White Spots and White Fuzzy Growth on a Turtle

Finding white dots or fuzzy white material on a turtle worries many owners, but the cause is usually one of two things: a fungal infection called water mold, or simply normal shedding. Water mold comes from dirty water and cannot be wiped off, and it needs prompt treatment; shedding, by contrast, is a healthy sign of growth and should never be peeled away. Telling the two apart—and keeping the water clean—is the key to a healthy turtle. This guide explains both and how to manage them.