Is Ick Contagious?

Commonly referred to as ick, ich or white-spot disease, ichthyophthirius multifiliis is a protozoa that attaches itself to fish. Although many people think of ich as a disease, it is actually a parasite. This parasite is contagious as it can move from one fish to another.

  1. Species

    • Almost all fresh water fish can contract ich because the ich parasite is not particular about its host.

    Symptoms

    • Fish with ich will have small, white spots on their bodies. Ich will cause fish to rub up against objects in the tank and move their gills more rapidly than normal.

    Treatment

    • There are many medications available that can be added to the water in a tank to treat ich. If the particular species in a tank can tolerate it, increasing the temperature and salt content of the water can help treat ick.

    Quarantine

    • Because ich is contagious, it is wise to place affected fish in a quarantine tank. It is still necessary, however, to treat the water in the regular tank as ich can reproduce in aquarium gravel and substrate.

    Prognosis

    • Fortunately, ich can be treated and cured easily when caught early. Ich is deadly, however, if left untreated.