By Drs. Foster & Smith Aquatic Veterinary Staff Fungal infections are among the most common diseases seen in tropical fish. Because fungal spores are found in all fish tanks, they can quickly colonize and create problems in stressed, injured, or diseased fish. Poor water quality can also lead to an increase in fungal infections in an otherwise healthy fish population. Most aquarium owners easily identify external fungal infections. Most fungal infections have a characteristic white fluffy appearance and are commonly known as 'cotton wool disease.' As the fungal infections worsen, they may take on a gray or even red appearance. Fortunately, most fungal infections only attack the external tissues of fish and eggs. Most infections are usually associated with a preexisting infection or injury and this is why a two-part treatment is often necessary to completely cure these infected fish. There are a few fungal infections that will infect the internal organs of fish and they will be touched on a little later. Fungi are present throughout most aquariums, but certain conditions increase the possibility fungal infections including: Poor water quality Poor hygiene Fish that are injured, old, or have other diseases Dead fish or large amounts of decomposing organic material in the tank Tanks with fish that have reoccurring fungal infections need to be examined for tank hygiene, filtration, and water quality. Healthy tanks should rarely have fish with fungal infections. Cotton Wool Disease 'Cotton wool disease' is a general term applied to the most common fungal infections that infect the skin, fins, and mouth. The fluffy white growths often colonize areas where there have been previous infections, parasites, or injuries. The most common types of fungi in these infections are Saprolegnia and Achyla. Other fungi may also cause these infections and there may be more than one species at the site of an infection. Treatment for cotton wool disease in freshwater fish includes salt baths using Freshwater Aquarium Salt or the antifungal agent phenoxyethanol. In some instances, the entire tank is treated, but if individual infections are present, treating the fish in a separate hospital tank is preferable. Individual topical application of the anti-fungal and anti-bacterial agent Gentian Violet is also a treatment option. Egg fungus If the aquarium owner has fish that are actively breeding, the eggs can become infected with a fluffy white fungal infection. The Achyla and Saprolegnia fungi are the species that cause the most problems. These fungi are present in most aquariums and will often infect damaged, diseased, or infertile eggs, and the fungus can then spread to healthy eggs. Since many egg-laying species protect their eggs and will pick out diseased eggs, this is primarily a problem in situations where the parents have abandoned the nest or in artificial rearing situations. Once an egg has become infected there is no practical treatment. Infected eggs should be immediately removed with a pipette, needle, or forceps. It is important the aquarium owner does not confuse a healthy opaque egg with a fungal infected egg. Many breeders use Methylene Blue to help control fungal infections on the eggs. Gill rot Gill rot is an uncommon fungal infection but if it does occur, it can be deadly if not treated. An infected fish usually gasps for air and has gills that are covered with mucus and are mottled in appearance. The infection is usually caused by the fungus Branchiomyces and can cause the entire gill to rot away. Infections usually occur in stressed fish that are living in tanks with high levels of ammonia or nitrate. While treatment is difficult and usually unsuccessful, some cases have been cured with long-term therapy of phenoxyethanol baths and increased oxygen levels. Prevention and good husbandry are important in preventing this disease. Systemic fungal infections Systemic fungal infections in tropical fish are rare and generally considered to be difficult to diagnose and treat. As a result, not much is known about these conditions. A fungus that can cause systemic infections is Icthyophonus. Infected fish show generalized poor health. Diagnosis is often made only through a thorough post mortem examination. Stressed fish in poor quality water and environments are more susceptible to this disease. Some infected fish have been successfully treated with Malachite Green immersion baths. It should be pointed out that many of the traditional fungal diseases such as mouth fungus and tail rot are often not fungal infections at all but really bacterial infections. Antibiotics such as nitrofurazone found in preparations like Furanase have often proven successful in treating many of these 'fungal' infections. Summary Most aquarium owners will have to deal with a fungal infection at one time or another. Most infections can be successfully treated if caught early. Fungal infections are notorious for developing in unhealthy or injured fish, particularly in poorly-cared-for tanks. If you see a fungal infection in your fish, make sure to check the water quality and ensure that your tank is providing a healthy, safe, natural environment for all of your fish.