Cataract? Ich? Help me out.

Hi everyone.

Once again, just here to gleam from the wealth of knowledge and experience.

Woke up this morning, and my always healthy 2 year old pajama (who have really big red eyes to begin with) has a very large clear covering over only one of his eyes. It really does look like a cataract.

I'll try get a picture, but it's near impossible.

If it were ich, would it be both eyes?

 

It is my understanding the issues with the eyes in marine fish are usually associated with two things. The first being a mechanical injury and possible secondary bacterial infection. The other cause a of decline in water quality, with high nitrates or even ammonia levels.

Symptoms of marine ich usually manifest with a dullness to the eye not a complete clouding. Eruptions of white spots, similar to of a grain of salt in appearance, to the main body and fins.

I would suspect a injury to the eye first. You can either try Pimafix or Melafix if it does not resolve or worsens in the next couple of days.

Bacterial and Fungal Medications: PimaFix & MelaFix Treatments

Lastly I would make sure no bullying is going on, water parameters are in line.

Good luck.

 

I agree with Coralline. a cloudy eye is not indicitave of ICH in any way from my esperiences. I woudl lean toward an invection or injury. do you ahve other fish it may fight with?

 

Pop-eye. Go find malachite blue at your local fish store, catch the fish, hold him out of the water and drop a few drops onto the eye directly. Put it into a holding container for a few minutes and then back inthe tank. It oils off some of the infection immediately, and you will see signsof improvement in hours. you might have to repeat the process, to my knowledge there is no way to formally medicate Popeye and it will never truely go away. It is brought on by stress and less than ideal water conditions.