SOP for Euthanizing a Fish?

[JerseyGuy]

Bad subject I know but here goes.

Just pulled a Damsel out of my tank before it killed anyone else. Now he's in the sump. I don't want to leave him there to die a slow death, seems cruel. Can't give him away, LFS said they'd take him but only to feed to the shark.

So I've decided the most humane thing to do is euthanize him. What do you all consider the most humane way to do so?

 

[gone fishin]

Some people recommend clove oil or placing in a bag and putting in the freezer. No local club to give him to or another LFS.

 

[JerseyGuy]

Unfortunately not. The freezing him deal seems kinda slow and possibly painful. What would I do with clove oil and where would I get it?

I'm beginning to think that just wacking him with a hammer is the best way to go, at least it'll be over with fast.

 

[Nina51]

why do you think he would die in your sump? i've known several people who put a rogue fish in their sump to live.

 

[JerseyGuy]

I've done it twice before (damsel in sump) because I didn't have the heart to euthanize them. Both times the fish didn't do well and eventually died. It's just such a small, dark area with pumps and the skimmer and where I add water and it just seems more cruel to make him endure it.

 

[Blinkerbee]

See if someone here wants him and would be willing to pay shipping.

 

[igadget56]

Toilet

 

[gone fishin]

clove oil can be found at the drug store. It is a natural anesthetic used commonly for teething babies. Put 3 drops in a pint of water and mix it up, put the fish in a gallon bucket and put the pint in to it,the fish will get lethargic. Add 3 more drops and mix, the fish will go to sleep once the fish is asleep add 3 more drops. The whole process should take about 30-60 min. you will know when the gills stop moving. If you add it all at once the fish will most likely freak out.

 

[tzylak]

I used to feed Oscars (fresh water) with goldfish. Now my kids keep goldfish as pets.
IMHO giving it to LFS for shark food IS the NATURAL way to continue the circle of life. . . Otherwise it is a sad waste. You know: Fish got to swim and sharks got to eat. . . .
Nevertheless I do feel your pain. . . . Sorry. . . .

 

[KafudaFish]

1. Blunt force to head with hammer or cutting off head with knife behind eyes.
2. Clove oil and freezing.
3. MS222 and freezing.

 

[JerseyGuy]

It's an unfortunate situation and I do really appreciate all the input. Trust me nobody want's him he's a stone cold killer.

Although it is the cycle of life I really don't like the idea of a shark chasing him around for who knows how long until he finally eats him.

I'll stop by the pharmacy on the way home and if they have clove oil I'll go that route.

 

[CuzzA]

Let the shark have a meal. No different than in the wild. Seems pointless just to kill it. At least the fish will become the shark and some nitrates.

 

[Arkayology]

I'd let the shark eat it.

 

[JerseyGuy]

Perhaps I'm looking at this wrong. Is there a consensus for feeding him to the shark instead of euthanizing him? Seems a bit cruel to me but hey, I'm willing to listen to other opinions.

 

[tzylak]

Believe in none of what you hear, half what you see and ALL OF WHAT YOU DO. -Ancient Chinese proverb.
There in no good way of dealing with a killer fish. (Though I still vote for the shark snack.)

 

[Kentech5]

I have a damsel that's lived in my sump for about a year. Maybe somebody else who has a sump he would do well in if yours won't do.

 

[explorer07]

I have 2 that live just fine in my refugium. I don't even feed them. They are still fat and healthy and pick at The rock and culerpa.

 

[johno4]

Death is death. It might as well pass on its nutrients to the shark instead of a garbage dump...

 

[amber3k]

I gave several away free on craigslist. They were snatched up pretty fast, otherwise, I vote for the shark

 

[DaveRaz]

Shark. Seems better than just killing it IMO. Or AR15 :uzi: