Arowana Fish - Important Information On Droop-Eye Syndrome

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Arowana fish sometimes tend to get a problem known as droop-eye syndrome especially when kept in an aquarium. Many different people have varying ideas and solutions to this problem but here I will share some of may own experiences when dealing with this issue and hopefully clear up some of myths surrounding the problem.

Droop-eye syndrome in an Arowana is when one or both of your fishes eyeballs are continuously tilting downwards. It usually only happens in one eye with the other eye remaining normal. It can be a minor problem where the eyeball is only slightly tilted downwards or it can be very extreme where the eyeball is totally tilted downwards and the top of the eyeball is exposed.

As I said many Arowana experts are still debating the causes of droop-eye and the solutions to the problem. The causes the experts have highlighted are to do with genetics, diet or the environment of the Arowana so here I will give my theory on these three topics.

1. Genetics:
This point would very hard to prove whether its right or wrong. Each Arowana like humans are born different. They all have different actions and characteristics but whether the droop-eye problem is genetic or passed on genetically its hard to say.

An Arowana is a naturally nosy fish, which is always on the lookout for food. Its continuously watching and moving its eyes around the tank in search of prey. It might be logical to say that maybe the eye muscles wear over Time causing the problem.

2. Diet
Some experts believe that eating Arowana is the static problem for the eyes. The tests have problems with static on the eye fish-eye and deposits have been found behind the fat. This in turn has led people to believe that the fatty acids in your diet Arowana live bait can be a factor in the problem. But this is only a theory, and will be investigated.

3. Environment
Arowana in its natural environment, fresh waterare not known or believed to have droop-eye problems. This has lead some experts to believe that the problem may be the result of the fishes aquarium environment. Arowana are usually kept in empty tanks for ease of care and maintenance.

Experts believe that the Arowana might be watching his own reflection from the bottom of the tank.

With the Arowana consistently looking down on this own reflection it is highly probable that droop-eye would eventually occur.

I hope this has given you an insight into the droop-eye problem within the aquarium Arowana. Experts are still working on and researching the the issues and hopefully they will find the causes of this problem in the near future.