Poor Mickey

I have this platy, Mickey, who has been a little weedy for a long time. She never grew very much and spent a lot of time on the bottom, only coming up for food. I have checked for worms, clamped fins and the dreaded stringy white poo but couldn't really identify any of the usual symptoms, and she was still eating so I thought she was just a little runt. I did dose with melafix too. This has gone on for months, and she just seemed to carry on but for the last few days she has been worse. Her spine seems to be bent and she is struggling to swim up for food. I  feel that she is suffering and I should really put her out of her misery. What do you think?

Thanks Sanjo. My hub says she's just a little fish and he's right, but it is a shame 

I have the same issue with one of my 'platies' (I'm convinced it's a swordtail as its a completely different shape to my other platies). It's a gorgeous little fish but hasn't grown much over the last few months. He looks very thin, is paler than I'd like and his fins seem a little frayed. I've treated for worms, bacteria and given a good dose of aquarium salt but to no avail. He's eating well enough and doesn't seem to be declining further. I've come to the conclusion it's just a weak fish. Livebearers have been weakened by inbreeding and whilst most still appear hardy enough, there's bound to be some weaker specimens.

I'm going to leave the little guy alone for now. However, due to his emaciated appearance I think it's only a matter of time until I'm in the same boat as you. I don't think there's a right or wrong decision in your situation and remember you've done what you can to help.

Thank you all for you kind words! I read up about the clove oil but in fact she died before I got it. I am glad in a way because she had been struggling along for a while. I think if it happens again to any more of my fish I will act sooner - it wasn't nice to see her suffering, even a tiny little fish. It's not like a dog or a cat I know but you do get strangely attached to them after a while!

I would also set aside an air tight container to mix the clove oil in (eg bottle, screwtop jar), a tub big enough to hold your largest fish and  pair of rubber gloves. Clove oil smells awful and it takes ages to get the smell off your hands.