What is fungus?

Fungal spores are found in all fish settings, this includes your pond. However, they do not usually cause any problems to your fish, until your fish’s’ immune system is suppressed. This can happen if your fish is stressed, ill or even possibly injured. When this occurs, the fungal spores can quickly inhabit and infect your fish.

Poor water quality can increase the intensity of the spores, and this can have a detrimental effect on the fish. Fungal infections, if left untreated, will kill your fish. So, treatment needs to be sought as soon as a fungal infection is suspected.

Fungal infections cause growths on the skin and surfaces off your livestock. These growths can be white or grey, fluffy cloud looking in appearance. These growths can be and are usually a secondary illness as the immune system is impacted and not working to full capacity. So, the original ailment would also require treatment and identification as well as addressing the fungal growths.

Identifying and diagnosing fungus!

The visual growths of fungus do help in the diagnosis of a fungal infection within your fish. However, these infections can be internal, and the growths can on occasion be missed.

The fungal infection can cause:

• External and internal growths which are “furry” or “fuzzy.”
• Fins which appear to look as though they have blood streaks.
• Fins which appear to be tattered and rugged looking, with torn and fluffy edges.
• The head area including the mouth seems to be decaying whilst growths may be visible.
• Eyes that appear cloudy, dull, or misted over.
• Rubbing against the surfaces of the pond.
• Flashing.
• Increase in the production of mucous.
• Loss of appetite.
• Lacking energy to eat or swim.

Although visibly fungal growths can strengthen a diagnosis, seeking professional help from the pond medic will ensure that any underlying causes are treated in unison with the fungal infection itself.

Do not delay call the pond medic today Tel: 07737 674417

Causes

The primary cause of a fungal infection is a compromised immune system. However, there are contributing factors that can cause an infection:

• Poor, inadequate water quality.
• Open wounds, sores.
• Stress.
• Injuries that are not healing sufficiently.
Parasitic infestation.

As previously mentioned, fungal spores can be found in all aquatic settings and only infect the fish as an opportunistic illness when the fish is already suffering.

How contagious is a fungal infection?

Not usually contagious

This is dependent on the type of fungus that has infected your fish. Fungal infections are not usually contagious, however in some cases it can be highly contagious.

Treatment

To effectively treat your affected fish, who is suffering from a fungal infection. It is recommended that you quarantine the fish in a separate tank if possible.

The pond medic will create a treatment plan most suited to your fish’s’ requirements. This could include:

• A salt bath to alleviate discomfort and pain.
• Antifungal medication to restrict and treat the growths.
• Antibiotics to treat a bacterial infection if one is found when examined.

Please adhere to the treatment recommended by the pond medic as improper treatment can have an adverse effect and potentially put your fish’s health in further jeopardy.

Prevention

In order to fully prevent a fungal infection, we need to ensure that your fish are not immuno-compromised. This can be achieved by:

• Attaining and maintaining ideal water quality conditions.
• Ensuring your fish are fed appropriately and have a good nutritious diet.
• Have your pond regularly maintained.
• Ensure your fish have a low stress environment.
• Do not overcrowd your pond with livestock.

If you are unsure about your water quality and filter system, please the pond medic for advice. 07737 674417