The entire body of the fish including the fins and gills are effected. White spots can be seen with the bare eye. The appearance of these spots is often compared to salt grains. Eventually the skin will get slimy and the fish will rub its body against rocks and decorations. The fish will close its fins, get thinner and less and less active.
Cause:
Ich is caused by an organism called "Ichthyophthirius multifiliis". The life span of this parasite consists of three stages. 1. Growth - The organisms attach to the fishes' skin. 2. Cyst - After dropping to the bottom of the tank the organisms divide while protected by a gelatin-like covering. 3. Infectious - The divided spores seek for a new host.
Treatment:
Ich is a highly infectious disease and should be treated immediately. If Ich is detected, it is best to treat the entire aquarium due to its highly infectious nature (vs. treating individual fish in a hospital tank). There are many different products and your local fish store should be able to help you with the recommendation of a medication as well as treatment instructions.
I bought this amazing stuff from petsmart I will check on the name but its all organic and works amazingly. very quick and doesn't stain your tank. I will post name soon
