Worried about your Betta fish’s cloudy eye(s)? You’re not sure what to do about it, and you’re worried that your fish might be sick.
Cloudy eye in Bettas is typically caused by an infection, but it can also be caused by physical trauma or a reaction to chemicals in the water. The exact symptoms can vary depending on the cause.
In this post, we’ll talk about the causes of cloudy eyes in Bettas, and how you can treat them. We’ll also discuss when you should take your fish to the vet for help. Keep reading to learn more!
What Is Betta Fish Cloudy Eye?
Betta fish cloudy eye is a condition that causes the eyes to become cloudy or opaque, earning it its name. It will look as though there’s a white, yellow, or grayish film covering the eye’s surface.
Many aquarium owners get scared when they see cloudy eye in their fish, but it’s actually quite common. In most cases, cloudy eye is not serious and can be treated at home. However, if left untreated, cloudy eye can lead to the Betta’s blindness, depending on its cause.
The most common cause is an infection, but it can also be caused by other factors, such as physical trauma, a reaction to chemicals in the water, or a buildup of debris on the surface of the eye.
In some cases, cloudy eyes can even be a sign of a more serious health condition, such as kidney disease or cancer.
Main Causes Of Cloudy Eye In Bettas
As mentioned above, there are several different things that can cause cloudy eyes in Bettas. We’ll discuss each cause below.
Infection
The most common cause of cloudy eyes in Bettas is an infection. This can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
Bacterial infections are the most common type of infection that causes cloudy eyes in fish. These infections are typically caused by poor water quality or a wound on the body that has become infected. For instance, if your Betta has cloudy eyes and is also lethargic, has lost its appetite, or has red streaks on its body, it’s likely that the cloudy eyes are due to a bacterial infection.
Viral infections are less common than bacterial infections, but they can still cause cloudy eyes in Betta fish. These infections are often spread through contact with other infected fish. Some examples include the Herpesvirus and the Iridovirus.
Parasitic infections are also possible, although they are not as common as bacterial or viral infections. These infections are typically caused by internal parasites that enter the body through the gills.
The most common internal parasites that cause an infection in Betta fish leading to a cloudy eye are flukes and anchor worms. These are typically found in ponds or other bodies of stagnant, dirty water.
Physical Trauma
In some cases, cloudy eyes in Bettas can be caused by physical trauma to its body or slime coat. This can happen if your fish hits its head on something in the tank, or if it’s injured by another fish.
If you suspect that your Betta’s cloudy eyes are due to physical trauma, it’s important to examine your fish carefully for any other injuries. If you see any other wounds on your fish’s body, you should treat them immediately.
Reaction To Chemicals In The Water
Bettas are very sensitive to chemicals in the water, and a reaction to these chemicals can sometimes cause cloudy eyes.
This is most often seen in fish that are kept in tanks with poor water quality. If the water in your tank is not properly filtered or cycled, it can contain high levels of ammonia, nitrites, or other harmful chemicals. These chemicals can irritate the skin and eyes, causing cloudy eyes.
Buildup of Debris On The Eye’s Surface
Another possible cause of cloudy eyes in Bettas is a buildup of debris on the surface of the eye. This can happen if your tank is not clean, or if there is something in the water that is irritating the eyes.
For instance, if there is a buildup of algae in your tank, it can cause cloudy eyes in Bettas. Algae can grow on the surface of the eye and irritate it, leading to cloudy eyes.
In addition, if there is sand or gravel in your tank, it can also cause cloudy eyes. Sand and gravel can get into the eyes and irritate them, leading to cloudy eyes.
Serious Health Conditions
Occasionally, cloudy eyes in Bettas can be a sign of a more serious health condition.
As mentioned in the previous section, cloudy eyes can sometimes be a symptom of kidney disease. This is a serious condition that can be fatal if left untreated.
In addition, cloudy eyes can sometimes be a symptom of cancer. This is a rare condition in Betta fish, but it is possible. If you notice cloudy eyes in your Betta along with other symptoms, such as weight loss, lethargy, difficulty breathing, or a visible tumor, it’s important to take your fish to the vet right away.
Main Signs & Symptoms Of Betta Fish Cloudy Eye
The main sign or symptom that your Betta fish has a cloudy eye is, of course, a cloudy eye, but there are often other symptoms that accompany it, depending on the cause.
Here are some of the most common ones.
Impaired Vision
If your Betta fish has cloudy eyes, it’s likely that its vision is also impaired. This means that your Betta may have difficulty seeing things clearly, and it may bump into objects in the tank, such as decorations and plants. It may also have a hard time finding food, even if you drop it right in front of them.
Hard Time Swimming
Similarly, cloudy eyes can cause your Betta to have a hard time swimming. As mentioned above, cloudy eyes can cause cloudy vision, which makes it difficult to see where you’re going. As a result, your Betta may have a hard time finding its way around the tank.
Mucus Build-Up
In some cases, cloudy eyes in Bettas can lead to a mucus build-up. This is the fish’s body trying to fight infection by producing mucus.
This mucus can be clear or white, and it can cover the entire surface of the eye. In severe cases, the mucus can build up and harden, worsening their condition.
Inflammation
Cloudy eyes are often accompanied by inflammation. The area around the eye may be red, swollen, and sore. In addition, the fish may try to scratch itself on objects in the tank, which can further irritate the eye and make the condition worse.
Lethargy
One of the most common symptoms that can accompany a cloudy eye in Betta fish is lethargy. In general, lethargy is also a common symptom in a whole variety of Betta health problems, such as infections, diseases, and even physical trauma.
However, if your Betta is normally lively and active and suddenly becomes lethargic, it’s a good idea to check for other symptoms, as it may be a sign that something is wrong.
Loss Of Appetite
Another common symptom of cloudy eye is a loss of appetite. It could be as simple as the Betta fish being unable to find its food because of cloudy vision.
However, a loss of appetite can also be a symptom of other health problems, such as infections and diseases which could’ve also caused the cloudy eye. If your Betta is not eating and has cloudy eyes, it’s a good idea to take them to the vet to rule out any other potential problems
How To Treat Cloudy Eye In Bettas
The treatment for cloudy eye in Bettas will depend on the underlying cause.
Treating Infection
For example, if the cloudy eye is caused by an infection, you need to give them antibiotics like Kanaplex and Metroplex. Seachem even offers a 3-step medication kit containing Focus, Metroplex, and Kanaplex. This will usually clear up the infection and get rid of the cloudy eye within a few days.
Treating Physical Trauma
Similarly, if the cloudy eye is caused by physical trauma, such as an injury, the vet will recommend a course of treatment to heal the injury and help the cloudy eye clear up. Usually, this is simply a general treatment such as API Fin and Body Cure or plain aquarium salt.
Treating Serious Health Problems
In some cases, cloudy eyes can be caused by a disease or condition that is not curable, such as kidney disease. In these cases, the vet will focus on managing the symptoms and making the fish as comfortable as possible.
Other Tips To Help Treat Cloudy Eyes
There are also some things that you can do at home to help your Betta fish if it has cloudy eyes.
First, it’s important to make sure that the water in their tank is clean and of good quality. cloudy eyes are often a sign of poor water quality, so by keeping the water clean, you can help to prevent cloudy eyes and other health problems.
Second, you should make sure that your Betta fish is getting enough food. As mentioned above, a loss of appetite can be a symptom of cloudy eyes, but malnutrition can also cause cloudy eyes. By making sure that your Betta fish is getting enough food, you can help to prevent cloudy eyes.
Third, you should try to reduce the stress in your Betta fish’s life. Stress can make cloudy eyes worse, so by reducing the stress in their life, you can help to improve their condition.
Some ways to reduce stress include:
- Providing them with hiding places in their tank
- Avoiding changes to their environment
- Not handling them too much
- Not keeping them in a community tank with other aggressive fish
Fourth, you should take your Betta fish to the vet if their cloudy eyes are not improving. In some cases, cloudy eyes can be a sign of a serious health problem, so it’s important to get
How To Prevent Cloudy Eye In Bettas
While cloudy eye is not always preventable, there are some things that fish keepers can do to help reduce the risk of their Betta’s eye becoming cloudy.
Maintain A Clean Tank
First, as mentioned above, it’s important to make sure that the water in their tank is clean and of good quality. You should also clean the decorations every now and then, as well as any live plants.
Cloudy eyes are often a sign of poor water quality, so by keeping the tank clean, you can help to prevent cloudy eyes and other health problems.
Remove Sharp Objects
Sharp objects are a huge no-no in Betta fish tanks. This isn’t just for the Betta’s eyes, but also for the rest of their body. The fins of Bettas are very fragile, so they can easily tear when they get snagged onto something. If you want to put plants, they should be either silk plants or live plants.
Regular Water Changes
You should perform regular water changes to remove any build-up of toxins in the water. This will help to keep the water clean, which will reduce the risk of the fish’s eyes becoming cloudy or developing other diseases.
Good Quality Food
You should also feed your Betta good quality food. Bettas are known to be picky eaters, but it’s important to make sure that they’re getting the nutrients that they need. Incorrect feeding can cause malnutrition and eventually lead to a host of problems.
A good quality diet consisting of pellets, live food, and frozen food will help to keep them healthy and reduce the risk of cloudy eyes and other health problems.
Quarantine New Fish
As a general rule, you should have a separate quarantine tank or hospital tank for any new fish species that you may be adding to the tank.
This way, you can check if the new tankmates will develop the first warning signs of an infection or a disease. If they do start developing cloudy eye or other issues, you can begin the best treatment for them before moving them to the main tank.
What Can Happen To A Betta Fish If Cloudy Eye Is Not Treated?
If cloudy eye is not treated, it can lead to a number of serious health problems.
For example, cloudy eye can be a symptom of an underlying infection. If the infection is not treated, it can spread to other parts of the body and cause serious health problems.
Additionally, cloudy eye can also be a symptom of a disease or condition that is not curable. In that case, the cloudy eye will not go away and the fish will eventually succumb to the disease or condition.
Finally, if cloudy eye is left untreated, it can cause blindness in the Betta fish.
Can Cloudy Eye Kill A Betta Fish?
Cloudy eye can’t kill your Betta fish, but the cause for the cloudy eye can. As mentioned above, if cloudy eye is caused by an infection, the infection can spread to other parts of the body and cause serious health problems.
And of course, if the cloudy eye is due to a serious issue like cancer or another incurable disease, there’s a chance that the fish itself will eventually die from the underlying condition.
So while cloudy eye itself won’t kill your Betta, it’s important to take cloudy eye seriously and get it treated as soon as possible.
How Long Does Cloudy Eye Last In Bettas?
The length of time that cloudy eye lasts will depend on the underlying cause. Infections typically clear up within a few weeks with proper treatment. However, if the cloudy eye is due to an incurable condition like cancer, the fish may only have a few months to live.
In most cases, cloudy eye will resolve itself within a few weeks. However, if the cloudy eye does not improve or gets worse, it’s important to take your Betta to the vet as soon as possible.
Can Cloudy Eye Spread To Other Tank Mates?
If we’re talking about the cloudy eye itself, then you have no need to worry about it spreading to other tank mates. Cloudy eye is not a contagious disease, so it won’t spread to the other fish in the tank.
However, if cloudy eye is caused by an infection, that infection can spread to other fish in the tank. For instance, some parasites that can lead to cloudy eye, such as anchor worms, can infest other fish in the tank. So if your Betta has cloudy eye due to an infection, you’ll need to treat all of the fish in the tank to prevent the infection from spreading.
FAQs
What causes cloudy eye in Betta fish?
There are a number of possible causes for cloudy eye in Betta fish. It can be caused by an infection, poor water quality, or a disease or condition.
How do you treat cloudy eye in Betta fish?
The treatment for cloudy eye will depend on the underlying cause. However, in most cases, cloudy eye can be treated with a combination of regular water changes and good quality food. If the cloudy eye is due to an infection, you may also need to treat the fish with antibiotics.
Can cloudy eye kill a Betta fish?
Cloudy eye itself can’t kill your Betta fish, but if it’s caused by something that can be fatal, then your Betta can succumb to it.
Does cloudy eye in fish cause blindness?
Cloudy eye can certainly cause blindness in your fish, if not treated quickly. That’s why it’s important to take cloudy eye seriously and get it treated as soon as possible.
Conclusion
If you notice your Betta fish has a cloudy eye, don’t worry! It’s a common issue that can be treated quickly and easily. Make sure to take action quickly, though, so the problem doesn’t get worse. Plus, since cloudy eye can impair your Betta’s life, it’s best to nip it in the bud as soon as possible!
Recommended Reading:
- Causes, Treatment, & Prevention Of Popeye In Betta Fish
- Causes, Treatment, & Prevention Of Velvet In Betta Fish
- Sick Betta? Here’s How To Prevent It From Dying
- Water Temperature Guide For Bettas – Reach & Maintain The Optimal Range
- How Long Is A Betta’s Lifespan? Best Ways To Increase It
