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Anyone who has had a saltwater aquarium for any length of time has probably experienced a parasitic outbreak. Since the treatment for each of the parasites is different, the biggest problem is usually trying to diagnose which of the three common parasites (Ich, Marine Velvet and Anemonefish Disease) are present on the fish and in the tank. Here is a quick description of the outward signs of each of these parasites.

Cryptocaryon (A.K.A. Marine White Spot Disease, Ich)
Appears as white spots (sometimes described as appearing like salt granules) on the body and fins of the fish. These are more easily seen from above with a flashlight in a darkened room. When infected with Ich, the fish will usually respire heavily, appear restless, scraping against the substrate and rocks.

Amyloodiniosis (A.K.A. Oodinium, Marine Velvet or Coral Reef Fish Disease)
The fish will usually respire heavily, (Marine Velvet Disease usually attacks the gills first), appear sluggish, scraping against the substrate and rocks. The cysts are somewhat smaller than with Ich, appearing as a dust on the skin of the fish. As with Ich, Marine Velvet is more easily seen from above with a flashlight in a darkened room. The color of the fish may fade and the cysts may be visible on the head, body and fins.

Brooklynellosis (A.K.A Brooklynella or Anemonefish Disease)
Anemonefish Disease infects both the gills and the skin of the fish. One of the most distinct symptoms of this infection is the sloughing of the skin and increased mucus secretion. Infected fish will display rapid gilling, areas of discolored skin and stop feeding. It should be noted that Anemonefish are not the only fish which can get this disease. In fact, Seahorses will also contract it. This infection most frequently occurs in fish which have been recently shipped. See Brooklynella Diagnosis and Treatment for more information.