Popeye
Exophthalmia
Moderate severity
Swelling behind one or both eyes causing them to bulge outward.
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Symptoms
One or both eyes protruding, cloudiness of the eye, and sometimes a ring of fluid around the eye.
Causes
Physical injury (one eye) or systemic bacterial infection and poor water quality (usually both eyes).
Treatment
Improve water quality with regular changes. Use Epsom salt to reduce swelling and a broad-spectrum antibacterial if infection is suspected. Remove sharp decor that may have caused injury.
Prevention
Maintain clean water and avoid sharp decorations and rough handling.
FAQ
Will my fish's eye recover?
Injury-related popeye often heals with clean water; infection-related cases need antibacterial treatment and may take weeks.
Is popeye contagious?
Not directly, but the bacterial cause can affect other stressed fish in poor water.
This information is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Consult an aquatic vet for serious cases.