Diagnosing Fungal Infections In Fish

Let's talk about diagnosing fungal infections in fish.

If you suspect something is wrong with your fish, it may be a fungal infection. This article will help you understand fungal infections so you can easily diagnose your fish and treat them.

Most common fungal infections are cases of Cotton Wool Disease. This is the general name for fungal infections that appear on a fish's fins, skin, and/or mouth. Cotton Wool Disease is typically caused by Saprolegnia and Achyla which are types of fungi. There are other fungi that cause infections in fish and there may be more than one type present in an aquarium.

You can diagnose your fish with Cotton Wool Disease if they have a fluffy, cotton-like growth on their body. Fish with infections will sometimes not act like themselves. You can treat his type of infection by using antifungal fish medications and by adding salt to the water. If you have freshwater fish, make sure you use freshwater aquarium salt in the recommended amount. If only one fish appears to be infected, you can separate and treat them in their own hospital tank until they recover.

Not only can fish get fungal infections, but their eggs can too. The eggs will also appear to have a fluffy white fungus on them. If fungi are in an aquarium they are likely to infect eggs that are damaged or infertile. However, the infections can spread to healthy eggs. If your fish are actively breeding and you notice infected eggs, remove them immediately. There is no way to treat eggs for a fungal infection. Healthy eggs will be opaque and not have fungus on them.

An uncommon fungal infection that shows up in fish is gill rot. This is what it's name states, when a fish's gills start to rot. This is deadly if not treated. Fish with gill rot will have a mucus over their gills and usually gasp for air. Luckily, this is not a common infection. It usually occurs when a fish's water has high levels of nitrate or ammonia. This stresses the fish and makes it easier for them to catch a fungal infection.

The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your veterinarian or other health care professional. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment.