White Spot (Ich)

Symptoms

Early recognition is the key to a good outcome, so inspect your fish daily at feeding time. Tiny white spots like salt grains on body and fins, flashing or rubbing against objects, clamped fins, rapid breathing and lethargy. If you notice several of these signs together, act promptly rather than waiting.

Causes

A protozoan parasite triggered by stress, chilling, or introduction of infected fish. Outbreaks often follow a temperature drop or new additions. In almost all cases the underlying trigger is stress, poor water quality or the introduction of an infected fish, all of which weaken a fish's natural defences.

Treatment

Raise temperature gradually to 28-30C to speed the parasite's life cycle, then treat with a proprietary ich medication (malachite green/formalin) for the full course. Increase aeration and perform daily gravel-vac water changes. Treat the whole tank, not individual fish.

Throughout treatment, increase aeration, remove activated carbon from the filter (it absorbs medication), complete the full course even after symptoms fade, and keep the water immaculate with regular changes. Always follow the medication's dosing instructions and dose for the tank's true water volume.

Prevention

Quarantine new fish for 2-4 weeks, avoid temperature shocks, and maintain stable, clean water to keep fish stress-free. The golden rules are simple: quarantine every new fish for 2-4 weeks, never overstock or overfeed, avoid sudden temperature or chemistry swings, and perform regular partial water changes. A stable, clean, low-stress aquarium prevents the overwhelming majority of disease outbreaks.

FAQ

This information is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Consult an aquatic vet for serious cases.