White Spot "Ich"

There are various medicines available both online and in-store to treat fish diseases. If your fish show signs of illness, isolate them to prevent spreading the disease. It is important to be vigilant and prepared to protect your fish from harmful diseases and parasites. Seek guidance from guides or local store teams if needed to identify and treat potential illnesses. Bacterial, parasitic, and fungal infections are common issues that can affect fish health. Stay calm, take action, and prioritise the well-being of your aquatic pets.

White Spot occurs when their immune system weakens due to stress, like temperature changes or being introduced to a new environment. Infected fish show white lesions on their gills and fins, spreading to their whole body, resembling salt sprinkles. New fish are more prone to infections due to transport stress and new environment challenges. Established tankmates are less affected due to higher resilience and better immune systems. Parasites in the tank can be controlled by maintaining nitrate levels and good hygiene. Infected fish may rub against objects, clamp fins, become listless, and lose weight rapidly. The disease is caused by a protozoan parasite that feeds on the fish's mucus-covered skin and tissues, making it difficult to treat with medications.

The most effective way to stop parasite infections in fish is to treat the disease over several days. During this time, the parasites mature and leave the fish's skin to create juveniles, which are vulnerable when seeking new hosts. Treating the fish with appropriate medication can kill these free-swimming juveniles, interrupting the parasite's life cycle and preventing new infections. Increasing the aquarium temperature can speed up this process, but may affect oxygen levels. Using an air stone for additional aeration is helpful, especially for weaker fish. Testing the water quality is essential to identify stressors, as medication alone cannot solve issues caused by poor water conditions. Treating with anti-fungal agents can promote healing and prevent secondary infections. Before using medications, remove chemical media such as carbon to ensure effectiveness. Early treatment with proper medication is crucial for the well-being of fish.