Popeye and cloudy eyes
Bulging or cloudy eyes.
One or both eyes swell out from the head, sometimes with a cloudy film. One eye usually means an injury; both eyes usually point to water quality or infection.
- Do this first
- Test the water and change it if anything is off.
- Call a vet when
- See a fish vet if both eyes are affected, the swelling grows, or the fish stops eating.
Likely causes
- Injury from decor, netting or a tankmate (one eye)
- Poor water quality (both eyes)
- Bacterial infection
What to do today
- Test the water and change it if anything is off.
- Check decor for sharp edges.
- Keep the fish in clean, stable water; injury popeye often settles over weeks.
When to call a vet
See a fish vet if both eyes are affected, the swelling grows, or the fish stops eating. A vet who treats fish can examine it and prescribe treatment; your local fish store or aquarium society can often recommend one.
Stop it happening again
Clean water and smooth decor; net fish gently. How to set up a quarantine tank.
Sources: Merck Veterinary Manual: Management of aquarium fish; Merck Veterinary Manual: Disorders and diseases of fish; UF/IFAS: Ammonia in Aquatic Systems.