How to humanely euthanize a sick or suffering aquarium fish?

Question

Is there any humane ways to euthanize small aquarium fish at all? I have heard many different options on how to do it (if it ever comes to that), but most don't seem humane at all to me. What is your opinion on clove oil, which to me seems like the least painful option? Is there anything vets can do or prescribe? Is it better to let a fish die by itself rather than to try to shorten the suffering if it is very old, clearly very weakened/ill/injured? Given that meds don't work and water is good.

Todd Cecil · Accepted Answer

Thanks for reaching out about your fish. Clove oil (eugenol) is approved in the United States as an anesthetic for fish, no sure about Norway. Overdosing on anesthesia is probably the most humane. Freezing or other methods are not acceptable. Fish veterinarians might have access to tricaine methansulfonate (MS-222) another approved anesthetic for fish. A fish veterinarian might also be able to diagnose and treat a problem. Age is not a disease. Good luck.

How to humanely euthanize a sick or suffering aquarium fish?

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