Someone mentioned flushing... please know that this is NOT considered a humane form of euthanasia, and will create a great deal of suffering.
If the female has a large open wound, and her stomach contents are pouring out from the said wound, this is probably not an injury that will heal. Humane methods of euthanasia include destroying the brain (NOT decapitation), or submersion in a mixture of tank water and clove oil. Destroying the brain is quickest but a bit messy, and involves either crushing the entire head in one swift, killing blow, or "scrambling" the brain. I personally am not a fan of either method as it involves taking the fish out of water, not to mention how traumatic it is to the owner. But some people do not believe that clove oil is humane, even though it has proven anesthetic properties, so I presented both methods.
If you use clove oil, you should do as follows:
- Purchase a small bottle of clove oil, found in most health stores as a natural remedy for tooth aches. Note that you should NOT use clove scented oil, as this is not the same substance.
- In a small container with a lid, mix about 50% water and 50% clove oil - you can use much less, but the more clove oil, the quicker the death. DO NOT mix with Vodka as suggsted on some sites; alchohol is very painful on gills and open wounds.
- Shake the water and oil thoroughly until the water is cloudy with dispersed oil.
- Scoop the betta up into a small cup with some tank water. Gently pour her into the solution.
- The fish should go still almost instantly. Gill movement will cease shortly thereafter, followed by death. It should not cause pain; clove oil contains the same anesthetics used when operating on fish.
- When you are certain the fish is dead, you can remove and dispose of the body. Some individuals will destroy the brain or freeze to be extra sure, but once the eyes have clouded, color has faded, and slime coat is starting to shed, you can be assured that the fish is quite dead.
Please remember, freezing, boiling, flushing are all unacceptable methods of euthanasia.
Good luck, wether you chose to attempt treatment or end her pain. So sorry about this unfortunate accident.
