Angel mouth gone/euthanasia advice

[FroFro]

Please be warned that the photo I’m going to show ain’t for the easily queasy. The fungus is clearing away but I think her injury is too severe to heal properly. Does anyone have recommendations on humane/painless forms of euthanasia? Even if her illness clears I very much doubt her ability to have any quality of life.

Spoiler: The photo

 

[Uberhoust]

This might sound cruel but for euthanizing an animal I find the fast and direct approach to be the best. I would scoop the fish out of the tank, take it outside, and throw it as hard as you can onto a cement or other hard surface. I have done this on a few occasions and the fish are not gasping, twitching, or moving in anyways afterwards. I have heard clove oil works, but I haven't seen a study that states they are anesthetized, so I worry that the clove oil might be working like a muscle relaxant, which would mean the fish cannot move or show outward signs of distress but in reality could be in a lot of pain and panicking.

I do have a rule when euthanizing fish. If the fish is very active in evading capture it is not ready to die yet, I leave it for another day in this case.

It requires a bit of strength to do this right, if you don't have the strength then consider using a hard surface and a hammer on the head of the fish.

This is only my opinion other's might think differently.

 

[Uberhoust]

By the way, given the image I would say it is time. Dealing with living things means dealing with death but it is never pleasant.

 

[Colin_T]

sorry about the loss

catch the fish, take it outside and put it on something solid, then whack it on the head with a hammer or piece of wood. you can wrap it in a paper towel to help stop the mess.

 

[Rocky998]

I was expecting a bad wound, but dang... That is extremely bad... Im so sorry for you and the fish... I really thought that it would clear up with the treatments...

 

[itiwhetu]

Sometimes we just can't save a fish, I'm sorry for your loss.