Genicanthus with pop eye

capt85

New member
I have a female Black spot angelfish (genicanthus melanospilos) that has recently developed pop eye in both eyes. This all started 4 days ago and I will detail what happened from your questions on the sticky.

1. How old is this aquarium?

The frag tank she was in was 10 months old and the QT was set back up the day after she showed the first signs. I had other fish in the QT and had just completed the fallow period for my tank so the QT had been dismantled and cleaned with bleach on 6/28 :headwally: . Set QT back up with water from FT to match as close as possible.

2. If less than six months old, what is ammonia level?

0 via badge

3. What is SG of this aquarium? How measured?

1.024 Refractometer

4. When was the last fish added to this aquarium?

She was the last fish I added to my FT. It only holds a male blackspot and he was on the other side of the tank. To help explain this is a custom made acrylic tanks and is technically 2 together. If a fish is on the left side it cannot get to the right unless it jumps out and over a brace which is 4" wide.

5. Was it quarantined? If so, how? And how long? Was it prophylactically treated? How?

Not yet. She and the male were being held in my frag tank to get them accusomted to each other and while my other fish from my DT were in QT (which ended 6/27).

6. If you are using a copper based medication, which one? How often do you measure level? When?

Currently only Metronidazole in her food which she eats slightly and dosing in the water. I had added epsom salt in the FT with her on 6/29 when I first saw symptoms but have not added any to the QT.

7. If you are using hyposalinity, how did you calibrate your refractometer?

8. Please describe in detail, the appearance of the fish? If there is one or more pimples, are they lumpy? What color?

Fish looks generally healthy with no wounds or growths yet obviously stressed.

9. Please describe the behavior of the fish as best you can. Is it acting reclusive? Is it always up towards the top of the aquarium? Is it avoiding light? How active is the fish?

Fish is swimming head down (picture attached) and does not wonder much which I think is based on the lack of eyesite.

10. Is the fish eating? What?

Fish is eating a combination of rod's food and a cubed meaty combo soaked with Metronidazole. But not a lot do to the eye site but at least a few mouthfuls a day.

One other note is I had moved the female to the male's side but she was in an acclimation box and he cannot reach her.


What else can I do? I have had a horrible time trying to get a pair of these and I will not give up!
 
Would I run in to any problems adding epsom salt with the metronidazle? I was afraid that may cause more issues.
 
everytime I see this, I do 2 things ... feed ALOT more, and start doing water changes daily.

its a bacteria, and raising the fish's immunity + good water should usually heal it.
 
Definitely agree with the Furan 2. I also mixed beta glucan in the food, which actually worked better in one of the two times I've dealt with popeye. I believe there is a study or two that says beta glucan improves immune system.

Both eyes affected is usually a bacterial infection (hence the antibiotic). Furan 2 seems to be the antibiotic of choice for this, but I've also read about some not responding to that. In those cases, I saw Triple Sulfa recommended, but I've not had first hand experience with that.

The case that responded better to beta glucan was a single eye popeye that was most likely caused by physical trauma. It was a much slower process than the bacterial (weeks vs days).
 
Thank you everyone for the input.

I have been doing water changes every other day, feeding heavily, using epsom salt, still using the metronidazole, and have ordered the furan 2.

The angel is doing better since my last post. Both eyes are still swollen but smaller than before. She also is having an easier time swimming, eating, and responds to my presence compared to her catatonic state previously.

Again THANK YOU everyone who responded and hopefully she is completely healed soon.
 
Epsom salts has been used with good results to draw the fluid out. But I would not go that route, treat with F-2 ASAP. Pop-eye in both eyes typically indicate Bacterial infection, although infection(s) can accrue in one eye from injure. Put the fish in HT when treating F-2.
 
Damauilife- she is in a HT and the F2 is in the mail.

I will update when I have more results. Hopefully positive.
 
Good news! over the past 2 days the angels right eye has gone down about 60% and the left eye about 25%. I still have a long way to go but the furan 2 should be in today and hopefully she keeps getting better.

Thanks for all the input.
 
Back
Top