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I just got over an ICK outbreak which I noticed early.Only one rainbow got the ICK AND fungus but with the right meds,I did not lose any fish at all!!
I was just curious though, If a fish has had ICK in the past be able to contract it again? In my 72 bowfront,my one rainbow was the only one to get the ICK from a temp drop between water changes. I thought I'd recalled reading about the immunity. I might be wrong... It would be nice to know.

Thanks for your Input.



Last edited by tkchill02 at 31-Jan-2005 11:18

Yes, they are able to get it again.

The mostlikely cause is because your other fish were healthy, and their immune system could fight the ich parasite off.

No not to my knowledge do fish ever become immune to ick. But there are several easy ways to help prevent your fish from getting ick. Fish usually contract ick 1 of 2 ways,from becoming stressed out or new fish introduced into the tank having ick. What is the number 1 cause of stress, Poor Water Quality, so make sure your doing at least 20% biweekly water changes with water thats the same temperature as whats in your tank.Some people even like to add aquaruim salt to their tanks. Also if possible have a quarantine tank to use to not only quarntine new fish in for a few days before introducing them into your tank ,but to also use as a hospital tank in case one of your fish does get ick or another fish disase.Remember ick is very easily treated if caught in time and very easy to prevent, but if left untreated can kill everything in your tank.

Some fish can develop a resistance, but it doesn't mean to say they are untouchable.



For animals, the entire universe has been neatly divided into things to (a) mate with, (b) eat, (c) run away from, and (d) rocks. - Terry Pratchett

I think the correct answer to your question is. After getting rid of ich, some fish may develop an immunity to it but will still be passive carriers of the disease.

and, given the correct conditions, can fall victim to it themselves.

For animals, the entire universe has been neatly divided into things to (a) mate with, (b) eat, (c) run away from, and (d) rocks. - Terry Pratchett

I agree, "immunity" meaning 'An inherited, acquired, or induced resistance to a pathogen.

It is very possible for them to get it again just less likely.