Ich (White Spot Disease): Signs, Causes & Treatment

by Tank101 Team

Don’t panic — ich is one of the most common and treatable fish diseases. Almost every fish keeper deals with it at least once.

What causes ich?

Ich is caused by the parasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. It has a complex life cycle: the spots you see are embedded under the fish’s skin, but the parasite is only vulnerable to medication when it’s free-swimming.

[Placeholder body — full treatment guide coming soon.]

Prevention

The best defense is a stress-free environment: stable water parameters, proper temperature, and quarantining new fish before adding them to your main tank.

checklist Symptom Checker

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

High

Signs to check

  • check_circle White spots like salt grains on the body and fins
  • check_circle Fish scratching or rubbing against objects
  • check_circle Rapid breathing or gasping at the surface

What to do

Raise the temperature to 82°F over 48 hours and dose an ich medication containing formalin or malachite green.

Velvet Disease

Medium

Signs to check

  • check_circle Gold or rust-colored dusty coating
  • check_circle Fish rubbing against surfaces
  • check_circle Rapid breathing

What to do

Dim the lights and treat with a copper-based medication.

help Frequently Asked Questions

Is ich contagious to other fish? expand_more
Yes — ich is highly contagious. Treat the entire tank, not just the affected fish.
How long does ich take to treat? expand_more
Typically 7-14 days. Continue treatment for 3-5 days after the spots disappear.

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