye. I began looking for other physical symptoms and didn't see any. No sores, spots, patches, etc. Color was fine, and he ate and behaved normally. Today, I noticed his other eye is gone too. I have isolated him in a breeder net so he doesn't hurt himself somehow. I have never seen any bullying going on the tank, other than the typical playful chasing. I have danios, 2 female bettas (both very calm), and some cories. He is the only one with this problem and I dont know what caused it. He is one of my oldest, so he is pretty familiar with the tank and still seems okay, swimming, etc. He just looked a little lost. My heart has broken for this little guy. My questions are what has possibly caused it? And is there anything I can do to help him? Should he be isolated for the rest of his life (which seems a bit cruel to me) or will he eventually be able to join the others? In short, help please...

Thanks,

Amber

Water peramiters always help, but in this case I dought it. It does seem rather strange it is one fish only if there were others yes I would be concerned with the water peramiters. Is it possible that during chasing the Danio lost his first eye, (that is if it was not done by another fish) Now having one blind side it would be easy to knock into something again. I personally would send him to fish heaven, loosing total sight it will be very difficult for him to feed and could easly become a target for the Bettas.

Have a look in [link=My Profile] http://www.fishprofiles.com/forums/member.aspx?id=1935[/link] for my tank info

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Keith

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It's impossible to tell why both the eyes are gone at this point, though fish do commonly lose eyes to infection or physical damage. Sometimes an attacking fish will bite out the entire eye of its victim, which could be the case here. It normally doesn't happen to both eyes, but it's possible.

Your danio should actually be able to thrive without its eyes. Fish can use their other senses (smell, lateral line) to detect objects in the water, including food. The next time you feed the aquarium, watch and see if this danio is able to eat. If so, it should be just fine to leave it with the others.

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And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."

Thanks both of you and especially Sirbrooks! really didnt like the idea of euthanizing him. (in fact, probably wouldnt do it....) I have him in a breeder net at the moment, so at least he wont have to fight for food. I had considered putting him in a 5.5 that i have that has 2 ADFs in it, but didnt like the idea of changing his surroundings at this point. and the ADFs can get a little nippy at feeding time. Ineptitude more than aggressiveness, but has the same effect. I will watch him for a couple days to see how he does in the net, then release him and watch.

i have a blind molly ( infection) and she gets to the top to feed faster then my others. fish do just fine blind.

Thanks for the support geminilyretail!!! He is eating and seems to be doing fine. I will release him sometime tomorrow more than likely. I feed them at night and want him to get at least one more feeding under his fishy belt before having to fight for it.