Tropicalfishkeeper.com

Joined: 09 Oct 2007 Posts: 105

An article on the subject of euthanising your fish. Included are safe and unsafe methods, and when to euthanise your fish.

Euthanising your fish.

It is not infrequent in the hobby to need to euthanise fish at some point. This is of course a moral decision, but for those that decide to end a fish’s suffering, here are the safe, humane, and trusted methods of Euthanising a fish.

A fish should only be Euthanised when it has reached a “Point of no return”. If the fish’s life quality is affected by an injury or illness, to the point where it may be unable to resume a normal life, or maybe be unable to fend for itself or compete for food, or indeed consume food without difficulty, then it is worth considering euthanasia.

Unsafe methods

The following listed methods are NOT safe for Euthanising fish

- Freezing

This method is claimed by some to be painless. However, recent evidence shows on the contrary, so, until it can be either confirmed or denied, it’s best avoided.

- Alcohol/Vodka

This method is also not recommended. Vodka is claimed to “suffocate” the fish, and often results in a traumatic few minutes before actual death.

- Flushing

This method should be avoided at all costs. Euthanasia is the act of ending a life to end suffering, but flushing will not kill a fish. Flushing a fish will subject it to temperature shock, possibly bleach poisoning or other inhumane illnesses and injuries. Furthermore, if your fish has been carrying a disease, by flushing the fish you risk entering this disease into the eco-system, possibly infecting your local wildlife. Avoid at all costs.

Safe methods

- Decapitation/Swift blow to the head

This method is considered one of the most humane. Using a sharp knife, cut just behind the fish’s head, killing it instantly. This must be done quickly to be effective. Using a blunt object it is recommended to wrap the fish in either tissue paper or paper towelling, and then using a large blunt object, strike as hard as possible. This method is considered very humane, but is typically avoided by aquarists, as it is quite a difficult act to perform.

- Clove Oil

Clove oil is a natural product, often used to treat toothache. It’s properties are both antibacterial and anaesthetic for humans, and similarly in fish. Using a small container (Tupperware style container is fine), add a little tank water, and then 5 or 6 drops of Clove Oil. Shake well to mix the two ingredients (there should be no visible “blobs” of Clove Oil) and then add the fish. Close the container and leave. The fish should die painlessly within 5 minutes or so (maybe a little longer, depending on the size of the fish and the concentration of the clove oil) and is then ready to be disposed of humanely.