Have you recently noticed that your fish are covered with small white dots? Not sure why? What at first may seem like dirt or small specks on your fish, is actually a protozoan capable of making them seriously ill.
Although it is uncommon in home aquariums, it should not be neglected, because in the long run the action of this parasite can lead to the death of your fish. If you want to know everything about white spot disease in fish, its symptoms and treatments, then you can't miss this article on our site. Keep reading!
What is white spot disease?
This is a parasitic disease unleashed by the action of the protozoan Ichthyophthirius multifilis, which is why it is also calledIch disease This parasite only attacks freshwater fish , as it is unable to survive in a s alty environment.
It works by adhering to the skin of the fish, giving that appearance of small white dots that characterizes the disease. It is one of the most common parasites, and can be found on the skin of he althy fish without manifesting itself until the conditions are favorable for its development. Once the life cycle of this protozoan has begun, it becomes highly contagiousThe greatest risk that the fish under its affection run is that it favors the appearance of respiratory ailments, leading to death if treatment is not applied in time.
How is white spot disease spread in fish?
As we have already said, a he althy fish can be a carrier of the disease and not manifest it until the ideal conditions for development of the parasite's life cycle are presentThese conditions have to do with the he alth of the specimens that live in the aquarium, and with its general hygiene. In this sense, the factors that favor the appearance of the disease are:
- Poor fish feeding.
- Overcrowding in the aquarium.
- Introduction of objects from other aquariums to the tank.
- Poor water quality.
- Stress in fish.
- Excess nitrites.
All of these conditions weaken the defences of the aquarium inhabitants, allowing Ich to attack. Now, it is necessary to know the life cycle of the parasite to know how to fight it. In principle, it is found attached to the skin of the fish, whether they come from other tanks or have swum in water contaminated with the protozoan. When one or more of the above conditions occur, the parasite is activated and begins to feed on bodily fluids present in the body of the fish.
At this stage, the parasite becomes small cysts that cover the body of the fish in the form of white dots, typical of the appearance of the disease. In this period, the protozoan is in the process of maturation.
Once matured, the parasite detaches from the body of the fish, falling to the bottom of the tank. There, it will multiply in the form of other small cysts. This is a second maturation phase, after which the cysts rupture and release new parasites. Over the next 48 hours, they must find new fish to attach to in order to restart the cycle.
What are the symptoms of white spot disease?
The first of these is the appearance of the white dots already mentioned. They can appear all over the body of the fish, but are mainly clustered near the fins, in the form of whitish specks. The fish then develop abnormal behaviors, such as:
- Nervousness.
- They rub against the aquarium walls and objects.
- Irritable behavior.
- Lack of appetite.
- Irregular breathing.
When the fish begins to rub against the aquarium, the disease is advanced. Poor appetite and breathing problems can be fatal if left untreated.
How to cure white spot disease in fish?
White spot disease can be cured using a natural treatment, mixing changes in temperature and aquarium s alt, or applyingmedicines formulated especially for the disease. Here we will talk a little about both:
Thermotherapy and aquarium s alt
The temperature changes are crucial when fighting this parasite, as it requires very specific temperatures to carry out its life cycle.
The first manifestation of the disease is the appearance of white dots, so at this stage it is possible to attack the parasite. To eliminate it and cure white spot disease in fish, it is advisable to increase the temperature to accelerate the life stages of the protozoan. Increase the temperature until it reaches 30 degrees Celsius gradually, at a rate of 1 degree every 2 hours. In this way, the change will not be abrupt for your fish but it will be for the parasite. As the temperature rises, you must compensate with an increase in the amount of oxygen It is also recommended to remove the ultraviolet filters and carbon from the filter.
Increasing the temperature will cause the cysts to detach from the body of the fish and fall to the bottom of the tank, at which point they are most vulnerable. When you notice that the cysts have detached, add 1 teaspoon of aquarium s alt for every 4 liters of water. Use only aquarium s alt, never table s alt; this can be purchased at pet stores.
Every 2 days, change about 25% of the water, adding new water that is at the same temperature. Apply this treatment between 7 and 10 days. When you notice that the parasite is no longer visible, continue applying the treatment for 2 to 3 more days. Then, change 25% of the water for the last time and return to the usual temperature of the aquarium, lowering 1 degree every 2 hours.
This s alt treatment for white spot disease is recommended only when there are no fish in your tank that are sensitive to high concentrations of s alt. If you are not sure, consult a aquarist specialist If your fish are sensitive to s alt, you can apply the following option.
Thermotherapy and medicine
In principle, you should apply the same part of thermotherapy. That is, raise the temperature by 1 degree until it reaches 30 degrees Celsius. Remember to increase the oxygen ratios, remove the carbon filter and move the tank out of direct light.
Noticing that the cysts have detached from the body of the fish, applies the medication to the white spot. Malachite green, methylene blue, formalite, or others that can be found in pet supply stores are common. Follow the instructions for each medication regarding dosage, in addition to consult an expert in aquarists about possible risks to the fish that live in your tank.
At the end of the days of treatment according to the indications of the medication, change between 25 and 50% of the water, and return to the usual temperature of the aquarium, moderating 1 degree every 2 hours.
Prevention of white spot disease
When it comes to white spot disease, it's best to prevent it from occurring rather than having to treat it. Virtually all freshwater fish have been in contact with the protozoan that causes this disease, so it is recommended to take extreme care when introducing new fish in the aquarium.
When you get a new fish, it is best to quarantine it in another tank for about 15 days, with temperatures around 25 o 27 degrees, if the fish in question resists such temperatures. The same when you acquire new plants for the aquarium, 4 days will suffice for this.
Once you have verified that the parasite does not appear, you can integrate it into the community aquarium. In general, take care of the feeding of all the fish, opting for good quality food. Similarly, monitor the aquarium conditions, controlling the temperature, avoiding sudden changes in it and maintaining the pH and oxygen levels to keep everyone he althy fish.
