The reality of keeping marine fish, is that external parasites come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and all of them can be severe. Marine ich (Cryptocaryon irritans) is the most common external parasite aquarists will encounter. The problem, is that many parasites have relatively similar symptoms, and sometimes fish are infected with more than just one. Early symptoms include flashing (rubbing sharply against rock work or aquarium décor), heavy breathing, refusal to eat, and general listlessness. So much attention is paid to ich, that for some seeking information, it may seem like the only external parasite ever recorded. In reality, there are many, though treating different external parasites has a lot of common steps. Some parasites progress quicker, infect different fish species, and are swift to get into the gills, which is often the fatal blow. To help any reef keeper who is infected by an external parasite, I offer some reef triage. It’s vital to remember, that if your fish become infected with an external parasite, treatment must be administered in a separate quarantine tank, or corals and invertebrates need to be moved into a separate tank. I prefer the latter, since I don’t incorporate copper as a parasite treatment, and corals are much easier to move, than fish. If you opt to incorporate copper, the tank it’s used in, will likely never be suitable for corals or invertebrates again. Rigorous quarantine of new specimens is a must, but even with strict quarantine procedures, it’s still possible that a parasite will slip in through the cracks. 
Mission Objective 1: Remove as much of the parasite from the gills as possible External parasites feed off fishes’ bodily fluids. In many ways feeding and reproducing is their sole purpose for existence. To do this safely, they encrust themselves in a cocoon, which is the white spot that is often associated with ich, and other external parasites. While in this cocoon, they are essentially invincible. They are sealed up, attached to their food source, and waiting to break free, releasing more and more of themselves. Most external parasite treatments, are toxic enough to kill the parasite, but can do nothing while it’s encrusted. Parasites encrust on fish, rocks, sand and all over any solid surface in the tank. If your fish have noticeable spots, there could be legions of encrusted parasites, all throughout your aquarium. It’s paramount that these external parasites don’t infect your fish’s gills.… More:
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