Cause

• Exotic goldfishImage by Flickr.com, courtesy of Jelene Morris
  
  Stress lowers the response of the immune system, leaving the fish vulnerable to Ich. Inappropriate water temperature, poor water quality, low oxygen or overcrowding of fish can cause stress.
  
  

Identifying Ich

• Clean aquariumImage by Flickr.com, courtesy of Jelene Morris
  
  Ich is easily identified by white spots on the body and gills of a fish. The longer the disease goes untreated, the more a fish may try to scratch itself on the bottom and sides of its tank, or even on the decorations in the tank.
  
  

Ich Life Cycle

• Freshwater fishImage by Flickr.com, courtesy of Jelene Morris
  
  The Ich parasite attaches to the fish and begins feeding on body fluids and dead tissues, causing irritation. The parasite matures and falls from the fish to a hard surface, where it forms a membrane to protect itself as it multiplies. Eventually this membrane bursts and releases additional parasites into the aquarium to begin the cycle again.
  
  

Treating Ich

• Well balanced aquariumImage by Flickr.com, courtesy of Jelene Morris
  
  Raising the water temperature to 78 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the breed of fish in the aquarium, will speed up the life cycle of Ich. Some of the best water treatments contain formalin or malachite green.
  
  

Preventing Ich

• Never buy a fish from a tank with dead or diseased fish. Quarantine all new fish before adding them to an existing aquarium. Maintain a steady water temperature and pH level. Do not overstock your tank.