Golden Orfe with Swollen Eye: Injury vs. Disease

Active Orfe Prone to Eye Trauma

1.5-foot golden orfe with one swollen eye; no aggression observed. Orfe are high-speed swimmers that frequently collide with pond walls, rocks, and each other.

Likely Cause: Physical Injury

• Impact trauma → hemorrhage behind eye (exophthalmia/"pop-eye").
• Usually unilateral, sudden onset.
• May resolve in weeks if not infected.

Monitor for Infection

• Cloudy cornea, white filamentous growth (fungus/Saprolegnia).
• Spreading redness or swelling to other eye/head.
• If infected: isolate, add pond salt (0.1%), MelaFix, and consider antibiotic (e.g., MinnFinn, or vet-prescribed).

Prevention

• Pad sharp edges in pond.
• Ensure adequate space (1000+ gal for orfe).
• Maintain excellent water quality.

If no infection signs appear in 7–10 days, it's likely a healing injury. The fish may retain a slightly enlarged eye but live normally.