Popeye

Popeye

General Information and Prevention: exophthalmia, also known as Popeye, is typically the result of bad water conditions. So of course, you can prevent Popeye by keeping your betta's water clean and making sure that the pH is as close to 7 (neutral) as possible. This disorder is an abscess in the eye but is actually sign that one of the following is wrong:

• mycobacterial infection (which is easily treatable)

• tuberculosis (not so treatable)

• parasitic infection

• Ichthyophonus or Ick (another bacterial infection and highly treatable)

• eye flukes

• internal metabolic disorders

Symptoms: As the name suggests, one of your betta's eyes will be very large and strange-looking. It may look worse as it develops. But in many cases Popeye is not the result of a terminal disease but simply a bacterial infection that may be quite treatable, so don't give up hope (or worse, destroy your betta) because he can make a full recovery.

Treatment: Immediately do a full water change. Keep his water very clean, changing it every third day. Make sure that the water temperature is at least 75 degrees F. There are a few different medications to try. Many recommend Ampicillin, though I haven't ever actually found it; you may find it easier to find Tetracycline or Terramycin, so dose one or both of those according to directions. Do not overmedicate! Once Betta’s eyes are back to normal, keep treating for one more week (just to be sure) and then stop the medication.

Post-Treatment: Add medicines that prevent bacterial and parasitic infections, as these may be the cause of the Popeye. Keep water levels warm and pH close to 7. Feed a varied diet, healthy diet.