Parasite on platy fish?

Two of our three platy fish suddenly developed a skin condition where these small, white tube-looking growths were coming out of their skin. They sort of branch out like tree branches, no bigger than 1/4". Anyone know what this is called? Could it be some sort of external parasite?

Parasite on platy fish?
Well certainly not ich, that's for sure. That sounds just like anchor worms to me. Does it look like this?:


http://www.zamzows.com/Portals/3c7d11d2-...





If that is the case you will need to treat the tank with a good parasite medication. Clout, Maracide or Anchors Away are a few good choices.





The larger adult worms can be removed with tweezers to relieve the fish of the continuing damage even more quickly.





MM
Reply:I think its ICK.








Buy the ICK drops and treat them before they get worse, or die.
Reply:Ich, they are little white thingsa that are contagious and are deadly. Luckly they are treatable. Get some "Rid Ich". Your ich problems should only last 1-2 weeks. Siphon out some water. The disease normally runs in the water. You want to treat it early. You might even want some stress coat to help with the stress level in your aquarium.





-hope this helped!
Reply:It isn't ich. Ich is tiny white spots all over the fish. What you described sounds like a fluke or anchor worm. In both cases you can use a broad range anti-parasite medication called General Cure by Aquarium Pharmaceuticals. I have used this to treat velvet and it works great. It covers a wide range of parasites.
Reply:It could be anchor worm, common cooking salt in the water about 1/4 teaspoon, increase air flow, you need to get some medicine from your pet suppler for this if it is anchor worm. put the medicine in the tank and then in 3 days change half your water, make sure you give the gravel a good clean. if un sure put fish in ice cream container and take to nearest pet shop goodluck