My 4 year old Platys

Question
QUESTION: It has developed a gash on the back of his nec. Is it possible to send u a picture? Is that what ick looks like on bottom feeders?? Please help, love my fish and its pretty big so want to help.

ANSWER: Hi Anny,
It is possible to send me a picture.  Ick looks like grains of salt on a fish.  Send me a picture so I can see what is wrong with your fish please.
Lynda

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  QUESTION: Here is the picture.. thank you for getting back to me so quickly...

Answer
Hi,
It looks like an open sore.  It could also be a boil or a growth, much like we have.  Never try to squeeze it, as this would be very painful, and would cause death.  It could also be an ulcer, a bacterial infection.  Test your water, and make sure you have no ammonia, or nitrites in it.  Your water chemistry must be perfect.  If not, do a 25% water change, and 10% each day until your water chemistry is right.  Once you are sure that your water chemistry is perfect, "Zero ammonia" and "Zero nitrites" buy Melafix, and follow the directions on the bottle.  It is no use to use medication if your water chemistry is off, so make sure it is right.  You can have your water tested at the pet store, or you can buy an ammonia, and nitrite kit set.  These are always handy to have.  Ammonia, and nitrites are the number one killer of fish.  The picture you sent me looks like your fish is a Pleco.  Feed him well with sinking wafers, and sinking shrimp pellets. I hope this isn't serious, and that he will be fine.  Keep me posted on how he is doing, and thank you for the picture.
Lynda