Health guide, not a diagnosis · Serious if left
Cloudy eye
Also called white eye, eye cloud, milky eye
Signs
- Eye looks milky, white or grey instead of clear and dark
- Fish may bump into things or miss food
- Often both eyes when water quality is the cause
Cause
Usually poor water quality (ammonia, nitrite, high nitrate) or a bacterial infection; one cloudy eye is often an injury. Old fancy goldfish can also get cataracts.
What to do
Test the water and do a 30–50% water change, then 25% every 2–3 days. Add aquarium salt for goldfish and other salt-tolerant fish. If it does not improve in 5–7 days or gets worse, use an antibacterial treatment.
If a fish is badly ill, talk to an aquatic vet.
Prevention
Keep ammonia and nitrite at zero, change water weekly, avoid sharp decor.
Medicines used for it
Always read the label first
Species often affected
0 species