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My platies keep dying, about 2-3 weeks one after the other, i had 6 im now down to one! i thought nothing of the 1st 2 to die as they copped it soon after i got them. But after that they just seem to lose all energy and dont seem to be able to swim, i cant see any physical signs other than they get thinner and thinnner as they cant get to the food to eat. The last platy left seems to have a faint white film over one side of his back half. This is the only thing i have seen other than the not swimming part.
I would really appreciate help on this one as they did manage to have a baby before they died off, and this baby's cross-bred colours i really like so at least i would like to keep him alive.
The other mysterious thing is that none of the other fish seem to be affected, actually one of my mollies was on the bottom when i woke up but seems fine now.
I have done tests and they are all within the guidelines, i cant think of anything more to do.
I have:
1 Fighting fish (and no he doesnt fight at all with the gouramis, he's a big wimp)
1 Dwarf Gourami
2 Opaline gourami
1 Golden gourami
7 Neons
2 Ottos
4 Platies (including 1 baby)
3 guppys
2 small black mollies

thanks in advance

"Wasting Disease" seems to be popular with Platies...

Don't ask me why. Nobody seems to know the exact cause but some, like myself, suspect small internal parasites.

There aren't any meds, water dosed, that will stop the malady. However, many have tried garlic with complete success:

Garlic paste, as used in cooking and which is readily availible from a grocery store can be used. Scoop a small amount out into a shot glass and mixed it in thoroughly with twice as much flake food, and then slowly administer it to the entire tank.

Garlic can be used to treat "wasting" in all species.

--garyroland.