My buddy Henry has been like this for a few days, I thought he would pass but he keeps gulping air and will eat if I put pellets above his head but he’s obviously end of life. He’s 3+ years old, been spoiled since I got him from a forgotten tank in the back of rural pet store. He deserves to pass restfully, I googled and it said freezing is painful, what are my other options. Thanks to everyone who gives suggestions, he’ll be missed
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Posted by DemonKittens
12 Comments
Most effective euthanasia for fish is blunt force to the head.
Consider treating while understanding the odds of success are against.
For euthanasia, it’s the hardest thing to do in this hobby, IMO, and it’s what we obligate ourselves to handle when worse comes to worse.
I’ll usually catch them and put them in tank water container so parameters are the same, then when I’m ready, take them somewhere quiet, quickly put them in a wet paper towel noting where their head is, put them on the ground and swing a hammer. It minimizes suffering.
Then I have a moment of silence and a stiff drink because I’m sad as hell after.
And thankfully I haven’t had to do it in at least eight months now.
This is now my copypasta for these posts. I’m sorry for your loss.
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I’m sorry about Henry.
I don’t have a ton of info so please do research it yourself but 2 data points I want to just call out as you’re navigating this hard decision.
1. There’s 2 schools of thought on blunt force as a humane way to euthanize. Some totally against for obvious reasons – in general “beating” something to death is frowned upon. Others think it’s the quickest and most painless – assuming you can bring yourself to actually do it. I don’t think either is wrong way to think about it so don’t listen to people so are really pro one way or another on this topic. If you do it though it’s critical to do it right and make it immediate.
2. Do not use clove oil on fish with labyrinth organs (bettas).
That’s all I got. Goodluck and I’m sorry you’re dealing with this. Wishing you and Henry the best.
Hi I’m really sorry to post this, I had to euthanize my first fish the other day It was not a close friend or a betta like yours, It was a smaller fish that was really out of it and barely able to stay in the water floating, his spine was bent and he had white spots and he just was so out of it. So I gently took him out with my little net, and folded him gently in a wet paper towel and then lowered him into a little bit of water, and then I just quickly snipped his head off with Sharp kitchen shears through the paper towel while it was in the water. You don’t have to see anything and I think a hammer would be a lot more disturbing to me. I’m really sorry to be graphic but it was easier than I thought and then I was able to dispose of the paper towel or bury it like I wanted to.
As absolutely awful as it sounds, I think about quick and firm smash to the head is the most humane. You can then take a sharp knife and sever the spine behind the head to be absolutely certain. The blunt force should totally incapacitate your beloved fish and the cut will ensure a fast and proper death and won’t leave you worrying if you didn’t sufficiently euthanize.
Alternatively, I’m sure a vet could do it if you have the money. I don’t see why the stuff for dogs wouldn’t work on a fish. If you really don’t want to do it yourself, there’s no shame in asking a vet to do so.
I have nothing to add to what the others have said but I just wanted to say thank you for giving Henry the best life you could. Without you he would’ve died on that shelf years ago.
I’m truly sorry for your loss. ♥️
You can try the hypothermic shock method, where you acclimate the betta to warmer water then immediately place it into **very** cold water. Common Bettas are considered small-bodied tropical fish so this should be painless and quick for them and is considered humanely acceptable in most areas. If you need some directions on how to do this, I can gladly detail them for you. **Please don’t confuse this method with just freezing the fish though, as the process of having one’s own tissue slowly crystallize is painful for any conscious living being**
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The way I euthanize my fish when they’re suffering is by using clove oil, an essential oil that is lethal to fish. It acts as an anesthesia first, taking away the fish’s pain, as it quickly shuts down breathing. The fish will pass away painlessly within a few minutes of a few drops of the oil.
This must be done OUTSIDE of your tank because the clove oil will kill everything and will permeate the glass, plants, and decorations, making the tank completely unusable. Put your betta into a cup or bowl and add a few drops of the oil for a quick and painless death.
I’m sorry for your loss. I’ve lost many bettas in my time keeping fish. All of them meant so much to me. I wish your baby a safe travel to fishy heaven.
I bought Finquel, a fish anesthetic, when I got my first betta. (Bought it online.) That was it was ready against the day. I put them in the recommended dose, then when they’re out, add enough to overdose.
Update – Henry has been euthanized quickly and humanely, I was and still am shedding many tears. Loved the guy that the pet store said was ugly, he wasn’t, he was a handsome man
You’re not gonna like the answer. Take him out and smash him. Basically
Whatever psychopath is suggesting you kill your fish via blunt trauma, I hope they get locked the fuck up.
As for your predicament, clove oil is a humane and painless euthanasia, and you can get it online for a decent price. You’ll only need a few drops, and they go out quietly. I’m sorry for your loss, OP.