Effective Ways to Prevent Dragon Fish from Losing Eyes
Effective Measures to Prevent Dragon Fish from Losing Their Eyes
1. Ensure Even Lighting Inside and Outside the Tank
It's crucial to maintain consistent lighting conditions both inside and outside the tank for dragon fish. Avoid placing the light source directly above the fish, as this can stimulate their eyes and cause them to look downward. If the lighting is insufficient, consider installing small lights around the tank to improve the environment.
2. Maintain Water Quality
Regularly change the water in the tank and install a filter to keep the water clean. Maintaining a water temperature of 26°C can reduce the likelihood of dragon fish losing their eyes. This temperature is also beneficial for the overall health of the fish.
3. Feed Properly
As food sinks to the bottom of the tank, the dragon fish's eyes may follow it downward, which can lead to eye loss over time. Therefore, it's important for owners to feed their dragon fish floating food to minimize the need for them to look down and prevent eye issues.
4. Prohibit Movement of Objects or Children Below the Tank
Since the tank is transparent, the presence of objects or children below the tank can attract the dragon fish to look downward, potentially leading to eye loss. It's essential to keep the area around the tank free of such distractions.
5. Avoid Overfeeding
Feeding dragon fish to the point of 7 out of 10 fullness is recommended. Additionally, using wave pumps to encourage activity can help maintain a healthy weight and boost their immune system, reducing the risk of obesity and eye issues.
6. Maintain Appropriate Tank and Water Levels
Owners should size the tank and water level according to the dragon fish's size to prevent eye loss. Placing a suitable amount of substrate at the bottom of the tank can also reduce reflections and discourage the fish from looking downward.
By focusing on these strategies, the key to preventing dragon fish from losing their eyes lies in keeping their vision focused on the upper layer of the water, avoiding prolonged downward gaze.