Best way to euthanize a fish? - Aquarium Advice

robertico587 · 07-03-2008, 02:06 AM

i had to euthanize a fish that was in bad shape and i actually put him in the freezer in a zip loc bag w/ some of his tank water. I figured the gradual but quick drop in temperature would slow down his metabolism and he really wouldn't suffer that much. is this true?

**Zagz** · 07-03-2008, 02:22 AM

I find it better to sedate them with some clove oil, then add the fish to slushy frozen water myself. You might find this interesting.

new2betas · 07-03-2008, 06:25 AM

Zagz ~
Thank you so much for that link. I have often wanted a better method of euthanizing a fish other than to take it out of the tank and let it slowly die....I always hated doing that and flushing while still alived really rubbed me the wrong way. The freezing method really does sound easy and I will use that method if I ever (which I am sure I will as long as I own fish) have to do this.
Thanks again!

Taelen · 07-03-2008, 01:36 PM

I have used the freezing method several times. Seems to be the best way.

**roka64** · 07-03-2008, 03:06 PM

I'll see if I can find the article, but it stated freezing is painful to a fish, here is a good way:
What is the Most Humane Way to Euthanize a Fish?

Found it:
Euthanizing Aquarium Fish

new2betas · 07-07-2008, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roka64

I'll see if I can find the article, but it stated freezing is painful to a fish, here is a good way:
What is the Most Humane Way to Euthanize a Fish?

Found it:
Euthanizing Aquarium Fish

This was also an interesting article....anyone done this method and if so, how did it work?

Taelen · 07-07-2008, 12:11 PM

From the article on this site I thought that:

"Temperature Shock, Freezing

100% humane, and the best way to go when euthanizing tropical fish.

The method is simple. Freeze a bowl of water until it has ice chunks in it, but is not solid in any way. Net the fish out of your tank and into the bowl. The difference in water temperature will cause an instant and fatal shock to the internal organs and nervous system of the fish. Sound harsh, but the deed is done painlessly and instantly. Make sure that the water is frozen sufficiently for this to be humane. Being impatient and dropping the fish in very cold, but not half frozen water, will only torture it.

Whenever someone asks my opinion on euthanasia, this is the method I suggest. It is the easiest to perform for the average hobbyist, and is instant. "

Was an ok method and this is what I have done when I needed to do it. Every fish I exposed to this seemed to expire instantly. Am I wrong?

**roka64** · 07-07-2008, 12:34 PM

I've heard the MS 222 works really well.

Innovator · 07-07-2008, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roka64

I've heard the MS 222 works really well.

This really is the best method.

new2betas · 07-07-2008, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roka64

I've heard the MS 222 works really well.

What is MS 222?

07-03-2008, 02:06 AM	#1
robertico587 Aquarium Advice Newbie Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 6	Best way to euthanize a fish? i had to euthanize a fish that was in bad shape and i actually put him in the freezer in a zip loc bag w/ some of his tank water. I figured the gradual but quick drop in temperature would slow down his metabolism and he really wouldn't suffer that much. is this true?

07-03-2008, 06:25 AM	#3
new2betas Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: May 2008 Location: North Carolina Posts: 943	Zagz ~ Thank you so much for that link. I have often wanted a better method of euthanizing a fish other than to take it out of the tank and let it slowly die....I always hated doing that and flushing while still alived really rubbed me the wrong way. The freezing method really does sound easy and I will use that method if I ever (which I am sure I will as long as I own fish) have to do this. Thanks again! __________________ Dottie - I'm Pisces - that explains EVERYTHING!

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07-03-2008, 01:36 PM	#4
Taelen Aquarium Advice Activist Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ottawa, Ontario Posts: 194	I have used the freezing method several times. Seems to be the best way.

07-07-2008, 12:11 PM	#7
Taelen Aquarium Advice Activist Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ottawa, Ontario Posts: 194	From the article on this site I thought that: "Temperature Shock, Freezing 100% humane, and the best way to go when euthanizing tropical fish. The method is simple. Freeze a bowl of water until it has ice chunks in it, but is not solid in any way. Net the fish out of your tank and into the bowl. The difference in water temperature will cause an instant and fatal shock to the internal organs and nervous system of the fish. Sound harsh, but the deed is done painlessly and instantly. Make sure that the water is frozen sufficiently for this to be humane. Being impatient and dropping the fish in very cold, but not half frozen water, will only torture it. Whenever someone asks my opinion on euthanasia, this is the method I suggest. It is the easiest to perform for the average hobbyist, and is instant. " Was an ok method and this is what I have done when I needed to do it. Every fish I exposed to this seemed to expire instantly. Am I wrong?