Saltwater fish species have equal chances of being affected by fungus as freshwater species. Often, the fungus attack is due to poor water quality and a dirt tank.
Saltwater Fish Fungus
- Fish fungus is a contagious disease that can easily spread in the tank, especially because the water just circulates within the tank.
- Most of the time, there is nothing that the owner could do to treat the ailment in fishes that show advanced signs of deterioration. These fishes should be isolated or destroyed to try to prevent the spread of disease to the other fishes.
- Because the fungus could live on the surface of the tank and all the organisms and objects inside it, it is best to thoroughly clean the tank before re-introducing the healthy fishes.
Saltwater Fish Fungal Infection
- Most of the time, it is best to isolate and destroy the infected fish. This will help stop the spread of infection in the tank.
Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
- The following fungi species are responsible for the ailments in saltwater fish species:
- Ichthyosporidium. The disease is called whirling disease or Ichthyophonus disease.
- This is caused by Ichthyophonus fungus.
- Symptoms:
- Sluggishness
- Hollow bellies
- Swimming and balance difficulties
- External sores and cysts
- Fin and tail rot
- Treatment:
- Some formulas based on organic dyes may work on this ailment.
- Ichthyosporidium. The disease is called whirling disease or Ichthyophonus disease.
- Columnaris.
- This is caused partly by fungus and Flavobacterium columnare.
- Symptoms:
- Off white to gray infections or sores that are located close to, around, or on the mouth.
- It is treated using penicillin.
- Saprolegnia.
- This is caused by Saprolegnia fungus.
- Symptoms:
- Whitish or grayish growth on the fins, tail, and skin of the fish.
- Cottony growth on the affected areas.
- Treatment:
- Medications based on organic dyes might work.