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White spot disease, also known as Ich, is a parasite that most tropical fish enthusiasts will, at one time or another, have to deal with. White spot disease is responsible for more fish deaths than any other disease. This disease is mostly found in aquarium fish due to close contact with other fish and stress involved in living in an aquarium as opposed to the open water. Ich can be found in both freshwater and saltwater tropical fish with different ways to treat each ecosystem and its inhabitants. Causes: White Spots or Ich is very common in fishes. This disease is caused by a ciliate (Lchthyophthirius multifillis.) which reproduces very rapidly under the right conditions. At 25 °C one monocyte can reproduce itself into more than 3000 individuals per hour. As the temperature goes up it will slow in reproducing and eventually die. Ich lives on the surface of the Arowana when it is low in resistance to diseases. It also absorbs the fish body fluid to reproduce and this is seen as the white powder-like cyst. Symptoms: As the name suggests, at first white spots appear on the fins of an Arowana. Then it spreads all over the body. The Arowana will itch and rub itself against the wall or the bottom of the tank to stop the irritation. It will begin to lose its appetite and ulcers may form. Finally the gills don't function properly as the infection becomes heavy and finally can cause death. Prompt action should be taken once symptoms are observed to arrest further development of the disease. Treatment: a. Add some salt in the water to the consistency of 1%. b. Add 0.8 gram of quinone vitriol per 100 liters of water. c. OCEAN FREE Special Arowana Slime, white Spot and Velvet Away. Raise the temperature 2-3 °C higher after adding the medication of choice. Turn the air pump up to allow more dissolved oxygen in the water. Note: Make sure the Arowana obtains enough nutrition during treatment to strengthen the resistance to diseases. Be sure to disinfect the aquarium with potassium permanganate when the Arowana recovers.
