ethical way to put a fish to sleep?

Unlike hypothermia in humans, freezing causes ice crystals in the blood, which is excrutiatingly painful for mammals. Not a huge amount is known about fish pain response, but the experts that are proponents of the freezer method are often the same ones that say fish can't feel pain at all, just a fear response. Which is a load of crap as far as I'm concerned, but even if it is only fear, isn't is cruel to terrify an animal to it's death?

Given the lack of understanding about the way it affects the fish, IMO it's a practice that should not be used.

In addition to congenital defects, tuberculosis, and simple constipation, SBD can be caused by parasites and bacterial infections. Before resorting to euthanasia (providing the fish is not in pain and distress), I would try first a broad spectrum antibiotic like Mardel's Tri-Sulfa. (PetSmart and Petco probably have it for $2-3.)

More detailed treatment guide here:
http://www.fishyfarmacy.com/fish_diseases/swim_bladder.html
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7647900#post7647900 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Sk8r
I'd say the freezer is not inhumane: cold slows chemistry, that's all. No worse for them than for us, and I'd sure rather that than being flung at the wall.

dude, freezing to death is supposed to be one of the worst ways to go...Slow and very painful...I think i would rather be flung against a wall.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7648179#post7648179 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JER-Z
dude, freezing to death is supposed to be one of the worst ways to go...Slow and very painful...I think i would rather be flung against a wall.

Hahaha :lol: so true....seriously dude its a Gold Fish!! 25 for a $1 dollar!!! feed it to a bigger fish....If it was a talking goldfish, then Id reccomend a proper burial.

Or buy one and swap it when shes not at work, say O I cured him, she will love u forever...Lets just say u keep doing this you might have a goldfish live for 20+years;)
 
NicoleC: This is Ying’s girlfriend.

I have had this fish for a little over 3 years, and it has been the sole inhabitant of a ten gallon tank for the entire time. Just a few months ago, it began to float upside down from time to time but would eventually flip back over and resume normal swimming behavior. Then two months ago, it began to swim/float upside down all of the time. It seemed to have problems breaking away from the surface, and even with strong efforts to swim towards the bottom, it would rapidly float back to the top and even bob in the water a bit. After researching online, the only thing that seemed to match her symptoms was swim bladder disease. Does this sound correct?

For 6 six weeks now, I have been feeding it shelled peas as suggested online, but the peas do not seem to be helping. The fish seems to swim around even less, and part of its stomach area floats above the waterline - sometimes it even bleeds. Is she beyond the help of antibiotics? If not, I am happy to give it a try.

Thanks for you help.
bella.jpg
 
Enough joking guys! Freezing is not a good way to kill gold fish as they can survive being in frozen a block of ice. When I lived in a cold climate our pond would freeze solid. Come spring the gold fish were fine.
 
wow... sorry in advance and PLEASE DONT FLAME ON ME.... but honestly, [profanity] its a freakin' 2 dollar fish ur gonna spend 5 bux to kill it? throw it out ur freakin window and do the birds a favor... flush and forget, get a knife behead it, why are u guys soooooooo into this? millions of CHILDREN ARE DEAD AND DYING in the world, and do u guys think about that? if that thought went through your heads it'd be the quickest trip in north america....


sorry to vent off anger... but honestly, NATURAL SELECTION, AND, its a freakin 2 dollar fish... if it was a dog or cat or parrot, i'd understand.
 
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i don't know much about goldfish but i did a quick search - since she's eating i'm going to assume she's not constipated, right?

is her skin infected (you mentioned bleeding) from being exposed to air for prolonged periods?

i would try a round of antibiotics, if she doesn't respond then i would contemplate euthanasia. i understand some goldfish species are susceptible to this condition but it's worth a try. you're a good owner! i don't care how little or how inexpensive an animal is - once i take on the responsibility for it's care i'll do all i can for them.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7649000#post7649000 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by supernareg
wow... sorry in advance and PLEASE DONT FLAME ON ME.... but honestly, [profanity] its a freakin' 2 dollar fish ur gonna spend 5 bux to kill it? throw it out ur freakin window and do the birds a favor... flush and forget, get a knife behead it, why are u guys soooooooo into this? millions of CHILDREN ARE DEAD AND DYING in the world, and do u guys think about that? if that thought went through your heads it'd be the quickest trip in north america....


sorry to vent off anger... but honestly, NATURAL SELECTION, AND, its a freakin 2 dollar fish... if it was a dog or cat or parrot, i'd understand.

Hey buddy, who are you to tell us what to care about or try to insult us. You don't know me and i honestly don't care to know you so take your venting to a board that is about starving kids. And quit reading this thread if it makes you upset.
 
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<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7649000#post7649000 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by supernareg
wow... sorry in advance and PLEASE DONT FLAME ON ME.... but honestly, [profanity] its a freakin' 2 dollar fish ur gonna spend 5 bux to kill it? throw it out ur freakin window and do the birds a favor... flush and forget, get a knife behead it, why are u guys soooooooo into this? millions of CHILDREN ARE DEAD AND DYING in the world, and do u guys think about that? if that thought went through your heads it'd be the quickest trip in north america....


sorry to vent off anger... but honestly, NATURAL SELECTION, AND, its a freakin 2 dollar fish... if it was a dog or cat or parrot, i'd understand.


Maybe your attitidue is why you're always posting for help regarding your sick and/or dying tank inhabitants?

Perhaps you should get into a new hobby like hunting and/or start donating to the starving children instead of getting electricity in a shady way,huh?

Furthermore, are you seriously an EMT?I really hope you don't work anywhere I ever need help.
 
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The peas are only supposed to be for a few days. Put him back on his regular diet. I think you have correctly diagnosed the disease. Goldfish -- particularly "fancy" varieties -- are very prone to SBD and it is very difficult to treat because it can be caused by so many things, including genetic disorders. The pea trick works for common constipation; going for 3-4 days without food often accomplishes the same thing. SBD can also be caused by fish tuberculosis, so careful hygiene is a MUST around the tank right now, especially if you have other goldfish or koi.

I am in full agreement with Bridgette -- I would try a course of antibiotics. Mardel's Tri Sulfa should be available at most Petco's and PetSmart's. If after a single course you see improvement, continue administering straight through for a second course!

If the antibiotics have no effect, I would consider euthanasia with clove oil as the most humane option. She is fairly old for a fancy variety, and it does seem as though she might be suffering.

Plain (comet) goldfish can live for 20+ years, and I think the oldest known goldfish was 43!
 
Sounds good NicoleC, she's going to get some meds at petco to try and cure it. I'll keep you updated. Thanks again! I have another question... Remember when i had my new tank posted and you mentioned i should make some space behind the rock. After looking at it and a few tries, there's not much i can really do haha. Would a couple maxijets behind the rock work help?
 
It would help. Or you could take out some rock. :)

Hey, I have ~150g of water and only about 60-70 pounds of rock. You don't NEED a million pounds of rock in there to have a good biofilter.

Good luck with the goldfish. The antibiotics are a last hope, I think.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7647687#post7647687 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by salt e
bag up the fish in a 5x7" zip-lock bag with tap water...go to your LFS, open the zip-lock baggy and drop it in the Lion Fish tank and walk away. the rest is up to GOD...you did your part. The gold fish will then be judged accordingly.



Thanks to you, the iced tea I was drinking is now splattered all over my monitor!
 
i wonder how goldfish react to diamox? hmmmm, i'll have to research that a little more tomorrow. may not be an option with a fancy goldfish though, don't know how it would affect her eyes.
 
not freezer,


ice water. get cup of water, throw in alot of ice cubes and drop it in. it will pass fast.

i m lazy and just flush.
 
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