Seeing my angelfish moving and swimming around after my hectic day is the best part of my schedule. And while watching my little adventurer explore their surroundings, I imagine whether my fish can recognize me or not. At some point, the possibility of my angelfish being blind also stress me a lot. What if my angelfish is blind, and I have no clue about it?
Some behaviors of angelfish are really easy to miss. If you watch your angelfish consistently, you will realize that your fish is blind in no time.
A blind angelfish show typical signs that distinguish them from others. Usually, if your angelfish is blind, you will notice the following changes in their behavior:
- frequent bumping into objects
- unexplained fear or anxiety
- avoids food even if it is near them
- hiding for long periods of time
- less activity overall
- doesn’t responds to you
So, you should observe the activity of your angelfish properly before you buy them. Also, get them from a reputable store, and don’t forget to ask about the health condition of the fish. It is better to be safe than sorry!
Can Angelfish See?
Well, while this seems to be a very stupid question. I always used to wonder whether my angels could see me or not when I was a novice. Although I am sure enough that my angels can see the world around them, I cannot be sure about their ability to see me.
Sometimes, my angelfish responds to me when I come close to the aquarium, and sometimes, these fish don’t. This makes me question their vision.
However, as I have researched more about these beautiful creatures, I have found out that my angels have great eyesight. Thus, these fish can see their fellow tank mates and the world around them quite well.
Furthermore, angelfish have specialized cells in their eyes which allow them to see even in low light and the things that are far away from them. But unfortunately, there are no scientific facts that could say that angelfish can recognize their owners.
Is My Angelfish Blind?
Since angelfish are great with visions, it is really easy to spot when something is wrong. Here are five signs that your angelfish might be blind:
Angelfish Bumps Into Objects
The first and most obvious sign that your angelfish is blind is if it frequently bumps into objects. Usually, angelfish have great vision and are able to avoid objects. If your angelfish is constantly running into things, then there is a good chance that it is blind.
Angelfish Have Hard Time Finding Food
Generally, angelfish love to eat. In fact, these fish are voracious eaters. Once you put the food in their tank, your angelfish will finish it within minutes. However, if your angelfish is having a hard time finding food, then this is another sign that it might be blind.
Angelfish Are Not as Active
Another sign that your angelfish might be blind is if it is not as active as usual. Angelfish are usually very active fish and love to swim around their tank. If your angelfish is just sitting at the bottom of the tank and not moving much, then this could be a sign that it is blind.
Angelfish Have Cloudy Eyes
If you notice that your angelfish has cloudy eyes, then this could be another sign that it is blind. Generally, the eyes of angelfish are crystal clear. However, if the eyes are cloudy, this is usually a sign of an underlying health condition.
Sudden Aggression
Your little angelfish are very curious creatures. So, these fish prefer to know everything that’s happening around them. However, during blindness, your little guys cannot analyze their environment and thus will be more suspicious.
As a result, your angels will be more aggressive and starts attacking whatever they approach to whether it be live plants, decorations, or even their tank mates.
Stops Responding You
If you notice that your angelfish don’t seem to respond to you anymore, this could be a sign that it is blind. As angelfish are very inquisitive, these fish responds to any changes in their environment, whether it be a new decoration or you coming to the tank.
So, if your angelfish don’t seem to care about you anymore or fails to follow through with your tapping on the glass, then it might be a sign that your angelfish is blind.
Angelfish Are Not Responding to Light
One final sign that your angelfish might be blind is if it is not responding to light. Angelfish are very sensitive to light and usually swim toward it when it is turned on. When your angelfish is not responding to light, this is a sign that it might be blind.
If you notice any of these signs in your angelfish, you must take them to the vet as soon as possible. Usually, blindness can be caused by several different things, and the sooner you take your angelfish to the vet, the better.
But what are the causes of blindness in angelfish?
Why Cause My Angelfish To Be Blind?
In most cases, your angelfish might be blind because you have brought a blind fish that was born in such a way. Usually, angelfish do not go blind as in ideal aquarium conditions. There are, however, some conditions that could lead to blindness in your angelfish.
Usually, some of the common causes of blindness in angelfish include:
Genetic Disorder
Some angelfish are just born blind. This genetic disorder is passed down from parents to their offspring. If you have bought a pair of angelfish, there’s a chance that one or both of them might be carrying the gene for this disorder.
While there’s no cure for this disorder, you can try your best to provide a comfortable environment for your fish. This way, they can live a long and happy life despite their blindness.
Injury
Another common cause of blindness in angelfish is injury. If your angelfish get hit by something in the tank, it could damage their eyesight. Most commonly, bumping into sharp objects, rough substrates, or getting stuck in filter intakes can cause injuries to their eyes.
If you notice that your fish has been injured, it’s important to take them to a vet as soon as possible. With timely treatment, most injuries can be healed, and your fish’s vision can be saved.
Poor Water Quality
One of the main reasons why angelfish go blind is because of poor water quality. If the water in your tank is not clean, it can lead to several problems for your fish, including blindness.
Some of the common water quality issues that can cause blindness in angelfish include high levels of ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. These toxins can build up in the water and cause serious health problems for your fish.
Disease
Some diseases could lead to blindness in angelfish. One of the most common diseases is called Popeye’s. A bacterial infection causes this disease, leading to eye swelling.
Similarly, cataracts are another disease that could cause blindness in angelfish. This disease is caused by a build-up of protein in the eye’s lens, which leads to cloudy vision.
If you notice any changes in your fish’s eyes, it’s important to take medical assistance immediately.
Old Age
As your angelfish age, their eyesight also starts to deteriorate. This is a natural process, and there’s not much you can do about it. With increasing age, the body functions and metabolism of your angelfish start to slow down, including their vision.
You can, however, ensure that you provide them with a comfortable environment and plenty of hiding spots. This way, they can feel safe and secure even when their vision is not great.
Generally, all these factors could lead to blindness in your angelfish. Once you know what might be causing the problem, you can ensure that your fish lives a comfortable life.
How To Regain The Angelfish’s Sight?
Usually, blindness is caused by old age, and hereditary blindness has no cure. However, if the blindness is due to a disease or an injury, treatments may help the fish regain its sight.
Therefore, some of the ways to regain the Angelfish’s sight are:
- Treating the underlying cause of blindness, such as infections and injuries:
- Improving water quality
- Using eye drops or ointments
- Undergoing surgery to repair damaged eyes
With proper care and treatment, your Angelfish can live a long and happy life, even if it is blind.
What To Do If You Have A Blind Fish?
Sometimes without your knowledge, you might end up with a blind fish. It’s not the end of the world, but you’ll need to make changes to give your fish the best possible life. Like a sick fish, blind angelfish also need special attention.
Therefore, some of the ways that will help you to give your blind fish the best life possible are:
Aquarium Setup
You’ll need to ensure that your aquarium is set up correctly for blind fish. This means having a soft, sandy substrate and plenty of hiding places. You also want to ensure no sharp objects or anything else could injure your fish.
Food
Blind fish have a harder time finding food. You’ll need to target-feed them or drop the food closer to their hiding places. For this, you can use a turkey baster or a small syringe.
Water Quality
It’s important to maintain high water quality for all fish, but especially for those that are blind or have other disabilities. This means doing regular water changes and using a good filter. However, you must be careful not to disturb the fish too much when doing water changes.
Tank Mates
Be careful when choosing tank mates for blind fish. Avoid aggressive fish that could bully them or nip at their fins. Choose peaceful tank mates that won’t compete with them for food. I usually suggest species that stay at different levels of the aquarium.
Quarantine
If you have a new fish, it’s always a good idea to quarantine them before adding them to your tank. This way, you can treat any illnesses or parasites they might have and avoid infecting your other fish. Furthermore, quarantine of blind fish is essential.
Special Considerations
Blind angelfish need special care and attention. Therefore, you should take medical and safety precautions to ensure these live long and healthy life. With the proper care, your blind angelfish can thrive in your aquarium.
What Are Common Eye Problems in Angelfish?
The commonest eye problems in angelfish are:
Cataracts
A cataract is a film or opacity that forms over the eye’s lens, causing blurred vision. Cataracts can be caused by many things, including old age, obesity, trauma, and certain medications. In fish, cataracts are often seen as a result of poor water quality.
Cloudy Eyes
Cloudy eyes can be caused by several things, including dirty water, bacterial infections, parasites, and even physical trauma. In many cases, cloudy eyes will clear up with no treatment required. However, if the problem persists, it is important to seek veterinary advice as it could signify something more serious.
Popeye
Popeye is the medical term for exophthalmia when the eyeball pops out of its socket. This can be caused by several things, including physical trauma, infection, or an underlying disease. If you suspect your fish has popeye, it is important to seek veterinary advice as soon as possible.
Can Blindness Be Reversed in Angelfish?
The answer to this question is, unfortunately, no. Once the damage is done, it cannot be undone. However, if the cause of blindness is treatable, such as an infection or injury, then it may be possible to improve your fish’s vision.
In some cases, surgery can also be used to repair damaged eyes. However, this is usually only performed in severe cases and is not always successful.
If you think your angelfish might be blind, the best thing to do is to seek veterinary advice. They will be able to diagnose the problem and advise you on the best course of treatment.
Blindness can have a significant impact on an angelfish’s quality of life. Therefore, ensuring your fish is as comfortable as possible is important.
Ending Up
All in all, if you think your angelfish might be blind, it’s important to take action quickly. Following the tips in this article gives your fish the best possible chance at a long and healthy life.
If your angelfish situation worsens, you must take them to the vet as soon as possible. Several factors can cause blindness, and only a professional can diagnose the problem and recommend a course of treatment. Don’t wait to get your fish the help they need!
Do you have any tips for caring for a blind fish? Let us know in the comments below!
Thanks for reading! We hope you found this article helpful.
