As a pet shop floor manager, I've seen many different species of ornamental fish. But the bubble eye remains one of the most fascinating and fragile. With its fluid-filled bags under its eyes, this goldfish is an eye-catcher but requires special attention. Unfortunately, it sometimes happens that a bubble-eyed fish with a pierced pouchThis can quickly become fatal. Let's take a look at the causes of this problem and possible solutions.
Understanding bubble eyes and its particularities
Bubble eyes are a particularly delicate variety of goldfish. Its egg-shaped body and short double tail distinguish it from other goldfish. But it is above all the famous bags under the eyes that make it unique. These liquid-filled bubbles give it an atypical look that makes it so charming... and so fragile!
A singular anatomy
Unlike its cousins, the bubble-eye has no dorsal fin. This, combined with their huge bags under their eyes, makes them not very agile in the water. I've always found it fascinating to watch their clumsy but graceful swimming. They come in different colours, which adds to their uniqueness.
Specific needs
These fish need at least 30 litres of water per individual. Their fragility also calls for a few precautions:
- Avoid any sharp decoration that could pierce the pockets
- Do not mix them with other, brighter goldfish species.
- Closely monitor their behaviour and the condition of their pockets
The risks associated with pockets
The special feature of bubble eyes is also their greatest weakness. A pierced pouch does not regenerate and can lead to the death of the fish in just a few days. That's why you need to be particularly vigilant and reactive to the slightest sign of a problem.
What should I do if I have a punctured pocket?
Despite all precautions, it may happen that a bubble eyes ends up with a pierced pocket. It's a critical situation that requires swift action. Here are the steps to follow to try and save your little protege.
Identify the problem quickly
The first thing to do is to observe your fish carefully to confirm the diagnosis. Here are a few signs that may indicate a pierced pouch:
- Pocket colour change
- Difficulty swimming or imbalance
- Pocket appears deflated or deformed
Don't hesitate to take a photo to assess the condition of the pocket and monitor its progress. I remember a customer who sent me daily photos of his bubble eyes. It made me laugh, but it was actually an excellent idea!
Quarantine and care
Once the problem has been identified, you need to act quickly:
- Isolate the fish in a hospital tank
- Apply beta gel twice a day to the open pouch to prevent infection
- Add salt up to 5g/L to treat certain associated problems
Beware: conventional treatments for infections can be ineffective on these particular fish. You need to remain vigilant and adapt the treatment according to the evolution of the disease.
Monitoring and adaptation
Follow-up is important in the days that follow. Check that the fish is eating and swimming normally. If a pouch fills with an unusual whitish liquid, this is a bad sign. Don't hesitate to consult a specialist vet if the fish's condition doesn't improve quickly.
Prevention rather than cure
As they say, prevention is better than cure. And with bubble eyes, this is particularly true! Here are a few tips to help you avoid the risk of a pierced eye socket as much as possible.
| Preventive action | Profit |
|---|---|
| Remove sharp decorations | Reduces the risk of accidental piercing |
| Isolating bubble eyes | Avoids conflicts with other species |
| Regular monitoring | Allows early detection of problems |
As an animal lover, I can only encourage you to find out as much as you can before adopting a bubble eye. These little creatures are adorable but require a lot of attention and care. If you're prepared to give them all that, you'll be rewarded with a unique aquatic show!
Remember, the health of your fish depends above all on a suitable environment and careful monitoring. With the right care, your bubble eyes will live happily and healthily for many years, to your delight!
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