I have a half-black angel fish that has clearly contracted ich. My question is about how the disease progresses, and what the prognosis is.
The fish initially showed 1 or 2 spots, about a week ago. They were gone a day later, and the fish never acted sick at all. Yesterday morning, I saw the fish scratching against a rock, and by last night, it was completely covered in gruesome-looking spots. This morning, the spots were all gone, and the fish looks fine. It's a little faded around the face, but otherwise very active and peaceful looking -- no clamped fins, ate very well, directly from my hand, etc.
Obviously, the cysts have all ruptured, and that's why no more spots. But, what does that mean? Is the disease on the decline at that point, or is it only in its early stages? The fish's behavior seems like a good sign, but I have no idea -- Is it? Can anyone share any experience with me about how deadly ich is -- Is the fish definitely gong to die, or do they sometimes weather the storm?
Thanks for any toughts that anyone can provide.
Ps: I have read a bunch of stuff about the disease's life cycle, as it pertains to how the parasite survives and propagates itself in the tank. I'm pretty clear about that now. My question is more specific -- How does ich progress in particular cases? That's what I need to know.
The fish initially showed 1 or 2 spots, about a week ago. They were gone a day later, and the fish never acted sick at all. Yesterday morning, I saw the fish scratching against a rock, and by last night, it was completely covered in gruesome-looking spots. This morning, the spots were all gone, and the fish looks fine. It's a little faded around the face, but otherwise very active and peaceful looking -- no clamped fins, ate very well, directly from my hand, etc.
Obviously, the cysts have all ruptured, and that's why no more spots. But, what does that mean? Is the disease on the decline at that point, or is it only in its early stages? The fish's behavior seems like a good sign, but I have no idea -- Is it? Can anyone share any experience with me about how deadly ich is -- Is the fish definitely gong to die, or do they sometimes weather the storm?
Thanks for any toughts that anyone can provide.
Ps: I have read a bunch of stuff about the disease's life cycle, as it pertains to how the parasite survives and propagates itself in the tank. I'm pretty clear about that now. My question is more specific -- How does ich progress in particular cases? That's what I need to know.