Fish Injured Eye

[Dugless]

My Rhomboid Wrasse bumped his eye last night. Initially it looked like a bubble was around the eye, but today it looks like the eye is sticking out like a peg in a hole. Is there anything I should do for him? Thanks.

 

[HotRocks]

Can you upload a pic?

 

[4FordFamily]

A photo would be helpful, I agree.

 

[Dugless]

This is the best I can do. He has been laying low and hiding since the incident. He only comes out briefly at feeding and struggles to find the food.

 

[HotRocks]

Do you have a QT?

That's Popeye and or infection. The fish will need antibiotics.

 

[Dugless]

I'm hesitant to stress the fish with QT as it seems to be comfortable in its hiding spot. I was also under the impression that Popeye was a disease and not swelling from injury, no? My gut says to leave it in the display and monitor it for the first few days and only intervene if things don't continue healing.

 

[Maritimer]

A fish's eye will often swell after an injury. Antibiotics may become necessary, and if they do Erythromycin can be a good one for ocular injuries. If you want to try something else first, you can dose Epsom salts into your display (USP Grade, no additives). It's magnesium sulphate, so will raise your mag levels a bit, but otherwise reef-safe. Use one tablespoon per five gallons, repeat one time if needed.

I would also see about sourcing antibiotics and setting up a QT if needed - that's one very swollen eye.

~Bruce