If your fish have white spots, it is most likely due to a common parasitic disease known as White Spot, also referred to as Ich (pronounced "ick").
Understanding White Spot (Ich)
Based on available information, White Spot is a parasitic disease. This tiny parasite attaches itself to your fish, causing the characteristic white dots.
What White Spots Look Like
- Small dots, typically about 1mm in size.
- Appear on the skin and fins of affected fish.
- Can be hard to detect in the very early stages.
These spots are actually cysts formed by the parasite as it feeds on the fish.
Common Symptoms
Besides the visible white spots, fish infected with Ich may show other signs:
- Flashing: This is when fish scrape or rub their bodies against objects in the tank, such as decorations or gravel. They do this in an attempt to relieve the irritation caused by the parasites.
- Lethargy or reduced activity.
- Loss of appetite.
- Clamped fins.
Causes and Spread
The Ich parasite is often present in aquariums but only causes an outbreak when fish are stressed or their immune systems are weakened. Common stressors include:
- Poor water quality
- Temperature fluctuations
- Introducing new, infected fish or plants without quarantine
The parasite has a life cycle that involves stages on the fish and stages in the water, which allows it to spread rapidly to other fish in the tank.
Understanding that white spots are caused by a specific parasitic infection is the first step in addressing the issue to help your fish recover.
