There are always a lot of questions on here about acceptable ways of Euthanasia, so I have put together this guide:


Acceptable Means of Euthanasia

1. Anaesthetic Overdose. Put the fish into a seperate tank and add a very strong dose of anaesthetic. This may require a trip to the vet, where it is only available on perscription. The vet can perform this there and then if desired, or you can do it back at home yourself.
2. Concussion. Hitting the fish very hard on the head will kill it very quickly. a rock or hammer may be used, or alternatively, hit the fish against a hard surface. If the head is not completely crushed upon impact, the brain must be pierced with a sharp knife.
3. Decapitation. Decapatating the fish with a sharp knife kills it instantly. The brain must be pierced with the knife again in this instance.
4. Predation. If the fish is not dying from infection or disease, and is just a mutated fry, feeding it to a larger, predatory fish is a natural way to go. If you live in America check your local state law, as some states have made feeding an animal live prey illeagle.

Unacceptable Means of Euthanasia

1. Flushing the fish down the sink or toilet. If the fish is infected, the disease may affect the local population, and the chlorine and other purifiers will put the fish under a lot of stress, as will the temperature change if tropical.
2. Concussion or Decapitation without brain piercing. With these methods, the brain must be pierced, otherwise it is an unacceptable means of Euthanasia.
3. Suffocation. Taking the fish out of the water to suffocate it puts it under a lot of mental stress and is a slow and painful way to die.
4. Fish into ice bucket. A lot of literature written on fish says that this is the best way to dispatch of a fish, gently slowing down the fish's metabolism until it slips away. However, recent studies have shown that this puts the fish under a lot of mental stress.
5. Fish into boiling water. Dropping the fish into boiling water puts the fish under a lot of physical and mental pain. This is a big no-no in terms of Euthanasia.
6. Vodka. Adding Vodka into the water is very stressful mentally for the fish.

Disposal of the Fish

Many people believe that it is Ok to flush the fish down the sink or toilet, however, as mentioned above, this can spread a disease or parasite into local populations.

Do not feed the fish to others, as this can also lead to the spread of disease.

Either:

1. Tie the fish in a rubbish bag and put it in the bin.
2. Incinerate the fish.
3. Bury the fish.

Hope this answers anyones questions on Fish Euthanasia.



Harry

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Reps0.1.0 Royal Python (Cleopatra)
FishBlack Neons, Rosy Barbs, Whiptails, Tiger Loach, Banjo Catfish, Kribs, other tropicalsCarp
WishlistBrazilian Rainbow BoaCoral Cobra Osage's CopperheadMexican Cantil Gaboon Viper
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Not bad
I'd add in clove oil as a do though, and vodka as a dont. 2 very common ones.

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Will do, but haven't heard of the clove oil one before?

Harry

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Reps0.1.0 Royal Python (Cleopatra)
FishBlack Neons, Rosy Barbs, Whiptails, Tiger Loach, Banjo Catfish, Kribs, other tropicalsCarp
WishlistBrazilian Rainbow BoaCoral Cobra Osage's CopperheadMexican Cantil Gaboon Viper
Others1.0.0 Dwarf Dutch Lop Ear Rabbit (Bob)

you can get clove oil from most chemists it works a treat. it's great for knocking out trout, following electrofishing,
just to add, home offices guidelines suggest anesthetic followed by destruction of the brain

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4.9 Leopard Geckos
1.0 Mexican Black Kingsnake
1.1 Dwarf Lop Rabbits
0.1 Syrian Hamster
200+ African cichlids

Sorry to bump and old thread, but I saw this a bit ago, it's good.

Not so sure about the vodka. Also, the clove oil is by far the best bet. It's cheap, humane, and easy.

It contains the same chemical that MS222 contains, the anaesthetic used for fish. So, it's basically an overdose of an anaesthetic. Clove oil can be used as an anaesthetic too in lower doses, it works well.

Also, have a look here:

Agents and Methods of Euthanasia by Species

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if you can get hold of it, benzocaine works a treat

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4.9 Leopard Geckos
1.0 Mexican Black Kingsnake
1.1 Dwarf Lop Rabbits
0.1 Syrian Hamster
200+ African cichlids

Ive used Clove Oil to knock out a Puffer so i could trim its teeth in the past.

i use a tiny amount of water to a tiny amount of ms222 works a treat. or a good solid whack to the head!

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