bubble in fishs eye

Question
Hi, My BlACKMOOR HAS SOME KIND OF TRANSPARENT SPHERE INSIDE HIS LENS OF HIS EYE. AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS A ROCK. HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF SUCH A THING? COULD IT BE AN EGG OF SOME SORT? IT IS FAIRLY LARGE JUST SITTING THERE IN IT'S TELESCOPE LENS. ANY THOUGHTS?

Answer
Good evening, Monique, thanks for your question...

I honestly have never heard of anything like this. However, it is not uncommon for these fish to have problems with their eyes, either genetic or environmental.

Treat as though he has suffered a wound or an infection and keep the water very clean. If you have a test kit (or if your fish store tests your water) make sure that nitrates stay under 20 ppm, and nitrites and ammonia at 0 ppm - always! Goldfish are messy, and can foul their water in no time. Add 1 tablespoon of aquarium salt per 5 gallons.

Change 25% of the water now, then 10% each day for a week. See if that doesn't improve the condition of his eye. Also, keep in mind aquarium salt doesn't evaporate so *don't* keep adding it, only replace what is lost due to water changes. One teaspoon of Epsom salt per 10 gallons would be a helpful tonic as well, you should only need to dose once.

Check your decor and make sure there is nothing pointed or sharp. The gravel itself should be smooth and round. Any other tankmates should preferably also be of the visually handicapped kind, otherwise he may have difficulty finding food if it's being snapped up by other goldfish species. Soaking his food in liquid vitamins such as VitaChem or a garlic additive such as Garlic Xtreme might also be a help.

Good luck! I would not worry if he is behavior is not out of the ordinary and his appetite normal, but do try those preventative measures that I mentioned. Also, have a look at http://www.kokosgoldfish (my favorite goldfish site on the web) if you need more ideas on further care measures.

Nicole