Pexels/Koma Tang Ich is a common but deadly fish parasite. Learn how to diagnose it early, treat it effectively, and prevent it from coming back in your aquarium. May 13, 2026 That One Morning When Your Fish Looks Like It Got Salted You wake up, pour your coffee, and glance at your aquarium-only to freeze. Your prized betta or neon tetra looks like someone sprinkled table salt all over its body. Tiny white dots, smaller than a grain of sand, cover its fins and gills. Your fish is scratching against the gravel like a dog with fleas.