Pop-Eye (Exophthalmia)
Bacterial infection causing fluid buildup behind the eye, making it protrude. Usually affects one eye. Bilateral pop-eye is more serious and often indicates an internal systemic infection.
Check these symptoms in your tankSymptoms of Pop-Eye (Exophthalmia)
- Bulging or cloudy eye(s)
- Lethargic / hiding more than usual
- Refusing to eat
- Faded or lost color
How to treat Pop-Eye (Exophthalmia)
- Improve water quality immediately with a 25% water change
- Kanamycin sulfate or Seachem Kanaplex, most effective for bacterial pop-eye
- Add 1 tsp Epsom salt per gallon to help reduce fluid retention
- Treat for 10 days minimum
- Fish often recover even if the eye is permanently damaged
How to prevent it
- Maintain pristine water quality
- Avoid physical injuries, handle carefully during moves
- Quarantine fish with injuries
Conditions with similar symptoms
Bacterial (and sometimes fungal) infection affecting fins and tail. Usually secondary to stress or poor water quality. Fins appear to disintegrate from the edges.
Fluffy white or gray cotton-like patches on body, fins, or around mouth. Often secondary to wounds, fin rot, or poor water quality.
Open sores or ulcers on the body caused by Aeromonas or Pseudomonas bacteria. Often secondary to wounds, handling stress, or poor water quality. Ulcers can deepen rapidly and become life-threatening.
Not sure? Use the symptom checker
Many fish diseases look alike. Pick the symptoms you see in the free fish disease checker to compare likely causes, or scan a test strip to rule out a water problem first.