DYING FISH - HELP!!!

[KillingNemo]

Last week we got two goldfish. One is clearly in big trouble - we found it this morning trapped under a bit of ornamental coral and the poor thing is still alive but not looking good. Has been in the weed in the same place near the top, not moving anything but its mouth since school run this morning. DS (3) is aware it is dying - should I finish it off? Seems cruel to leave it when I am sure it won't recover. DD wants to bury it when she gets home from school so don't want to flush it down the loo. How do I deal with the dying fish in the kindest way?

[LittleMissNorty]

Have a look here. It makes for pretty revolting reading though.

We had to finish off one of our tropicals which we done using ice cold water and it was instant. This article gives a humane rating as well. Looks like for coldwater fish, boiling water is the most humane method.

[KillingNemo]

Jeez - alcohol, a blender, beheading or electrocution? Looking after fish has changed since I was little. Might go for the boiling water. Yikes. I'm sure it won't get better but don't want to kill it unnecessarily either. Thank god I don't work in a Swiss Clinic - I'd be useless.

[LittleMissNorty]

I did warn you - horrible isn't it! But at least its humane. We done the cold water temperature shock, and it worked instantly. Better than letting it suffer.

[sweetnitanitro]

One of the methods not recommended on that page that I have used before is clove oil. It's a natural anaesthetic so it knocks them out. Temperature shock is quick but they can still feel it. here's how you do it- www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-most-humane-way-to-euthanize-a-fish.htm You can get clove oil from health food shops. IMO that is the only humane way to euthanise a fish.

If you want any other info on goldfish, this is a good page- www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/pages/show_article.php?article_id=418

[Blondeshavemorefun]

dh has wrapped in clingfilm and hit hard and squashed when our fishes (tropical) are ill

he was gutted (not meant to be a pun) when he had to twat big yellow as he had swim bladder and wasnt responding to treatment