Fighting injury?

waynel · Sep 30, 2020

I’m not sure if this is a wound from fighting or sign of illness, but last night my daughter noticed four anthias has an injury to his/her left eye, probably blind now in that eye. There appears to be flesh or part of the eye hanging. He’s swimming ok and eating fine. Other fish I have : Blenny, mandarin, pair of ocelleris clowns, pair of blue damsels, fox face, and yellow tang - in a 125g tank. Some blue legged hermits, 2 emerald crabs, at least a pair of hitchhiker gorilla crabs that I haven’t been able to capture yet, and I believe I do have a hitchhiker mantis ( I’ve heard the clicking). I’ve never seen any aggression between the fish.
Does this look like fighting or illness?

mort · Sep 30, 2020

Can't really see it properly but it does resemble pop eye. This can be caused by an injury, such as a scuff when darting into the rocks, then a bacterial infection that occurs behind the eye later. It's worth reading up on Popeye if only to rule it out.

vetteguy53081 · Sep 30, 2020

Im seeing popeye which is not uncommon with them. Generally caused by poor water conditions, bladder infection or air bubbles such as micro bubbles in the tank
I did nothing and it eventually went away. Epsom bath rarely works. You can use kanamycin ir even melafix to help it subside

4FordFamily · Sep 30, 2020

If it is cloudy, it is likely infected. If it is simply sticking out a bit, it is an injury or minor infection. These can clear up on their own, but they can also worsen and take the eye. A QT tank dosed with erythromycin and minocycline would be best. Or Maracyn 1 & 2 combined. For saltwater use, Maracyn 1 and 2 will need to be a double dose (if you can find it). Dose for 14 days as directed on package.

If the cloudiness I think I observe is incorrect, adding epsom salt 1 tablespoon per 5 gallons can help with swelling, 2-3 doses maximum. This is best done in a QT, though pure epsom salt (nothing added) is just magnesium sulfate so it wouldn't hurt anything, most likely.