Ich, also known as white spot disease, is a common parasite found in freshwater aquariums that can infect cichlids. This parasitic infection is caused by the Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (often referred to as “Ich”) and appears on your fish's body as small white spots. It’s important to know the signs of ICH so you can take swift action should it appear in your tank. The most common sign of ICH in cichlids is the appearance of white spots on their bodies, fins, or gills which may be accompanied by rapid breathing or flashing against objects in the tank due to severe itching and irritation. Your fish may start rubbing its body against rocks, decorations and substrate if they are infected with ICH. In some cases there could be loss of appetite or increased mucous production which might indicate an advanced stage of this parasite infection. There may also be visible patches where scales have been rubbed off from scratching against surfaces within the aquarium environment; these areas will usually look cloudy or even red/pinkish due to inflammation and discoloration from secondary bacterial infections that often occur with Ich infestations. If left untreated for too long, ICH can cause serious health issues such as skin ulceration and organ damage leading to death – so it’s important to monitor your fish closely for signs of illness and address any potential problems quickly before things become more serious!