Miles is having trouble seeing

[browngirl]

I've had Miles for about 3 months. He has always been a very lively betta, getting excited when I went near his tank and for feeding time. He always responded to his name and being waved at and had a good appetite. But in the past week he has become lethargic and has not been eating. I noticed that one of his eyes seems to be bigger than the other and the lens is protruding. I'm no sure if his other eye is affected as well but he seems to be having trouble seeing. He has been hiding in his tree and gets scared at the sound of my opening his tank lid. He would always make bubble nests but now I only see a few bubbles. I have been singing to him for the past 3 days and he likes that, meakes a bubble or two while I sing.

Help! What could be wrong with him and what do I do?

[PinkDiamond]

Hi there,

I can't be much of a help because I've never dealt with this illness in my fish, but it sounds like it could be what's called popeye? Here's an article to read to see if it sounds like what you're dealing with, and it might give you an idea where to go with treatment as well.

http://www.nippyfish.net/popeye.html

I'm sure there will be many people on this board who can offer more information - I don't think it's an uncommon problem!

Best of luck, hope your little guy makes a speedy recovery! :)

[iheartmyfishies]

Yes it sounds like popeye. It's good you caught it early. Treat him now and he should be fine.

[browngirl]

Thank you Pink Diamond for the link. It definitely sounds like Miles has popeye. I'm on my way out now to buy some Maracyn. Thank you both for responding so promptly and for the well wishes. Much appreciated.