fish

Pop Eye (Exophthalmia)

A condition where one or both eyes protrude abnormally, usually caused by bacterial infection, poor water quality, or physical injury. Treatment: antibiotics and clean water.

Symptoms

One or both eyes bulge abnormally from the sockets (E1).
Cloudy eye tissue in advanced cases.
Fish may lose appetite and rub its head.

Common Causes

Bacterial infection is a common cause (E1).
Poor water quality or physical injury (E1).
Internal disease or gas supersaturation can produce the same swelling.

What to Check

Test water quality — correct ammonia/nitrite immediately (E1 treatment: antibiotics and clean water).
Look for injuries and check for other disease signs in tankmates.
Check whether one eye or both are affected — one-sided swelling more often suggests injury.

What Not to Do

Do not handle or press the swollen eye — this risks permanent damage.
Do not skip water quality correction — clean water is part of the treatment (E1).

This guide is informational and does not replace professional veterinary advice. If fish are severely ill, consult a veterinarian.

Pop Eye (Exophthalmia)

Symptoms

Common Causes

What to Check

What Not to Do

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Pop Eye (Exophthalmia)

Symptoms

Common Causes

What to Check

What Not to Do