Anthias took a right cross from a mantis shrimp

[JGT]

I have an anthias that took a hit in the eye from a small mantis. It swelled up and gave him popeye. The eye slowly gets better but then it gets what looks like a second gas bubble on it , then this goes away and the popeye is still there. This has happened like 3x with the eye still not healed. It's been about 3 weeks. Cant catch him so cant do much but was wondering will this eventually heal?

Thanks.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

I have an anthias that took a hit in the eye from a small mantis. It swelled up and gave him popeye. The eye slowly gets better but then it gets what looks like a second gas bubble on it , then this goes away and the popeye is still there. This has happened like 3x with the eye still not healed. It's been about 3 weeks. Cant catch him so cant do much but was wondering will this eventually heal?

Thanks.

It's tough to say if it will heal on its own. Can you post a picture of it?

In case you haven't seen it, here is a link to an article I wrote about fish eye diseases, there is a picture of an anthias in there with eye bubbles from trauma, and it did not survive.

Aquarium Fish: The ‘Eyes’ Have it: A Review of Eye Health in Aquarium Fishes

Aquarists need to inspect their fish closely every day, for signs of impending health problems. It is much easier to resolve a problem when it first starts, than to attempt a drastic emergency treatment when the fish is close to dying.

reefs.com

jay

 

[JGT]

It's tough to say if it will heal on its own. Can you post a picture of it?

In case you haven't seen it, here is a link to an article I wrote about fish eye diseases, there is a picture of an anthias in there with eye bubbles from trauma, and it did not survive.

Aquarium Fish: The ‘Eyes’ Have it: A Review of Eye Health in Aquarium Fishes

Aquarists need to inspect their fish closely every day, for signs of impending health problems. It is much easier to resolve a problem when it first starts, than to attempt a drastic emergency treatment when the fish is close to dying.

reefs.com

jay

Thanks Jay. Will see if I can get a pic. He still swims fast and eats really well. Looks like he still has use of the eye. So other than the popeye he seems in pretty good shape so far.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Thanks Jay. Will see if I can get a pic. He still swims fast and eats really well. Looks like he still has use of the eye. So other than the popeye he seems in pretty good shape so far.

Popeye does sometimes resolve on its own. If the tissue gets infected, erythromycin can help, but that needs to be done in a treatment tank.
Jay