Bubble Eye Goldfish Problems

Bubble eye goldfish are one of the most unique-looking goldfish varieties. However, because the "bubbles" around the fish's eyes are so large and delicate, many problems can arise with this type of fish. Luckily, most of these issues can be avoided or resolved with simple solutions.

  1. The Eye Sacks Get Pierced Easily

    • The fluid sacks, or "bubbles," under the goldfish's eyes can get pierced easily on sharp objects within the aquarium. If this happens, the bubble will usually heal and refill, but is often not the same as the original sack and the fish will no longer be symmetrical. This is only a problem if you plan on entering your goldfish in competitions. It is no problem at all for the fish. Take special care of the fish so it does not form an infection while the sack is healing. Sack piercing can be avoided by removing any sharp objects from the aquarium. Remove any jagged, rough, or pointed decorations, even sharp-edged plants, and use only smooth gravel stones in the bubble eye's aquarium or pond.

    Filters Create Current

    • Getting pulled into the filter is another problem for bubble eye goldfish. The eye sacks make swimming difficult and bubble eyes often have trouble fighting against the filter's current. To prevent this problem, cover the filter and its tubes with aquarium sponge. Make sure the filter can still function properly despite the coverings.

    Bubble Eyes are Slow Swimmers

    • Bubble eye fish are not fast swimmers. Older bubble eyes may give up trying to swim all together and will simply float along with the current. This can be a problem, especially when trying to feed a bubble eye. Living with fast-swimming fish can lead to the bubble eye's starvation, as the faster fish will eat all the food before the bubble eye even knows it's there. Bubble eyes are social fish and enjoy being with others, so pair them with other bubble eyes, or other varieties of slow-moving fish, such as telescopes and celestials.

    Bubble Eyes Have Poor Vision

    • Bubble eye goldfish's eyes are tilted upward rather than flat on the sides of the head like a standard goldfish. This causes the fish to see what is directly above it better than what is to the side or in front of it. Poor eyesight causes bubble eyes to run into obstacles often and can make it difficult for the fish to find its food. Large food particles placed in the same spot at each feeding will help a bubble eye to feed. Food can also be anchored in place with a food clip. Or, train the fish to be hand-fed, so it always receives its food successfully.

    Bubble Eyes Can Have Swim Bladder Issues

    • Many bubble eyes have trouble regulating their swim bladders. The swim bladder is what allows the fish to move up and down within the water. Bubble eyes are ideally kept in wide, shallow aquariums or ponds. This limits the amount of up and down swimming the fish has to do, as well as limiting the distance between the fish and food that comes from above.