Saprolegnia parasitica

ALSO KNOWN AS: Winter Fungus

Saprolegnia parasitica is an oomycete pathogen that causes saprolegniasis, characterized by cotton-like fungal growths on the skin, gills, and eggs of fish. Infections can lead to significant mortality, especially in aquaculture settings.

Distribution: Worldwide in freshwater environments

Detection Methods: Microscopic examination of affected tissues, culture techniques

Hosts: Various freshwater fish species, including salmonids

Target Tissue: Skin, gills, eggs