Best way to euthanize fish

[lokel]

Ive seen on this site different ways that people put there fish to sleep. I was wondering what all of you thought is the best way and to help people that have to put there fish down choice the mose humane way for the fish.

The way that I put my 2 puffers to sleep was using pure vodka, all they did was turn over onto there backs and that was it. They didnt thrash or stuggle, they just went to sleep.

Here is 2 link to sites that I found helpful.
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/faustus/nicoldaquaria/euthanasia.htm

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-most-humane-way-to-euthanize-a-fish.htm

THere is many more site if you google euthanizing fish

I hope this helps some people that dont know what to do.

 

[maronov]

For tropical fish:
Freeze some water in a bowl until surface ice starts to form. Then break the ice and drop the fish directly in.

For coldwater fish:
Drop them into boiling water.

Both methods are completely humane and painless for the fish because the temperature difference causes an instant fatal shock.

The vodka method is also completely humane.

 

[Blueiz]

There is a huge debate on this... My thoughts on euthanizing a fish, or any other animal, is the fastest way. Regardless of how you do it..its going to hurt or cause stress at some point. Maybe instead of the best way, should call it the fastest way...

Blue

 

[beblondie]

destroy the brain the fish is dead

 

[Hurley]

If I have to euthanize, I use clove oil. It numbs the fish and puts them to sleep. It is used when surgery is preformed on fish to stop the pain and knock them out. If you use more of it, it kills the fish.

 

[5xevy]

I was going to start a topic on euthanasia. I read and saved an article on my computer, that I found a while ago. Just found the site I got the article from:

http://fins.actwin.com/mirror/begin-longterm.html

Fish euthanasia is on the bottom third of the page.

According to the above, a chemical of MS-222 is one of the best ways (especially versus freezing, which they consider inhumane). I was going to ask this board if anyone has ever heard of the above chemical and where to get it?

I have never had to euthanise a fish, and hopefully will never have to.



Edited to add: where does one get clove oil? Any health food store?

 

[lokel]

I have heard that you can get clove oil at a pharmacy cause it can also be used to help tooth pain.

 

[llamabob]

For tropical fish:
Freeze some water in a bowl until surface ice starts to form. Then break the ice and drop the fish directly in.

For coldwater fish:
Drop them into boiling water.

Both methods are completely humane and painless for the fish because the temperature difference causes an instant fatal shock.

The vodka method is also completely humane.

Thats a terrible way, it will take awhile for the cold water to kill it, they WILL feel it.

Boiling is also not instantly fatal.


Large knife to the neck is best imo.

 

[Malefic23]

You can get clove oil in large bottles at any well stocked health food store or pharmacy. It's also pretty cheap, about six dollars for a 12oz bottle. I keep some for sore tooth, but I also like knowing it's there in case one of my fish becomes horribly injured and I have to put him down quick. Thankfully, I've never had to.


Reported dosages..note, I've not tried this, it's been reported to me.

1 drop per cup of water to render unconsious.
4 tsp per cup of water to euthanize.

 

[Omega]

The most humane way is smashing its head.