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Fungal Infection In Fish: The Causes And The Remedies

It’s great to see them swim across the aquarium, isn’t it? Their colorful body and scintillating eyes makes us feel how beautiful their life is! At times, I feel they really don’t have any burden on their shoulders to earn nor they have to study to get any degrees!

They have a happy-go-lucky life with nothing to worry about. Well, the grass is always greener on the other side. Every living creature on Earth has got certain responsibilities to fulfill (and fishes of course, are added in the list). Fishes are responsible in completing the aquatic ecosystem.

Okay, enough of my lectures (don’t get bored!). What I want to say is that fishes do suffer from illness and it is our responsibility to save these lovely creatures. Today’s topic is about fungal infections.

Basically fungal infections attack the tropical fishes. The reason is quite simple. Fungal spores are present in all the aquariums. Fungus will attract the diseased or stressed fishes. The main reason for fungal infection is poor quality water. I would like to say that it is not just serving them the best food that will help the fishes to lead a better life, but you need to take care of their environment too.

Illuminating fungal infections

So, how will you know that the fishes have fungal infection? It is very easy to recognize. If you see cottony white stuff on the fish’s skin, it is the sign of fungal disease. This disease is also known as the cotton wool disease (because it looks like a cotton wool). There are a variety of fungal infections which can either attack the external or the internal part of the body.

Before we take you to a fungal ride (sounds different right?), let’s know the causes of fungal infection first.

  • Dirty water can be the major reason for many diseases. Yes, it triggers variety of infections and fungus is one of them.
  • If the fishes are already injured or stressed, they will certainly develop the fungal disease (and you need to keep a watch on all the fishes and cure them before they develop another one).
  • Too much of decomposed organic matter in the aquarium. Also, a dead fish lying in the aquarium will spread diseases.

So, basically a hygienic environment has to be maintained in the aquarium. That’s all! Well, it may sound too simple, but if you take care of the fishes on a regular basis then nothing will go wrong. Trust me, you will succeed.

Let me give you some simple tips (and it is simple)

  • Change the water regularly or on alternative days. Make sure you don’t change the entire water.
  • See whether the filter is working properly or not. This is very important. If the filter stops working, you may notice cloudy formation of the water — which is of course, not good for the fishes).
  • Look for any stressed out or diseased fishes. Immediately quarantine it if you notice the same.

Types of fungal diseases

  • Gill rot- the name itself defines the disease. Not to forget, this is a deadly infection. Make sure you treat it as early as possible to help your fish survive. When the gills rot, the fishes are unable to breathe and this will cause them to die. As we know, gills act as lungs that help them to breathe.
  • Egg fungus- if the fishes in the aquarium are breeding, there are high chances that the eggs will be infected by the fungal disease. Fungus is nothing unusual. It is present in all the aquariums. I would say that the fungi needs reasons to infect the fishes and the reasons can be a dead fish, injured fish or an infertile egg. Well, there is no treatment for the infected eggs. It is best to remove them or else it may spread to other healthy eggs. You may remove them with the help of a needle or forceps.

Let us know if your fishes suffered from the fungal diseases. Tell us what remedies helped to get rid of this disease. We would love to hear from you!

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