Euthanize a fish?

srad750c · Aug 3, 2016

The few times I have done it, I just put fish in ziploc bag with water from tank and stick in freezer. I worked in LFS for about 15 yrs, this is how we did it.

mmw64 · Aug 8, 2016

Steve Jones said:
Got home from work this evening. Had stopped by Rite Aid and picked up some Clove Oil. Went to the HT and the CB was upside down "stuck" to the intake port of the HOB filter. It's just a 10 gallon tank and a small filter - the suction isn't that much. But he was so weak he couldn't break free. I turned off the pump and he drifted away, trying to swim but not able. Alive - but in very bad shape. So I quickly whipped up the Clove Oil mixture and started him on his way. He's knocked out now and starting on his second dose. I'm going to dose him a couple more times over the next 45 minutes or so. I didn't expect to have to rush into this tonight so I wasn't able to get things set up to document it. But bringing him peace is more important than making a "study" out of him. So long, little fella!

I have a sick fish. Can you tell me how much clove oil to use please?

Humblefish · Aug 8, 2016

Props to @Lionfish Lair

Lionfish Lair said:
The instructions for pure Clove Oil are:

• Put 3 drops with a half pint of water and shake very well, so the oil and water make a fusion - otherwise the oil will just float on top of the water and for the euthanasia to work the fish has to get the oil into its system.
• Add the mixture to the water that the fish is in (1 gallon of water should be more than enough) and stir it around slowly with your hand. The fish should become lethargic and sleepy. When the fish goes "belly up" it is asleep - not dead.
• Then add 3 more drops of clove oil. Add another mixture of 2 to 3 drops of oil in water.
• The fish feels nothing, it is very peaceful and humane.
• Don't make the mistake of thinking that if you initially put more in it will act quicker - it will only freak the fish out - it has to be done gradually so the fish doesn't notice the change in the water.
• The whole procedure should take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. You will know when the fish is completely dead because there will be absolutely no movement of the gills. If after an hour the fishes gills are still moving you could add a couple more drops of clove oil. Sometimes it does depend on the size of the fish to how many drops of clove oil are needed.
• Properly dispose of the deceased fish and wash treatment container thoroughly with soap and water.

Steve Jones · Aug 8, 2016

Humblefish said:
Props to @Lionfish Lair

Yes. These are the exact instructions I used.

Steve Jones · Aug 10, 2016

OK. I documented my euthanzing the sick Wrasse. My first try at making a video like this for YouTube. Feel free to comment here or on YouTube.

Humblefish · Aug 10, 2016

@Steve Jones I'm very sorry you had to do this, but thank you for sharing it. Your video will help others in the future who run into a similar dilemma.