Popeye – Exophthalmia

What is Popeye?

This illness causes the fish to suffer with swollen, bulging eyes. This condition can affect one eye, or it may affect both.

The affected eyes will appear to be popping out of their sockets, hence the name of “Popeye.” This is caused by a fluid build-up behind the eye or can sometimes be caused by a build-up of fluid within the eye itself.

This will be entirely dependent upon what the underlying cause is. If the illness is only mild the bulging will only be slightly noticeable as it will only appear to have a minute amount of swelling and the eye itself will remain clear, however in more severe cases the eyes will become significantly cloudy in appearance and the swelling will be unprecedented.

If left untreated the fish could lose its affected eye, or even both eyes.

Popeye is an illness that is usually accompanied by other health related problems.

With the immune system already being compromised bacteria and/or fungal infections can take advantage which will result in further complications for your fish’s health.

Identifying Popeye!

the physical appearance of the fish changes along with other behavioural changes which are abnormal.

  • The fish will appear to have bulging eyes.
  • The body of the fish may appear to be swollen with scales that are sticking out, this can also be the case with dropsy.
  • The fish can clamp their fins to their body.
  • They appear to be lacking energy.
  • They have a lack of appetite.
  • They may also seem to be paler in appearance.

If you are in doubt, then please give us a call and arrange a call out as soon as possible. During the call out a scrape will be performed and analysed under the microscope, along with a water quality test that will be performed to see if it is a contributing factor as to what has caused the Popeye, as previously mentioned Popeye is usually triggered by another illness. Both measures will be undertaken to ensure that you receive the most accurate diagnosis.

Tel: 07737 674417

Causes

Popeye can be caused by several problems the main causes are as follows:

  • Trauma, the fish may have accidentally swam into a plant or decoration within the pond that has caught the eye and caused the swelling.
  • The fish may have impaired gill or kidney function and is retaining excess water which can cause a build-up.
  • Internal swelling can be a large contributing factor.
  • Fish TB. Tuberculosis which can affect fish, this can cause Popeye. Please be aware that humans can catch TB from infected fish. Fish TB is different from human TB and cannot be passed from human to human. However, extra precautions will need to be taken.

To effectively treat this illness, the underlying cause needs to be identified or the Popeye will not go away.

How contagious is Popeye?

Not Contagious

If this is caused by trauma as opposed to a bacterial infection the Popeye is not contagious.

Can be contagious.

If this has been caused by a bacterial or fungal infection.

Treatment

  • The main course of treatment starts with identifying and treating the underlying cause of this condition.
  • Attain and maintain excellent water quality.
  • Check and treat the whole pond.
  • Quarantine the affected fish to help reduce further risk of damage to the affected eye/eyes!
  • Consider using salt to help reduce swelling. Do not attempt this without consulting professional assistance.
  • Feed with a highly nutritious food to help assist the natural immune system of the fish.
  • If required treat the underlying bacterial or fungal infection.

The treatments for Popeye need to put in place as soon as possible as the fish can lose their sight or even lose their eyes if left untreated.

In addition to this in the worst-case scenario this can cause septicaemia for your fish if left untreated, this can unfortunately cause the death of your livestock.

Prevention

In order to best prevent cases of Popeye in your pond here are a few tips to bear in mind:

  • Avoid overcrowding your pond with both fish and plants.
  • Ensure your water quality is perfect.
  • Have regular maintenance for your pond.
  • Ensure the filter you are using is adequate for the size of your pond.
  • Check all decorations which are currently in your pond and any new decorations for potentially dangerous edges/ sides to help reduce the risk of damage within the environment.

If you are unsure about your fish’s health or the quality of your pond, please call the pond medic for advice. 07737 674417