We had a shock recently with our Puffer fish. He evidently got sick with Ick which is a thing that fish can get. We don’t know how he got it since all the rest of the fish in the tank are healthy.
This is what I read on Google about Fish Ick:
Fish ick (or Ich), caused by the parasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, is a highly contagious, deadly disease characterized by tiny white spots resembling sand on fish skin and gills. It causes severe stress, leading to “flashing” (rubbing on objects) and labored breathing. Treatment involves raising water temperature and using medications like Fritz Aquatics or aquarium salt.
Key Facts About Fish Ick:
- Symptoms: White, sand-like spots on the body, fins, and gills; increased flashing; lethargy; and, in late stages, labored breathing.
- Cause: The protozoan parasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis burrows into the fish’s skin, causing a white, pustule-like reaction.
- Lifespan: The life cycle depends on temperature, taking roughly 3-7 days to complete in tropical temperatures, spreading rapidly throughout a tank.
- Treatment: The parasite is only vulnerable in its free-swimming stage. Common treatments include:
- Increasing temperature: Raising temperatures (e.g., to 82 F to 86 F or 28 C)
- This speeds up the life cycle, making them more vulnerable to medication.
- Medications: Using proprietary medicines containing ingredients like malachite green or copper.
- Salt: Using aquarium salt can help inhibit the parasite and ease fish breathing.
- Prevention: The best approach is to quarantine new fish for 2-3 weeks, maintain high water quality, and avoid overcrowding to reduce stress.
Without treatment, ick can be fatal to all fish in a tank within a week.
That is not all! We woke up to find him blown up like a balloon! That is what Puffer fish do when they are stressed! I know the feeling I blow up all the time even when I am not stressed. It is quite a sight to see. Here are some photos of him in that stage and as he tried to calm himself down to return to normal size. John put in some medicine to stop the Ick which appeared to help but now he is not looking happy and floating at the bottom of the tank. His color is excellent but he is still not feeling well. He may need another dose of the medicine.
He was trying to hide I think from me as his body returned to normal.Here are some photos below of him in his normal size.
We are anxiously watching him and praying that he makes it and that the rest of the fish will not succumb to Ick too. Yikes! We have dealt with a die out before for other reasons but never for Ick. I feel like a parent who worries about her children. It is a sad thing to say goodbye to another fish but we will not give up hope that Puffer will pull through. He is strong and quite large and appears to be fighting for his life.
I will keep you informed about how Puffer is doing. Keep him in your prayers. Thank you.
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Poor puffer fish. We had ick in our tank a few times. We also had a quarantine tank to put the infected ones in, as it can wipe out the entire population. Hoping he recovers. xo
Unfortunately, we don’t have another tank to put him in. We have medicated him twice already and he is looking better and calmer. The other fish appear to be okay so far. Fingers crossed! Sigh! Thank you for kind words.
Prayers and Angels sent for and to the Puffer! <3
Thank you, Annette! Puffer appreciates the prayers too. So sad to see him like this!
Oh no! Hope it’s eradicated completely and soon!
Me too! He is still hanging in there.
Oh, no, he really looks stressed. I hope you could get rid of that and it’s not spreading to the other fish. I always love seeing your pictures of your fish.
Happy Easter to you all, husband, fish and birds.
Thank you, Gigi! Happy Easter to you and family too. 🐣❤️ Blessings
Oh NO! You have had such bad luck with your fish. I pray the Medication is working for him.
He seems to be doing better. Fingers crossed he pulls through and that the other fish don’t get it too!
I hope the pufferfish gets better soon and that the disease doesn’t spread to the rest of the fish!
Me too, but it doesn’t look too good for Puffer. The rest of the fish look healthy for now.