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My fish has white spots and pink growths. Is it contagious or serious?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Fish | Unknown - Fish | Male | 8 years and 2 months old | 20 lbs

My 8 year old comet esco is getting these white spots on his back. He is a white spot survivor, but this does not look like white spot. In the pictures below, their is a shiny pink/ white growth on his tail, head back fins ect. He is eating and swimming. Will this affect his health or are they like freckles and will it spread to my other fish. Please help A. S. A. P

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on March 12th, 2018

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.

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