Are you having a problem with fungus in Flowerhorn eggs and do not know what to do? You do not need to worry. This problem can be treated. In this article, you will learn about the main root causes and treatment of fungus formation in Flowerhorn eggs and the ways you can prevent Flowerhorn eggs from getting infected by fungus.
Fungus is a common disease in the aquarium hobby. The chances of getting fungus can be reduced with a few methods. The fungus attaches to fish eggs and kills them before they hatch. Fortunately, it can be treated. There is a simple step of performing water changes to prevent fungus. Additionally, you can find many chemicals that are used to treat fungus in the tank, Flowerhorn or Flowerhorn eggs.
The fungus occurs on the skin, fins, or the eggs of the fish from spawning. The fungus will appear as white fuzzy objects growing around the eggs. Moreover, the fungus may be grey, white, or sometimes brown.
The fungus can quickly spread around other eggs and easily consume a spawn. It starts with the appearance of a small tuft and spreads if not treated. If the fungus-infected Flowerhorn eggs are not removed or treated timely, it can cause other eggs nearby to be infected as well.
While waiting for eggs to hatch, sometimes hobbyists lose a lot of eggs or a total batch of eggs due to fungal infection. Let’s first understand what causes fungus in Flowerhorn eggs.
Understanding Fungus In Flowerhorn Eggs
First of all, let us understand fungus. Fungus is present everywhere, whether it’s freshwater or saltwater. Generally, the function of Fungi is to process dead organic debris and balance ecological function.
However, Fungi can become a problem for Flowerhorn fish as well if the environment is not properly cleaned.
The fungus is one of the major problems faced by the fishkeepers that appear on the tank, fish, or eggs as well. Even an experienced fishkeeper can face this problem.
The fungus infection on Flowerhorn fish and eggs is known as Saprolegnia. Furthermore, it is led by poor water conditions and the presence of dead eggs.
Saprolegnia is a fungal disease caused by water molds. The presence of dead eggs and poor water is often associated with this infection. The symptoms of Saprolegnia can be observed through fluffy tufts of white fuzzy on fish skin or fish eggs. Saprolegnia seems like branching trees which are called hyphae.
Symptoms Of Fungal Attack
For Fungus, the egg yolk is the easiest source of food. Fish in saltwater suffers less than in fresh water. Fungus in fish or eggs starts with a small tuft that later spreads and captures the nearby eggs.
The main condition to get a fungus attack on the Flowerhorn eggs is at the time you have successfully spawned the fertile eggs. There is a high chance of the Flowerhorn eggs being attacked by the fungus. There is a step focused on preventing the eggs from the fungus attack. In some cases, some fish regularly clean the eggs to ensure adequate water flow.
What Are The Causes Of Fungus Development?
The fungus appears where there is decaying matter or the presence of unfertilized or dead eggs.
The main reason for fungus appearance is poor water conditions. Poor water with bacteria and excessive fish waste cause fungus to sprout. Fungus is commonly found in water with alkaline pH, and fungus is not likely to occur in low pH environments.
When the fungus grows, it is likely to release millions of spores in the water and quickly infect other Flowerhorn eggs or fish. Parasitic diseases like infections and ich damage the mucous, which allows fungal spores to enter, compounding the fish’s problems.
However, some other factors may also lead to fungus growth. The root cause for the fungus growth in the Flowerhorn eggs is the fishkeeper’s ignorance to provide a healthy environment for the Flowerhorns and their eggs.
Fungus infection can be simply and easily avoided if a fishkeeper follows a proper routine of cleaning the tank. A routine helps to manage the levels of nitrates and ammonia in the water. Hence, it leads to proper waste disposal and maintaining healthy water conditions in the tank.
Preventing The Cases Of Fungus In Flowerhorn Eggs
“Prevention is better than cure.” Rather than looking for a treatment, it’s better to prevent fungus infection from infecting the eggs. So, how can fish eggs be prevented, and what are the measures we should follow?
Here are some ways in which you can keep Flowerhorn eggs in a healthy environment.
Not Overfeeding Your Flowerhorn
You should be careful with the proportion of food you provide to your Flowerhorn. The remnants of the uneaten food by Flowerhorn remains in the tank as waste that brings toxins into the tank.
This will cause the generation of waste and bacteria that will hence create fungus. As a result, you can see the formation of the fungus.
Performing Water Changes and Cleaning Regularly
Keeping the water clean and performing regular water changes is the main thing to prevent fungi growth in the breeding tank and on the Flowerhorn eggs. Make sure you do not change the water percentage more than required.
Along with that, make sure to keep the level of water parameters as ideal as possible. By taking these preventive measures, you can prevent the Flowerhorn eggs from the fungus infection.
Aqueon Aquarium Siphon Vacuum Aquarium Gravel Cleaner will help you to siphon all the dirt you need to get out of the system.
Treatment Of Fungus In Flowerhorn Eggs
First of all, you need to find the level of severity. If the fungi are just starting to develop, minor water changes can help.
But, if there are a lot of fungi already on the Flowerhorn eggs, then you can follow more intensive treatment plan. Based on the condition of fungus coverage, you can make the decision.
Removing Infected Flowerhorn Eggs
Start the treatment process by measuring the tank temperature and parameters like ammonia, nitrites, phosphates, and other substances. Change the water to appropriate proportions regularly.
The fungus can easily grow on unfertilized Flowerhorn eggs. Unfertilized eggs often turn white. Fertilized eggs will remain transparent, and you’ll be able to see new aquatic amigos develop.
To prevent Fungus from establishing, it’s a good practice to remove unfertilized Flowerhorn eggs and eggs showing signs of fungus. A good utensil for removing the eggs is a disposable pipette.
Many fish, including Flowerhorn, will lay eggs in the location with some moderate water movement. The extra circulation helps prevent fungus from taking root.
I found my Flowerhorn fanning their eggs with their fins to increase the water movement. Unfortunately, they built their nests in a fairly dead spot in my aquarium. This is one of the reasons for fungus.
Using Chemicals
Even if you find the location less desirable, you can help them out by increasing the circulation over the eggs with a small power head or an air stone. We can also prevent combat fungus using chemicals.
A common chemical in the market is Methylene Blue. This chemical is excellent at knocking out fungus.
However, it does have some side effects. It’s possible to cause issues with the biological component of your filter.
Additionally, Methylene Blue is extremely blue. It will dye everything, including equipment and hands as well.
You can also use other chemicals like ParaGuard, Maracyn, and Pimafix which is a natural antifungal.
- Seachem KanaPlex Fungal & Bacterial Fish Disease
Another strategy you can use is lowering the pH of the Flowerhorn breeding tank. Use Blackwater Extract liquids to lower the pH in the water.
Some of the best salts you can use for the flowerhorn tank are as follows:
- Epsoak Epsom Salt 19 lb. Bulk Bag Magnesium Sulfate USP
- Amazon Brand – Solimo Epsom Salt Soak, Magnesium Sulfate USP, 8 Pound
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What causes fungus in fish?
The poor water conditions and uneaten foods by the fishes cause a path for fungus to appear in the aquarium, on the fish or fish eggs. Fungus is also a result of unfertilized or dead eggs in the tank.
How do you prevent fungus in eggs?
Water changes and ideal level of water parameters are the first factors to control if you do not want any fungus in your fish eggs. Lowering the pH level also helps in preventing fungus formations.
Will the fungus go away by itself?
No. The fungus spreads rapidly. In the case of fungus formation in eggs, it spreads from dead eggs or unfertilized eggs. So, you should treat the fungus infection in eggs using the water change method. You can also use chemicals such as Methylene Blur, Maracyn, Parafix, or Paraguard.
Can salt cure fungus in fish?
Yes, salt can cure fungus. Adding some tablespoons of salt to the tank might help in the reduction of fungus in the tank. This is the main reason that you cannot see fungus infections in saltwater fish. In addition, you may also need salt in the initial stages of fungal infections.
Conclusion
Fungal diseases are a serious problem. The fungus in Flowerhorn eggs is caused due to poor water conditions and dead or unfertilized eggs. The fungus spreads rapidly and captures other eggs as well.
You can treat fungus in eggs through proper water cleaning and water changing. To conclude, Chemicals like Maracyn, Paraguard, Parafix, and Methylene Blue will also help in treating the fungus.