Popeye?

[jimbob4755]

I did post a thread a few days ago about this but not resolved My Hawaian Soldier Fish has a bulging eye with some what looks like 3 or 4 small air bubbles in the lens. Can anyone give me some idea what this is likely to be and possible treatment? I have put him in isolation and treated water with topical anti parasite/bacteria. Some guidance would be appreciated as this was my first marine fish and I have had him now for 8 months or so. Thanks

 

[JHemdal]

Although a picture would help, the symptoms you're describing are pretty definate - your soldierfish probably has mechanically induced exophthalmia - popeye. There are two known causes for this; supersaturation of the aquarium water with gas (unlikely because if that was the case, most/all fish would be affected, or at least both eyes of the soldierfish would have the problem) - more likely, trauma to the fish's head or eye. This can most easily happen when a fish is netted and moved, but there are cases where they just hit something in the tank and it starts up. Soldierfish are very prone to this.

There is no treatment other than using a recompression tank (that some public aquariums do) or simply waiting - these problems often resolve on their own after a few weeks. There is nothing in your post that suggests to me that you should add medication. Likewise, some people advocate catching the fish and using a hypodermic syringe to remove the gas, but since you have to catch the fish to do this, and usually have to do this many times, it is a losing propisition, as each time you catch the fish,. you increase the chance for more damage.

Jay

 

[jimbob4755]

Thanks very much Jay, apart from this problem he eats well and seems alert, I will have to play the waiting game first, as you say could cause problems trying to net and cause him further stress and risk.
hanks so much
Jim

 

[jimbob4755]

Hi again Jay, I'm pleased to report in since your sound advice, his eye has shown a little improvement. The bubbles in the lens seem to have shrank a little so I'm hopeful of recovery.
Thanks again Jiim