bett

Question
Jack-
Our betta has developed some kind of problem w/ his left eye.  It is much bigger than the right eye and has a dot of red in it.  It looks like it is swollen.  I just changed the water.  However, we're not sure what we should do.

Answer
Hey lori

It sounds like popeye which is caused by internal bacteria.

These diseases are caused by a variety of bacteria species, e.g. Pseudomonas flourescens, Aeromonas hydrophila and Virio marinium. Internal bacterial infections spread throughout the fish's tissue and internal organs. Symptoms vary, depending on the acuteness of the disease. In some cases the fish will just darken in colour, become listless, stop feeding and die. In others severe symptoms exist, ulcers, abdominal and eye swelling, destruction of the central nervous system, and then the fish dies. It is essential to catch these diseases as early as possible or treat as a precaution as soon as they are suspected.

Treatment for Internal Bacteria

Previously, the only effective treatment against internal bacteria was veterinary prescribed antibiotics. New medicines (such as Interpet's Anti Internal Bacteria No.9) are now available over the counter. These easy treatment methods improve the chances of successful treatment of internal bacterial infections. Bacterial problems such as dropsy, ulcers and septicaemia are very difficult to cure if the disease is too far advanced, but the medicines will help to prevent further deaths.

Hope this helps      Jack