Pop Eye?

[goldenpuon]

As I mentioned several months ago, I noticed that my goldfish Oranda was having trouble seeing. I mentioned that there was a slight cloudiness on her eyes and posted a picture. Every one said the fish was fine from the picture and looked healthy. Anyway, it's benn a least 2 months and the cloudiness is still there a bit (again barely noticeable). But hen it looks like the lens on Oranda's eye is sticking out slightly more than normal. You can't really noctie unless you are close up and looking at the fish from the side. I'm not sure if this is a incredibly slow progressing case of pop-eye, cataracts or if I am overreacting and there is really nothing wrong. Oranda is acting and looking very healthy otherwise.

I can't get a picture because my battery charger for my cammera broke and I have to save up enough money to get a new one.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

[Carl]

Based on what your describing, I would maintain a wait and see attitude and work on the best possible environment, since many cases of pop eye are from Aeromonas bacteria and this is a bacteria of less than perfect water quality and low oxygen content.

Some clouding of the eye, can also not really be treated, so unless this progresses, I would see my point #1 above.

Try increasing oxygen levels, since a recent university study that read (dealing with Trout) showed dissolved oxygen levels played a major role in healthy fish eyes.

Carl

[goldenpuon]

Thanks Carl. Maybe it is just the eye placement on this fish. Like us, I know fish have variations. I will keep my eyes open.

I have a filter and bubbler that produces a lot of surface agitation in the tank. There should be more than enough oxygen. Keep in mind that this problem started when I had 4 fish in a 10 gallon (not 2 like now) and the tank only had a bubbler that produced minor surface agitation/bubbles.

I'll try not to worry. Thanks carl.

[bikeguy33]

also renee....goldfish are famous for cloudy eyes. i think it has alot to do with their terrible breeding. you are right...cloudy eyes will make them blind....but in reality.....if their are no predaters...they do fine blind. they never seem to have any trouble finding food at all. also....as a goldfish ages....in particular a feeder comet....cloudy eyes is almost the norm.

[goldenpuon]

Well, actually, my fish has trouble finding food. It's the biggest problem with this. It looks fractically around for food whenever I feed it but has a super hard time locating it. But it does follow my finger when I move it on the outside of the tank near my fish's mouth (like my other ones do to say they are hungry constantly). It also eats very well when it find the food. Could it be because I normally feed my goldfish when it's dark? (after 8 p.m.) and in the early morning (6 a.m. on weekdays, anywhere from 9a.m.-12p.m. on weekends.)