
Numerous species of fish can be affected.
Water molds (which are not true molds or fungi) appear as white, gray, or tan cottony growths on the skin of the fish when submerged in water.
Once out of the water, the water mold flattens and looks like a very soft, textured growth.
There are usually skin lesions underneath the growths.
No. There is no known transfer to humans.
How Bad Can It Get?
Humans are not at risk for water mold.
Symptoms in Humans
None. People are not at risk.
Yes. There is no known health risk when fish are properly cooked.
Water molds belong to a group of fungus-like, filamentous microorganisms called oomycetes. Saprolegnia and Aphanomyces are the most frequently seen genera. They are common in water and attach easily to broken areas of a fish’s skin, especially when water temperatures are cooler.
Handling fish gently, and with wet hands, minimizes damage to their skins that could lead to infections such as water mold.