Causes of Acquired Arowana Drop-Eye

1 Causes of Acquired Arowana Drop-Eye

What factors influence acquired arowana drop-eye?

1. Feeding. If keepers often feed high-protein or high-fat food, long-term fat accumulation easily causes drop-eye. Ensure balanced nutrition and avoid overfeeding high-protein, high-fat food for fast growth; feed at regular times and amounts.

Because most arowana food is sinking (dead small fish, shrimp, etc.), to avoid upper-layer fish constantly feeding at the bottom and developing drop-eye, feed in small, frequent amounts to prevent too much food sinking, which causes frequent downward diving and looking. Feed small and often, adding more only after the fish finishes.

2. Water level. Water that is too high makes upper-layer arowana develop a downward-looking habit. Keep the tank not too tall and the water level not too high, about 15-20 cm below the tank rim. Lowering the water level is also an effective way to treat drop-eye.

3. Light. Uneven light intensity is another culprit. The arowana’s eyes are both light-seeking and light-shy; if light near the tank is too strong, it prompts the fish to droop its eyes to avoid it, and long-term the eyes’ regulatory mechanism fatigues, forming drop-eye.

For drop-eye caused by lighting, reduce strong light exposure and the stimulation to the arowana, while keeping the in-tank light consistent and the out-of-tank light relatively stable. When switching tank and room lights, keep the order and timing reasonable and regular. Also place submerged lights sensibly for even, reasonable intensity. Submerged light tips:

1) Set the top light source and control water level so light evenly hits the surface.

2) Combine submerged lights with top lights to keep the tank light consistent.

3) When using submerged lights, place them at least 5 cm below the surface, facing forward, to avoid fixed light affecting the arowana. Change the tube position periodically to balance the fish’s gaze.

4) At night, use a small night light or cover the tank to avoid suddenly startling the arowana with lights.

5) Avoid outside light such as TV glare to prevent one-sided drop-eye.

6) Lay substrate or tiles at the bottom to prevent drop-eye from bottom reflection.

4. Surroundings. If the arowana is timid or stressed and curls in a corner long-term, it will also look down to varying degrees. Also, moving objects outside the tank draw the gaze, causing habitual downward looking and drop-eye. Households with arowana should avoid pets or children frequently walking around the tank.

The above is our veterinarian’s summary of the causes of acquired arowana drop-eye, hoping it helps you.