A Clownfish Illness With White Spots

Fish, like any other pets, require proper care to stay healthy. One of the most common illnesses that can befall your fishy friends, including clownfish, is White Spot Disease, also known as Ich. Fortunately, the commonality of the disease, characterized by white spots, means that treatments are readily available at your local pet supply store.

  1. Signs and Symptoms

    • White Spot Disease is a very common illness in freshwater fish and is easily detected in clownfish. If your clownfish begins to show white spots on its body, it could be White Spot Disease. Another physical symptom of White Spot Disease in your clownfish is loss of color in the patches of the fish. Your clownfish may also begin to surface for air more frequently as a result of clogged gills due to Ich. Noticeable scratching against aquarium objects can also be a sign of White Spot Disease.

    Cause of White Spot Disease

    • White Spot Disease or Ich is generally caused by a parasite called Cryptocaryon. White Spot Disease is an extremely contagious disease. These parasites are commonly found beneath the skin of the fish and feed off of the fish's body tissue. They get their name from the white cyst that they are encircled within. An adult will emerge and sink to the bottom of the aquarium, multiplying within a capsule that will later burst and infect the aquarium's fish population. This is often caused a by water temperatures that are too cool.

    Treatment

    • White Spot Disease can be treated by using one or more of several copper based medications. These anti-itch medications can be found at pet and aquarium supply stores. It may be necessary to repeat the course of treatment as directed on the package. It is also beneficial to raise the water temperature in the infected aquarium to a maximum temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit. With a raise in temperature, it is important to increase aeration in the aquarium as higher temperatures result in less oxygen.

    Prevention

    • Prevention of Ich or White Spot Disease in clownfish is an important part of aquarium maintenance. New fish should be kept separate for a minimum of 10 days prior to introducing them to the other members in the tank. This will assure that the new fish are free from disease. A clean tank that is large enough to accommodate your fish and also has a proper filtration system is also an important part of a healthy tank. Create a stress free environment for your clownfish by providing adequate hiding places. Treat fish that appear to be sick at the first sign to help ward off contamination of all fish in the tank.