hippo with spots

[ps3]

my hippo tang just started getting white spots on it the other day. i have had it for almost 2 years with no problems. could ich just show up in my tank after all this time. no new anything added to tank in last 4 months.

 

[RBU1]

You had to add something....OR your tank has always had crypt and you just never saw it and something stressed the fish out enough to cause a breakout. If the fish is healthy it should fight it off.

 

[bryan007]

It is possible but not likely as the free swimming stage needs to find a host within 24hrs or it dies. The cyst stage where multiplication occurs within the substrate or rock work can last up to 6 weeks. So after 4 months I wouldn't think so. My hippos often would appear to have ick particularly in the morning when the lighting comes on. After a few hours it is gone so I think they probably pick up bits of sand while sleeping at night and it falls off after they start swimming. Just to be sure watch it and if it does turn out to be ick or some other parasite be prepared to treat.