I wouldn't normally comment on these threads, but I feel it might be helpful to insert a bit of information here. Saltwater "Ich" is caused by the ciliated protozoan Cryptocaryon irritans. It is a living parasite that irritates the fish and causes infection.
For a fish to have an infection, the protozoan must be present. It is possible to exclude this pathogen from an aquarium, system, or facility. In the case of a Cryptocaryon-free aquarium, no amount of stress will cause Ich to show-up on a fish (other bad things could happen of course!). It is also possible for a fish in an infected aquarium to remain healthy -- only showing signs of infection after a stressful event.
Think about malaria (or take your pick of pathogenic diseases) in humans; no amount of stress is going to cause you to come-down with malaria if Plasmodium isn't present (interestingly, both Ich and malaria are vulnerable to some of the same treatments!).
We regularly send-out live fish to be analyzed for specific pathogens and have yet to get a positive result from any fish in our hatchery facility. It's hard to prove a negative though, so we are always careful to keep stress low and monitor constantly.
I only say this because I feel that many of the MTRC members are friends. Mario, please imagine my reaction to reading your thread title after working hard to send a great order and for many years to build a successful business that hinges its reputation on quality animals, it is scary! If you have any questions about your fish, please feel-free to contact me or anyone at SA; we would be pleased to answer your questions or help you with a problem. We like to get feedback (good or bad) so that we can work to improve ourselves and our relationship with customers and hobbyists.
Matt
Ich is not present on all fish but all fish should be treated as if they have it until you know for sure.
