Bubble Eye Goldfish Missing Eye

[jim123]

I have a Bubble Eye Goldfish in a 55 gallon tank with other Fancy Goldfish. I noticed today that he is missing one eye. I have never seen aggression in this tank and doubt it is from that. Perhaps he banged into a rock? Or got caught in the filter?

Any ideas of what could cause this? Is this common? Any steps that I should take?

 

[Lupin]

What strains are your other goldfish? Any pictures of the setup?

 

[jim123]

I do not know what strain they are. Here is a picture of the setup.

 

[Somervell]

When you say "missing an eye" do you mean that the bubble is popped, or that the eye is literally missing? If it's the former, it happens all the time, unfortunately, which is why bubble eyes do better in generally bare tanks. Chances are good that it will heal with time and clean water, but it will probably be lopsided. If this is not the case, then it is probably due to an aquarium decoration anyway, rather than aggressive tankmates. It looks like you have a Ryukin and an Oranda, but my eyes are bad at that distance.

 

[Lupin]

You're using lava rocks? They're too abrasive and not suitable for bubble eyes.

 

[jim123]

The 2 bubble cheeks are fine. It is one of the actual eyes. It looks like the big black pupil is missing.

 

[Kashta]

It could be either, Jon... the decor has rough surfaces or one of the other fish may have done it. I'm so sorry about your goldie.

 

[jim123]

Do you think that he will adapt and live on?

 

[Somervell]

I think that as long as there is no infection and it isn't picked on by other fish, chances are good. I don't think that goldfish depend that heavily on their sense of vision, but K and L will straighten me out if that isn't the case. Is the eye protruding, or does it look like a small black button where the eye was?

I am sorry that this happened to your goldie. Bubble eyes are near and dear to my heart!

 

[Flaringshutter]

Bubble-eyes don't have very good vision, as Somervell mentioned, but it is important to remove any sharp plastic plants or rough rocks (like lava rocks!) from a setup that houses bubble-eyes. Since they cannot see very well, they are prone to bumping into things and can easily pop a bubble.
However, if your fish is still eating well you might want to feed some antibacterial food as a precautionary measure. Good filtration and frequent water changes will take care of the rest. Just keep an eye on the injury and be sure the fish does not go downhill.