No it usually develops over time. The fish doesn't always die. Sometimes with good feeding/medication you can get rid of the infection. It depends on how advanced it is though. And most of the time if you've already introduced the fish to a larger tank, the stress in catching it to treat it makes it worse.

The first two copperband's I bought were ok for 2 or 3 days and then they each developed this redness in different areas. The same day I noticed the redness, the breathing increased rapidly and they died the same day. Maybe cyanide?

garlic extract from the healthfood store works. Go for the organic if your going to go that route.

There is also a couple of seachem (?) products called Garlic, or Entice. Entice smells like that banana-flavored antibiotic that we've all had once or twice.