I’m probably just going crazy but....

FishFinatic ;) · Jun 26, 2019

As you saw from the title of this post, I’m probably just overthinking or going crazy lol but I’m sorta new to this whole reefing thing and a few months ago I “adopted” a little porcupine pufferfish. He’s been doing really well, and I’m so happy that he’s thriving. I was looking at his eyes, although beautiful and blue, it seems like there’s some sort of “film” or kind of like a “glisten” over his eyes? I’m not really sure how to describe it but I took a picture so tell me what you think? Any insight would be greatly appreciated and also, to help me not go so crazy lol.

Take a look:

Again, I might be going insane but it seems like there’s something funny with his eye? If anyone knows about this or if it’s completely normal I would love to hear any opinions

Angel_Anthias lover · Jun 26, 2019

I think ive seen it on other puffers i think its normal, just how the light reflects of the eye, however i maybbe wrong so dont take my word for it fully lol

FishFinatic ;) · Jun 26, 2019

Oh okay... then maybe it's not that bad... I'll keep asking around just to be sure lol... but thank you... it does make sense that it's just the reflection of the light on his eye.... but I just hope it's nothing bad... I'm still just wondering if it's something else, I don't want it to be something bad. I might just be an overprotective "puffer mommy" lol but it's worth a shot to ask

Thanks again, I appreciate the insight

Daniel@R2R · Jun 26, 2019

@HotRocks @3Ford1AstonFamily @Brew12 @ngoodermuth

HotRocks · Jun 26, 2019

mdbannister said:
@HotRocks @3Ford1AstonFamily @Brew12 @ngoodermuth

Puffers are nocturnal, so they do have eyes that appear much different than other fish. Kind of glassy looking. Not cloudy though.

I have a couple questions. Does this stick out past the eyeball? If you look at the fish head on, do you see a perfectly round clear glasslike bubble or is this stuff in the picture stuck on the outside of the ball of the eye?

It almost looks like an infection.

FishFinatic ;) · Jun 26, 2019

Hmmmm… that's no fun. Let me check right now and I'll post in a few minutes.

4FordFamily · Jun 26, 2019

HotRocks said:
Puffers are nocturnal, so they do have eyes that appear much different than other fish. Kind of glassy looking. Not cloudy though.

I have a couple questions. Does this stick out past the eyeball? If you look at the fish head on, do you see a perfectly round clear glasslike bubble or is this stuff in the picture stuck on the outside of the ball of the eye?

It almost looks like an infection.

Agree. Doesn’t look outwardly concerning to me. Cloudy white film is what to look out for in addition to the swelling.

FishFinatic ;) · Jun 26, 2019

Okay, so I checked on his eyes and the cloudy stuff doesn't seem to stick out, and when I look at him I definitely do see a round glasslike bubble. A completely clear bubble, not so much. There is a cloudy film when I look at his eyes from the side, but I don't see any swelling as of now. Do you still think it's an infection?

FishFinatic ;) · Jun 26, 2019

Oh, also, I completely forgot to thank all of you for your insight, it is so greatly appreciated and I don't know what I'd do without you guys! So thank you so much again...

HotRocks · Jun 26, 2019

FishFinatic ;) said:
Okay, so I checked on his eyes and the cloudy stuff doesn't seem to stick out, and when I look at him I definitely do see a round glasslike bubble. A completely clear bubble, not so much. There is a cloudy film when I look at his eyes from the side, but I don't see any swelling as of now. Do you still think it's an infection?

I think you are fine. The pic looked as if it were external. If you see it from the side it's just the eye of a porky. They look like that.

Peace River · Jun 26, 2019

In addition the the great advice that you have already received it may be helpful to see if vision has been impacted. Puffers often interact with things outside the tank so it makes it easier to detect if there is a vision issue. Is the fish able to track your finger if you come at it from both sides?

FishFinatic ;) · Jun 26, 2019

Hmmmm…. okay. I'll do that. I'll see if his vision is impacted. I did feed him earlier and he seemed just as interested in the food and he went right to it, but I'll see if he can follow my finger, or some sort of vision test like that. And I'm glad it doesn't look like an infection, and I'm sorry if the pic was deceiving, although that was the only way to get a pic of his eye without him moving around lol. But I'm happy that that's just him, I'll keep an eye on it, but thank you all again for contributing, it means a lot to have other people's opinions, especially when it's about fish.

Bhor217 · Jun 26, 2019

My porcupine puffer has the same thing, it is most noticeable to me during bright light times, and all but disappears at lights out. Just keep an eye on it but I’ve had 2 porcs and they have both had this.

FishFinatic ;) · Jun 26, 2019

Bhor217 said:
My porcupine puffer has the same thing, it is most noticeable to me during bright light times, and all but disappears at lights out. Just keep an eye on it but I’ve had 2 porcs and they have both had this.

Maybe that's just how they're wired... but at least I'm not alone! It does seem more noticeable during bright times, I'm with ya there. I will keep an eye on it... thank you

Bhor217 · Jun 26, 2019

FishFinatic ;) said:
Maybe that's just how they're wired... but at least I'm not alone! It does seem more noticeable during bright times, I'm with ya there. I will keep an eye on it... thank you

Just checked my tank after lights out to confirm what I said earlier and the eyes are crystal clear. My uneducated guess is this is due to their nocturnal nature, but that is a guess as mentioned.

They are great fish, it was my first fish when I started my first tank 15 or so years ago and was the first fish I got when I set up a new tank after a long hiatus! My guy never stops eating, sure is fun to watch!

FishFinatic ;) · Jun 26, 2019

Bhor217 said:
Just checked my tank after lights out to confirm what I said earlier and the eyes are crystal clear. My uneducated guess is this is due to their nocturnal nature, but that is a guess as mentioned.

They are great fish, it was my first fish when I started my first tank 15 or so years ago and was the first fish I got when I set up a new tank after a long hiatus! My guy never stops eating, sure is fun to watch!

Yes! They NEVER stop eating, and they are cute, I must say.... He's one of my first fish, well, the first to survive anyways. I've had a few before him, a mandarin goby, an anthias (not sure what kind), and a cowfish who I found out was sick. They all ended up dying, although I'm really really happy that this little guy is surviving and thriving.