euthanization gone bad

[Fungi]

Those articles helped lots! I had a fish that needed euthanisation a while back, I was told to put it directly in the freezer, which would have caused the fish undue stress. The trick is to make the process gradual, so as to reduce sudden changes and ease the fish into its passing.

 

[Firebelly__girl]

If I was a fish, I would want to be put to sleep, then die! lol I wouldnt want to be put in the freezer lmao!

 

[Lupin]

Euthanizing a fish is a huge controversy in every forum.

True enough.

 

[mozart]

Sorry to hear about that, but before you put them in the vodka, you are suppose to put him to sleep first, I cant really remember with what, but you put him to sleep, then when you add him to the vodka it would finsh him off =D
oh heres the pagee...
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-most-humane-way-to-euthanize-a-fish.htm

bookmarked. fish sedative added to my shopping list. I'll never forget this experience.

 

[Lukee]

But freezing is a good way to do it right?

 

[pugwash]

Quoted from the wisegeek article above:
"Unacceptable methods of euthanasia are: freezing, boiling, chopping, removing the fish from water, using a seltzer tablet, slamming, pithing, decapitating, or flushing down the toilet. These methods are slow, torturous, stressful or violent. Clove oil followed by vodka is both inexpensive and humane. The fish goes to sleep like we might before an operation, and simply doesn't wake up."

Freezing is slow.

As a fisherman, I find a quick whack on the head works well - stops the nervous system very quickly! Although not for the squeamish or young. If you land a 20lb fish, you're not going have the room or time to use clove oil (although probably taken out of context) on a bank or boat.

Clove oil does look the best solution in the domestic/aquarist scenerio.

 

[wataugachicken]

freezing takes a long time, but dropping a fish into water that is almost frozen (in the mid-30 degrees) is instant. get the water cold first, then add the fish.

 

[Dangerdoll]

oh my, how awful. eeash

 

[jm1212]

sorry for your loss. clove oil is usually the best way or dropping the fish into a cup of water with a thin layer of ice

 

[Buckdog]

Sorry about your loss. I know exactly how you feel.
I had a large loss several weeks ago and I had to do the "Anbesol" thing to half my stock. It's main ingredient is benzocaine.
The euthanasia article is the best one I've seen yet. I'm printing it and keeping it in my fish notes files