Causes & Treatments for Dragon Fish Sunken Eyes

Part 1: Causes of Dragon Fish Eye Sunkenness

1. Bacterial Infection: The sunken eyes of a dragon fish might be a result of bacterial infections. This can occur due to poor tank maintenance, leading to a breeding ground for bacteria that can infect the fish's eyes. Alternatively, if the dragon fish gets into a fight with its tank mates and sustains an injury, it may not receive prompt treatment, allowing bacteria to infect the eye and cause the sunken appearance.

2. Internal Inflammation: The dragon fish's sunken eyes could also be due to internal inflammation. Often, feeding the fish sharp objects can cause injuries to the fish's intestines or stomach, leading to infections and inflammation that may pull the eyes inward.

3. Poisoning: The dragon fish's eyes might sink due to poisoning, which can result from excessively high ammonia levels in the tank, or from an overdose of medication given to the fish or used in a medicated bath.

Part 2: Treatment for Dragon Fish Eye Sunkenness

In cases of bacterial infection, if the sunkenness is mild, it is recommended to change the tank water every three days to maintain cleanliness. Typically, the symptoms should start to improve within a week. However, if the sunkenness is severe, it may be necessary to add a small amount of antibiotic medication to the water, such as Gentamicin, Amoxicillin, or Terramycin, to aid in the fish's recovery.

For internal inflammation, the owner should feed the dragon fish antibiotics like Gentamicin or Amoxicillin. If the fish is unable to eat, the owner may need to administer the medication via a syringe into the fish's mouth.

In cases of poisoning, the owner should immediately improve water quality and reduce the amount of medication in the tank. The water temperature should be raised to between 30℃ to 32℃, and maintained at this level until the eyes improve. If possible, installing an oxygen pump can also help, as it increases oxygen levels and strengthens filtration. Consistent effort in these areas should lead to the improvement of the sunken eye condition.

For more information on the causes and treatments of dragon fish eye sunkenness, and other aspects of dragon fish care, feel free to click on "Dragon Fish Care Requirements" for further reading.