My fish is sick! (emperor tetra)

[Lanky]

I have an emperor tetra (affectionately named 'Bob' or 'Colonel Bob' because he bosses around the other tetra) who is ill. I'm pretty sure it's pop-eye, because around his eye is swollen and red pretty much.

I've tried researching, but the only recommendation ive gotten is 'possibly a broad-spectrum anti-biotic', which doesnt sound all that certain or professional.

Can anyone help with Colonel Bob? I know he's a relatively cheap fish, but we like him and we dont want him

[Quixotic]

Pop-eye or Exophthalmia is a symptom rather than a disease itself. This is why the "broad-spectrum anti-biotic" is suggested unless you are able to diagnose the disease itself.

One of the causes is due to poor water conditions and stress, so I would suggest trying this first. Maintain good clean quality water (perhaps via daily water changes) and feed sparsely so that the water quality doesn't deteriorate easily. See if there are any improvements over several days. Hopefully 'Colonel Bob' will be back to his bossy healthy self soon.

Otherwise, go for the medication option.

Here is a recent discussion thread relating to pop-eye.
http://www.aquaticquotient.com/forum...ad.php?t=32750