Brookster123
Aquarium Advice Addict
What kind if fish are you burning,freezing,flushing,or mashing?!? If they're oscars put an add on craigslist!
Thanks to everybody for trying to stay civil while discussing a topic that can easily get tense.
A couple of things: Everybody is entitled to their own opinion of euthanasia. I have worked in animal rescue with multiple species including fish, and I do personally believe that sometimes, it is the best option for the well-being of a fish. However, as people have said, there are multiple avenues to search when you have a fish that has outgrown it's tank. Many hobbyists prefer larger fish because of their tank dynamic and will look for fish that have outgrown other people's tanks. the goldfish mentioned was a good example. Another example are various cichlids and plecos. People often look for larger ones because a smaller one would not fair well in their tank. I agree that CL, lfs, freecycle, are all good options. Some small towns also offer free newspaper ads for free things (ie. fish). There are also many Facebook groups popping up for aquarists in various geographical areas.
As for euthanasia: There is nothing painful about the instantaneous death from blunt force trauma. That said, it needs to be executed properly. Personally, I would not choose this option because I do not trust that I could do it humanely. Other people can.
With freezing, I have read studies which show that instant submersion into ice water (you can even out a bit of alcohol in the water so it will get to freezing temp without icing over) is a painless death. The shock stops everything from working. Putting a fish into the freezer though is cruel. Without the shock of the sudden freeze, the fish will just slowly ice over and its cells will crystalize and that is not a pleasant death.
I also agree that temporary housing is an option while you look into additional long term options. Fish don't need a glass tank, a large Rubbermaid filled with water will suffice. You can even put a filter in there, but watch the water temp.
Yes, the water needs to be at freezing point. Salt will also allow you to get the water to freezing temp without ice forming. And yes, not on goldfish. Excellent points.Well said. Just remember that freezing with ice water needs to be done properly as well with the water at 2-4 degrees and the fish must not touch the ice or painful crystallizing will occur. This should be carried out on tropical species only as cold water species (goldfish ect)react differently and will suffer.
Err, a blade through the spinal cord between the head and body is the quickest and least painful way of putting down fish. Imo. My cat got a hold of my goldfish a few years ago. Nasty. I chose the quickest way to end his suffering. He got buried in my backyard.
Yup it is, but unlike us, not everyone has the stomach to do that to a fish let alone one they had as a pet.