Possible Popeye?

shavon

I just noticed that my betta has one eye protruding. It appears to be filled with fluid if that helps. He has become lethargic and sits on the bottom of the tank. The water parameters tested fine: ammonia 0, nitrates 10, nitrites 0, ph 7.6, temp 79. It wasn't like that last night. Is there anything I can do for him? What may have caused this? Will he die from it? Do I need to quarantine him?

Lupin

Your betta will not die from it. It is indeed pop-eye. There are cases wherein the eyes will never go back to its socket. Water changes are never known to hurt. I would suggest doing daily water changes. 10-15% should do it.

shavon

Ok thanks. How do fish get pop-eye? I have never actually seen it.

Lupin

Bad water quality and internal parasites.

shavon

Ok I check the water all the time. Usually at least 2x a week. It always tests the same: ammonia 0, nitrites 0, nitrates 10, ph 7.6, temp 79. I do a 20% water change every Saturday. So how do I know if he has parasites? He looks fine other than his eye. He has started to sit still for long periods of time. I have recently treated with Melafix because he always looks ragged even being by himself.

Lupin

Whitish stringy poo and swollen abdomen are a few obvious signs that the fish is infested with internal parasites.