Understanding Dragon Fish Concave Eye Condition: Causes

Common causes of dragon fish's sunken eyes include internal inflammation, bacterial infections, and overuse of medications. The treatment methods vary depending on the underlying cause. If a dragon fish develops sunken eyes, the keeper must identify the specific reason based on the situation. Today, we will focus on the common causes and coping strategies for dragon fish sunken eyes.

Common Causes and Treatment Methods for Dragon Fish Sunken Eyes

1. Internal Inflammation: Sunken eyes in dragon fish can be a result of internal inflammation, such as when they ingest sharp objects, causing injuries to their intestines or stomach that lead to infections or inflammation.

Treatment: If the sunken eyes are due to internal inflammation, the keeper must promptly administer medication. Common treatments include antibiotics like azithromycin, penicillin, and amoxicillin. If the dragon fish is unable to eat, medication can be administered through a syringe into its mouth. It is crucial to treat promptly to prevent the condition from worsening and becoming more difficult to treat.

2. Bacterial Infection: Sunken eyes can also be caused by bacterial infections. If a dragon fish's eyes are injured and not treated promptly, the wound can become inflamed or infected, potentially leading to sunken eyes.

Treatment: When a dragon fish's sunken eyes are due to bacterial infection, the keeper should immediately change the water, activate the filtration system, and adjust the water quality to reduce bacterial presence. During treatment, maintain clean water quality and regularly bathe the dragon fish in drugs like gentamicin or Baytril. During this period, stop feeding the dragon fish and ensure adequate aeration. Typically, following a 3day medication bath, the symptoms of sunken eyes should subside.

3. Overuse of Medication: When treating a dragon fish, if the keeper does not control the dosage of medication properly, excessive use can lead to poisoning, which may result in sunken eyes.

Treatment: If a dragon fish develops sunken eyes due to overmedication, the keeper should immediately change the water to reduce the drug concentration in the tank. Increase the water temperature to 30°C to boost the dragon fish's metabolism and help expel the drugs from their bodies more quickly, thereby alleviating discomfort.

Dragon fish sunken eyes are often due to poor tank conditions, with bacterial infections being a less frequent cause. For mild cases, increasing water temperature, changing water, and enhancing aeration can help alleviate discomfort. When sunken eyes are detected, raise the water temperature to 30°C to 32°C and maintain this temperature during treatment. Increase water changes to 2 to 3 times a week, replacing onethird of the water with newly sunlit water. Also, run an oxygen pump to increase dissolved oxygen levels in the water. Under these measures, mild sunken eye symptoms in dragon fish usually resolve quickly. However, if bacterial growth is excessive, consider adding antibacterial drugs like terramycin to the water. Enhancing the nitrifying bacteria in the tank can also help alleviate symptoms. During treatment, do not feed the dragon fish.

Understanding the common causes and treatment methods for dragon fish sunken eyes is crucial. When a keeper notices any abnormalities in their dragon fish's eyes, they should take it seriously and provide prompt treatment.