fungal · freshwater tank

Fungus (Saprolegnia)

Saprolegnia is a water mold that produces white cottony patches on fish, especially on existing wounds or weakened tissue. Common in cool-water fish (goldfish, koi).

Reviewed by Fast Aquatics husbandry team · Updated May 2026
Severity: Mild to moderate

Symptoms

What causes it

Existing wound + low water temperature + organic-rich water creates conditions for fungal colonization.

Treatment options

Always treat in a separate quarantine tank.

API Pimafix or Fungus Cure. OTC fungal treatment for 5-7 days. Effective for most Saprolegnia cases.
Methylene blue dip. Short bath (10-30 minutes in 1-3 ppm methylene blue) for severe localized fungus. Stains everything blue.
Salt + temperature. 1 tablespoon aquarium salt per 5 gallons + raise temp to 78°F. Effective for mild fungus on hardy species.

Prevention

Treat wounds promptly. Maintain pristine water. Avoid handling fish roughly during transfers.

Frequently asked questions

What does Fungus (Saprolegnia) look like?

White cottony or fuzzy patches on body or fins. Patches on existing injuries. Lethargy in advanced cases.

What causes Fungus (Saprolegnia)?

Existing wound + low water temperature + organic-rich water creates conditions for fungal colonization.

How is Fungus (Saprolegnia) treated?

API Pimafix or Fungus Cure: OTC fungal treatment for 5-7 days. Effective for most Saprolegnia cases.

Can Fungus (Saprolegnia) be prevented?

Treat wounds promptly. Maintain pristine water. Avoid handling fish roughly during transfers.

How fatal is Fungus (Saprolegnia)?

Mild to moderate

Related

Browse the full disease database for 45 aquarium conditions with treatment protocols, or check the care library for prevention-focused husbandry guides. Use our symptom matcher to rank likely diseases from observed signs, the water parameter checker to diagnose related water-quality issues, or the QT timeline calculator to plan a treatment schedule.