Saprolegnia: What You Need To Know About The Fungus That Can Kill Your Fish (And Why It'S So Dangerous To Your Tank)

Saprolegnia is a genus of several opportunistic fungal pathogen species found in freshwater aquariums. These water molds feed on dead organic materials and create spores that float freely. Dead skin cells on fish with injuries or weakened immune systems make ideal hosts. Saproleglia is easy to identify by its one telltale symptom: fuzzy patches on the skin and gills. Damage to the skin or gills expose the fish to secondary attacks from bacteria and other fungi. This can quickly lead to death. There are factors that increase the chance of infection. Poor Water Quality: Fish swimming in contaminated water (from algae and debris) are more vulnerable to many illnesses. A tropical tank that is kept too cool or experiences a sudden drop in temperature can cause an increased incidence. Saprodnia is not responsive to antibiotics, but secondary bacterial infections require them. You may need to treat both bacteria and fungi using different medications. Severely sick or immuno-compromised fish often die from SaproLegnia . Feed your fish a good diet to promote their natural immune function. Be sure to keep up with your maintenance routine, keep debris vacuumed out of the gravel, and have a hospital tank ready to host potentially sick individuals. . . .