Blind Ranchu?

[bobo1234]

Hello guys,
hope all is well! I have a question. I have a Ranchu which is now a bit less than an inch in size which has trouble seeing (I think). Everytime I go to feed it, it sees me coming and starts moving towards me (could it be vibrations) however, when I put the food in, it seems to swim around the food until it finds it. I have tried to look at his eyes but I can't see them at all! There's like a eye surround but I just cant make anything out. I have tried to take pictures, but don't have the skill of taking a clear shot. Can anyone advise me if I can do tests or is there some way of checking the fish physically?

Thanking you in advance.

[imma24]

There are fish born blind (cave fish) - when fish are hungry, they find food. I personally don't know of a way to check a fish for something like that.

[~firefly~]

If it's a ranchu goldfish and looks like this you may well be stuck with a fish with terrible eyesight.



Poor thing has been bred to look like that and its eyesight will no doubt have suffered as a result. I'm not sure how you could test the sight. Are there other tank mates?

[bobo1234]

Hello, yes he does have another tank mate which is an Oranda. The Ranchu has not developed the bumpy face yet. Its colour is black so maybe this is why I can't see the eyes? The pupil being black in colour too.

[~firefly~]

Perhaps, they do have small eyes anyway. If it manages to eat I wouldn't worry about it. What size tank do you have them in?

[bobo1234]

Hello thanks all for the quick replys. Yes it eats well although, the Oranda usually beats him to the first bits of gel food. I make sure he eats just as much. I have them in a no gravel 170 litre tank. (no gravel due to bad experiences in the past) I know plenty of people say that gravel is essential, but I just don't think it is. I have plenty of surface space for beneficial bacteria to grow on (sides and back of the tank) and selected large ornaments. Thanking you again.