Eye Problems On Pleco

[BelldandyShanny]

So my new pleco, Freckles, seems to have adjusted to my tank fine, but I noticed when I went to check on him the next morning that there was white around one of his eyes.  I have no idea why it's there, or what I should do about it.  Advice welcome.  Even if the recommended course of action is to wait it out I'd rather hear it for peace of mind.
 
I took these pictures when I first noticed it, it's a little worse now.

 

[eaglesaquarium]

That appears to be a bit of either a fungal infection or bacterial infection behind the eye - this has resulted in the 'pop eye' that you currently see.  This can be tricky because plecos can be sensitive to meds.
 
I'm not going to recommend any specific course of treatment other than, quarantine and daily water changes - the cleaner the water the better.  Many times the fish can heal on their own if provided with good, clean water.  Their natural immune system can then take over.
 
Regarding a medical treatment, I'll defer to someone who's dealt with this specific issue.
 
 
But, in the meantime, what are the tank parameters:
 
pH:
temp:
NH3:
NO2:
NO3:
 
What are the other fish in the tank? 
Any signs of aggression from any of them?
Any new additions?
Any chemicals in the water besides dechlorinator?
 
Is there wood in the tank?
Tank dimensions?

 

[BelldandyShanny]

But, in the meantime, what are the tank parameters:
 
pH: 7.8
temp: 82
NH3: these I will update later after I do the tests, but I have been doing 20% wc since I noticed it hoping that will help
NO2:
NO3:
 
What are the other fish in the tank? guppies, yoyos, dojo, kuhli, kribs, rams, shrimp
Any signs of aggression from any of them? yoyos were pestering him when first added, they don't seem to be an issue now, my kribs get a bit nippy if he hangs out next to their nest, other than that no
Any new additions? pleco is the new addition
Any chemicals in the water besides dechlorinator? minimal amounts of fertilizer, and I use prime
 
Is there wood in the tank? yes
Tank dimensions?   55 long

 

[eaglesaquarium]

Wondering if the eye issue might be an injury from an attack from the kribs.

 

[BelldandyShanny]

I was wondering that myself, I also notice that sometimes he likes to smoosh behind the heater, maybe a mild burn?

 

[BelldandyShanny]

He's much worse today, all over the top of his head, I've moved him to his own tank, but there's not much else I can do for him =(

 

[TwoTankAmin]

 
Eye Problems
   Symptoms: Cloudy cornea, opaque lens, pop eye, swelling, blindness.

• Cloudy cornea can result from a bacterial invasion. Antibiotics may help.
• Opaqueness can result from poor nutrition or a metacercaria invasion (grubs). Try foods with added vitamins and changing the diet to include variety.
• Pop eye (exophtalmia) can result from rough handling, gas embolism, tumors, bacterial infection, or vitamin A deficiency. Gas bubble or bacterial infection can be treated successfully with penicillin or amoxicillin.
• Blindness can be caused by poor nutrition or excessive light. Lowering the light level and a change of diet to include lots of variety may help prevent it.

from http/animal-world.com/encyclo/fresh/information/Diseases.htm#EyeProblems
 
I think antibiotics are likely needed here.

 

[BelldandyShanny]

he's got plenty of variety, I suspect it's a result from being picked on, I'll get something for him next time I'm out.  At least he's on his own now and can heal, don't think I'll put him back in there when/if he gets better, I'll put him in my new shrimp tank (when it's available)

 

[eaglesaquarium]

Plecos, I believe, will eat shrimplets, but I'm not sure about that.

 

[BelldandyShanny]

I asked the breeder (of shrimp and plecos) and she said it was fine, at the moment I need to find him some wood for his hospital tank.  Does coconut shell count as wood, in this respect?

 

[BelldandyShanny]

I'm gonna say I'm certain this is caused by being picked on, his tail is a little ripped as well.  =( poor fishy.  He's acting fine though, active and seemingly happy

 

[BelldandyShanny]

unfortunately he didn't make it, I do have the meds though  *sad*

 

[Thisguy7898]

Hi I just started on this website. Im really sorry about your pleco but mine is having exactly the same problems. If you could reply and tell me about the stages of the problem with your pleco I would be extremly grateful.....Thanks!

Ok....... Its not an infection my fish just bit his eye out...... no need to reply-- 

 

[eaglesaquarium]

Hi I just started on this website. Im really sorry about your pleco but mine is having exactly the same problems. If you could reply and tell me about the stages of the problem with your pleco I would be extremly grateful.....Thanks!

Ok....... Its not an infection my fish just bit his eye out...... no need to reply-- 

 
What?!

 

[NickAu]

Sorry to hear about your fish.

 

Plecos, I believe, will eat shrimplets, but I'm not sure about that.

My Bn's eat shrimplets.
 
What sort of tank mates do you have? I have 2 BN's ( a male and female ) in a thank with fire mouth Cichlids and Clown loaches and I can tell you now nobody messes with them, When I put fresh veg in the tank, the male even pushes the female and 5 clown loaches off the food, He eats his fill then the female eats her fill then the clowns come in and finish it off.