McCosker's Wrasse with Popeye

[mtsamples]

I have a McCosker's Flasher Wrasse who has developed popeye in his right eye (hard to see in the photo). He's been this way for about a week. His color is still good, and his eye is clear. He is active but now hangs out next to this rock with his bad eye protected, and he's still eating well a few times a day. Only one other fish, a watchman goby, is in with him, who seems to be fine.

I can't catch him to qt. I have several inverts and corals in the tank with him as well. Is there anything I can do other than just hope he gets better? Will he get better? Any advice is appreciated.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I have a McCosker's Flasher Wrasse who has developed popeye in his right eye (hard to see in the photo). He's been this way for about a week. His color is still good, and his eye is clear. He is active but now hangs out next to this rock with his bad eye protected, and he's still eating well a few times a day. Only one other fish, a watchman goby, is in with him, who seems to be fine.

I can't catch him to qt. I have several inverts and corals in the tank with him as well. Is there anything I can do other than just hope he gets better? Will he get better? Any advice is appreciated.

This is likely an eye injury and you observe to see if swelling goes down or treat with Maracyn, not Maracyn two in a separate tank

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

I have a McCosker's Flasher Wrasse who has developed popeye in his right eye (hard to see in the photo). He's been this way for about a week. His color is still good, and his eye is clear. He is active but now hangs out next to this rock with his bad eye protected, and he's still eating well a few times a day. Only one other fish, a watchman goby, is in with him, who seems to be fine.

I can't catch him to qt. I have several inverts and corals in the tank with him as well. Is there anything I can do other than just hope he gets better? Will he get better? Any advice is appreciated.

Just to add - yes, this looks like a mechanical / strike injury. These can take a long time to heal, and in some cases, the fish may lose the eye. Signs of infection would include changing color (turning white or red) or change in the fish's overall behavior. If you don't suspect infection, it is best to leave it in this tank, as catching it to move can cause further injury if you have to chase the fish around too much.

 

[mtsamples]

This is likely an eye injury and you observe to see if swelling goes down or treat with Maracyn, not Maracyn two in a separate tank

Thank you. To clarify for me, do you mean treat with Maracyn in a separate tank?

 

[mtsamples]

Just to add - yes, this looks like a mechanical / strike injury. These can take a long time to heal, and in some cases, the fish may lose the eye. Signs of infection would include changing color (turning white or red) or change in the fish's overall behavior. If you don't suspect infection, it is best to leave it in this tank, as catching it to move can cause further injury if you have to chase the fish around too much.

Thank you, how long does something like this take to clear up?

 

[Dom]

Thank you, how long does something like this take to clear up?

It may not clear up.

I have a clown that has popeye in the left eye. It is one of my very first fish. It developed popeye about a year after I got her. It never went away, and I have her about 16 years.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Thank you, how long does something like this take to clear up?

It easily takes a month to six weeks to heal…..

 

[vetteguy53081]

Thank you. To clarify for me, do you mean treat with Maracyn in a separate tank?

Yes

 

[vetteguy53081]

It may not clear up.

I have a clown that has popeye in the left eye. It is one of my very first fish. It developed popeye about a year after I got her. It never went away, and I have her about 16 years.

Every fish is different.

 

[mtsamples]

Thank you, everyone, for the replies. My wrasse is doing fine, getting back to darting around and flashing more like he used to. His eye appears to be getting better, albeit slowly. Though I realize this may be wishful thinking on my part. At any rate, it is not getting worse.