Mercy Killing Fish

[Hellyon]

My son's favourite pet fish is dying - I think it's a swim bladder problem - I thought he wouldn't make it through the night but against all odds he has but he's obviously suffering. Is the best way to painlessly put him out of his suffering to pop him in water and put him in the freezer? Or does anyone know a more humane way that doesn't involve me decapitating him or hitting him because I couldn't bear it.

[andrea81]

Well, I think Ice cold water is the way the 'books' will tell you. We rang out pet store who told us that euthanasia of fish is ok this way.

[Hellyon]

Thanks Andrea - I just need reassurance, I actually feel quite fond of this fish, he seemed to have a 'personality' and I can't bear to see him sufer any more.

[andrea81]

Bless, I know how you feel, but they do take a long time ti die and it's better this way. Glass of water with ice in it! It's instant!!

[mattie]

I had two comets (goldfish) that had a swim bladder problem (they were floating at the top of the tank).

On the recommendation of someone in a pet shop, I put some live bloodworm in the tank, they are now both perfectly healthy.

A bag of bloodworm costs about 50p, has to be live ones mind.

It couldn't hurt to try.

[Hellyon]

Thanks Mattie - but this was the other way round he was on the bottom unable to swim or float so I think he'd gone beyond help. I've taken Andreas advice and he has now gone peacefully. It's just we'd had him 6 years and my son is so upset..