Agressive Penguin

[dj baldwin]

Hello everyone, I just came home and discovered that one of my Red -Eyed Tetras was missing an eye. His/her other eye looked weird as well. The only culprit I can find is an agressive Penguin tetra that i've had for over 2 years.

I have a 40 gallon planted tank. Inhabitants are 3 Peppered cories, 2 otos, 5 red eyed tetras and the lone penguin. The reason I suspect the penguin is because he seems to have claimed the entire front and middle of the tank, thus leaving the corners and drifwood caves for the rest. I have always tried to understock my tank in order to prevent such tragedy. I have been tinkering with the idea of getting rid of the penguin...since he terrorized and killed 5 other penguins when they shared a 20 gallon tank.

My question is, how long can a fish survive with one eye? I am planning on moving the penguin by tomorrow.

Thanks

 

[Marinemom]

You might want to put some Melafix in the water for the fish that lost an eye. It will help it to heal faster and possibly guard against a bacterial infection. Fish can live a relatively long time with just one eye as long as the aggressor has been removed from the tank. If this fish has a history of aggression, then by all means send him on his way to the local fish store. Your other fish will thank you for the peace in thier home.

Marinemom

 

[dj baldwin]

Thanks for the suggestion.