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Fungal Infections: Fungal infections are common in the fish hobby, but it possible for shrimp to get fungal infections as well. It's unavoidable, since fungal spores are everywhere, in the air and water. Fungi are plant like organisms but unlike plants are not capable of photosynthesis. All fungal diseases are called Mycosis (plural: mycoses). Internal infestation by fungal spores is usually ingested by food. If the immune system is intact, the shrimp can fight it off. However, if the internal organs are infected by fungal spores, death is possible. Internal diagnosis is difficult and only possible under a microscope. An external/superficial mycosis infection however is visible to the naked eye. Symptoms of superficial fungal infection caused by Achlya or Saprolegnia can be seen as white fluffy cotton growths in the abdomen or head areas. As mentioned fungi are usually fought off by a healthy immune system, so we only see this in weakened or injured shrimp or just after a moult. The moulting process takes a lot of energy out of the shrimp and it's immune system will be heavily loaded. It's during these moments when the shrimp have been weakened that fungi can take hold. Spores attach themselves to weakened sites on the shrimp and break out as a cottony white growth. If not treated quickly, the spores will invade any dead tissue cells and in the process infect more tissue causing a greater infection. At times, if the infection is only on the surface of the shrimp's shell, a moult can get rid of the fungus. It is only by timeliness/chance that such a situation could rectify itself. At other times, treatment is required. Treatment1: Separate the infected shrimp and treat with JBL's Fungol Dosage: follow packaging instructions for the dosage and duration. Note: JBL Fungol does not contain copper but it also says not to use it with invertebrates. If left untreated the shrimp will die, so a certain risk in using the product is going to be required. Fungol could be replaced with a similar fungal medication, but check that the product does not contain copper at least. Treatment 2: Methylene blue As an application for external parasites and prevention of eggs getting fungus. Dosage: 3-4mg per 1L of water. Treatment 3: Malachite green For treatment of fungal infections. Dosage: 0.05mg per 1L of water for a duration of 7 days. 50% water change each day.