Popeye

[mr nelster]

Hi everyone.


I have a beautiful black sailfin molly (male) and think he possibly might be developing popeye. The trouble is he has a few silvery spos on his head, back and what could be one close to his eye. It is very difficult to see when he doesn't sit stil for a moment. I read that it is isn't contageous but wonder if anybody has any tips on how to diagnose it, other symptoms or behaviour perhaps?


The tank is unplanted and the water is changed weekly at around 25% to deal with the nitrates. Is that regular enough to help prevent popeye? There are currently 2 adults and 6 young adults in a 30L tank, the 5 of the young adults soon to be re-homed.


Thanks.

 

[N0body Of The Goat]

From what you have said so far, I'm going to guess this is a single eye popeye situation, rather than both eyes...

Why? Because Mollies are usually fast swimming, fiesty fish that should reach ~12cm and so I would not be happy keeping them in anything less than a 3-foot tank.

Are you keeping you Mollies in hard alkaline water, perhaps even in a low end brakish setup (as in some salt in their water)?

Single eye popeye is normally associated with an injury, which daily 25-50% water changes and perhaps some Epsom Salts (to help draw fluid out of the fish and give the wound a chance to heal quicker... I don't know enough to advise you on Epsom salts dosing).

Double eye popeye is normally associated with an internal infection, so in addition to the above, a good broad spectrum anti-bacterial like Myxazin should be used.

 

[tomtomtom1230]

http/www.corysrus.....php?topic=69.0

Agreeing with everything that N0body Of The Goat said, I refer you to the last section on this article - subtitled 'What about disease treatment with salt?'

You don't have to use epsom salts it seems, provided the salt has a low iodine content. I would do a little more reading on this subject before making an informed decision though.



Best of luck.

 

[mr nelster]

Thanks for the replys guys, I will let you know the outcome. I'm not actually sure it is popeye but I will keep monitoring it.