Help identify this disease

[Qwoz]

What does my platy have? When it first showed up I thought it was Ick but now his rear fin is deteriorating around the edges as well as his right fin. There are larger white spots that you can see in the pictures that almost look like holes.

 

[Lotus]

It looks like fin rot to me.

 

[Qwoz]

In your guy's opinion how should I treat it. Do I need an antibiotic?

 

[Lotus]

Yes, an antibiotic such as Maracyn-Two, Maracyn Plus or tetracyclene should work. Check the symptoms on a packet at the store, and it should guide you. Jungle Anti-Fungus works pretty well (it treats both fungal and bacterial infections).

 

[Qwoz]

any chance that fin rot will just go away, or will I have to treat it in order to save my fish?

 

[Lotus]

It's unlikely it will go away on its own. However, you could try daily water changes and making sure the temperature in the tank is consistent. If you don't see any improvement in a few days, then you'd need to medicate. Or, if you see it getting significantly worse in the next day or two, you'd need to medicate.

I'd advise you to go straight for the meds.