Clinically the fish are emaciated with small round occasionally ulcerated black granulomas in the skin. Scoliosis is occasionally observed. Internally numerous granulomas are observed in many visceral organs. Microscopically the lesion consists of granulomas with encysted large PAS-positive spores. Occasionally large irregular shaped hyphae are observed.
Transmission is unknown.
Exophiala sp . This disease is observed in many species of fresh and saltwater fish. E. salmonis has become an organism of increased importance in caged cultured salmonids. Clinically the fish become darker, and lethargic. Occasionally dermal nodules are present.