My fish died with a fuzzy bubble. Is it contagious to my other fish?

It is hard to tell from the picture if your fish has fungal plaques on the scales or if this is normal pigment. I would recommend taking your fish to a vet for a necropsy. That will allow for biopsies and cultures to be sent to the lab to determine the cause of death. IF it is fungal disease I would recommend treating the tank and cleaning the environment well.

It could be early ich (white spot) infection or another infection (bacterial or fungal). To be safe, separate him into a quarantine tank and monitor for any change. You can treat for ich as you did it in the past if indicated. Bacterial and fungal infections have different treatments, so I would be hesitant to recommend a specific medication without more information or a definitive diagnosis. You can use plain aquarium salt (NOT table salt or Epsom salt). As a general tonic to reduce stress, increase gill function, treat minor infection of many types and to aid in recovery. This can be added to the quarantine tank at 1 teaspoon per gallon of water. Treat for 10-14 days then reassess the condition.

If it is fuzzy, it is likely fungal. You can try with a commercial antifungal medication such as API Fungal Cure, methylene blue or Pimafix/Melafix. These can be purchased online or in the aquarium section of most pet stores. Read package directions carefully and remove the carbon insert from the filter before treatment if indicated. Plain aquarium salt (NOT table salt) can be used in conjunction with one of the above treatments to aid healing. Dissolve up to one tablespoon per gallon of water into the tank. Fungal infections can take up to two weeks to resolve with treatment. Maintain proper water parameters (0 ppm ammonia/nitrites, 40ppm or less nitrates and temp of 65 F to 72 F). If possible, remove the affected fish yo a hospital tank during treatment.

Thanks for reaching out about Fish. Test and correct water quality for pH, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. If all fish are affected, water quality problems the most likely. Alteration can lead to increased mucous production from the skin (white stuff), but fungal dermatitis or parasites are also possible. A veterinary visit is recommended if the water quality if appropriate, to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Good luck.

The white fuzz may be Columnaris, an infection causing bacteria, or a fungal infection. It can be difficult to differentiate without microscopic examination. Either can be managed/treated via partial water changes, plain aquarium salt (NOT table salt) and medications. Partial water changes, no more than 20-30% daily, will stabilize chemistry and maintain or improve water quality. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent additional stress or shock. Aquarium salt can be used at 1 tablespoon per 5 gallons of water. Dissolve in a few cups of tank water and gradually pouyr it into the tank. Treat for 10-14 days then reasses the condition. When performing water changes, treat only the volume of water being replaced, not the entire tank volume. A methylene blue dip can be done daily. You can find it in the aquarium section of the local pet or fish store. A concentration of 50ppm is recommended. Do not add it to the main tank as it will turn everything blue and kill beneficial bacteria in the filter and substrate. Use a separate container and dip the fish for a few seconds, rinse and return it to the main tank. In the future, quarantine any new fish for several days to prevent introduction of disease to existing populations.

Hi and thanks for your request. this ''fluffy'' material on the skin fish is likely a oomycetes (a fungus basically) called Saprolegnia. This is a secondary proliferation due to a primary infection which could be due to a variety of causes unfortunately. From the pic white spot disease (ich) dies not seem to be present. Given the high mortality incidence it is absolutely necessary to check water parameters and make sure they are normal and take the moribund fish (and the dead ones) to your local veterinarian for (euthanasia if needed and) necroscopic examination. Your local veterinarian will be able to tell what is going on or possibly prescribe some treatment (likely antibiotics or disinfectants).

Infection, old age, poor water quality or poor nutrition are all possible causes. The "wound" may have been post mortem, caused by being eaten by tankmates. Monitor tankmates for signs of illness or infection (red spots, fuzzy spots, swelling, lack of appetite/activity, etc.). Submit a water sample for quality testing or use a home kit to test for chemical imbalances. You may need to perform water changes, treat with chemicals or treat with antibiotics or antifungals depending on symptoms. You can request a consultation to discuss the situation in more detail.