Betta Fish Popeye: Treatment, Causes, Symptoms

Betta fish is a freshwater fish having its roots in multiple South Asian Countries, namely Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Bettas are an intrinsic part of the culture and economies of some South Asian countries and are also famous for being the National Aquatic Animal of Thailand. 

Domesticated almost 1000 years ago in Thailand, the Siamese fighting fish, which is popularly known as the betta, is one of the most loved Aquarium pets in the world owing to its bright features and low maintenance.

The extreme popularity of bettas results from its possession of a unique organ called the labyrinth that makes it resistant to the effects of lower oxygen levels and poor water quality.

Although low maintenance, betta fish have a delicate structure and are prone to many diseases. Bettas can come under the influence of Popeye disease and many more related viral and parasitic ailments if not cared for properly.

What Does Popeye Disease Look Like?

The significant symptom related to Popeye is a striking change in the eye appearance. The change is not so evident in the beginning stages and can often go unnoticed. Many fish also have naturally bulging eyes, so you should not mistake this for them possessing Popeye disease. A betta, on the other hand, when at the advanced stages, has a striking bulge in the eyes. Indicators of betta Popeye include:

• Continuously hold its fins close to its body, indicating severe clamped fins.
• Extraordinary bulging of one eye or both the eyes.
• Inflation in the body giving the fish a swollen appearance. 
• Submissive attitude and isolation from tankmates. 
• Keeping a lower tank altitude and showing no initiative to consume food or socialize. 
• The fish’s eyeball might appear cloudy with white coloured rings in the interior. 
• Rupture of the eyeball resulting in bloodshot red eyes.
• The eye socket looks more stretched than usual.
• Orientational shifts in one eye or both the eyeballs, suggesting extreme protrusion. 

Protrusion or bulging results from leakage of fluid behind the eyeball giving it a swollen appearance. If the leakage is not contained naturally by the immune system or artificially by using antibiotics or salts, it could further lead to a permanent rupture of the cornea, resulting in permanent blindness in the affected eye.

There are two main types of Popeye disease, which we’ll talk about in further detail below.

Unilateral Popeye

This type of ailment targets only one of the eyes.

Causes

Unilateral Popeye is usually the result of an accident. Although uncommon, it could be the result of infection at times. Both male and female bettas are highly aggressive creatures and are susceptible to a great show of dominance towards their tankmates when in perfect health. 

The fish can sometimes damage one of its eyes during a show of aggression with one of its tankmates. Other reasons could include scratching the eyeball on the surface of any tank decoration like plastic plants or edges of filters. In more extreme cases, damage can be caused due to self-induced physical trauma.

Treatment

In minor injury cases, the eyeball can realign along with its original position on its own within a few days. The best course to protect the life and eyesight of your betta fish, however, is by starting treatment before things go south. 

First, remove some of the water from your aquarium tank and transfer it into a clean container. Then:

• Add Epsom salt to the container.
• Shift your ailed betta into the tank.
• Let it rest for ten to fifteen minutes.

A basic rule for the quantity of salt to be added should be no more than 1 tablespoon / gallon. I prefer to let my affected fish rest for around 20 minutes before transferring it back to its original home.

Repeat this process at least 3 times a week until the bulging is gone and the eyeballs are realigned to their original orientation. 

Note: the Epsom salt bath treatment will only work if the Popeye is caused by physical harm—not by parasites or infection, so it’s important to be sure that this is the reason for Popeye before beginning treatment.

Prevention

Isolation from the troublemakers

All species of nature are pre-designed to protect themselves from danger, some more than others —and this can cause injury to tankmates or to themselves.

Replacing Fake Decoration

We understand the need to decorate the aquarium to give it an authentic look, and we also understand that natural plants are much more expensive than their plastic counterparts. The sharp edges on this decor, however, can hit the bettas in the eyes, which causes Popeye disease. 

The best way to prevent injury is to use natural silky plants and biodegradable decorations that can also act as a hiding spot for the bettas.