to think my DDs fish is dying....

[spongebobsquareeyes]

And to put it out of its misery???

It's flailing about on its side, then going still and floating up, then flailing about again, it looks like it's in agony and I'm a bit concerned, especially don't want DDs (6 and 3) to see it like this if lasts until morning? Also, the other fish in the tank seems to be trying to nibble on it!

Sorry I know this is probably trivial in the grand scheme of things, it's too late to contact anyone and DP is out, just don't want DDs to be distressed seeing it like this!

TIA

Our vet advised that swim bladder needed anti-biotic drops for the water which were available from a specialist aquatic vet in Barnes, SW13. It was too late and he died. We waved a tearful goodbye by the bank of the River Thames and I then treated the dc to burgers at Tootsies (before it shut) to make up for it. They still talk about though and it must have been 10 years ago.

Thanks everyone, she's definitely not improving after separating her and giving her the pea, I have a bottle of clove oil ready for use when DDs are in bed. They haven't noticed that she is out the tank yet because we have had a busy day and they probably won't notice before school and nursery tomorrow so will break the news after school, and see if she wants another one. I don't want to prolong her suffering any more :(.

I can't give any advice on how to cure the fish but when I used to have an aquarium and had a poorly fish that needed putting out of its misery the guy at the local fish shop (not to be confused with fish & chip shop) said the kindest and fastest way to end its life was to put it into a cup of boiling water :( it's not nice to do but it's instant.

Ooooh, steamed chocolate fish and peas with a drop of whisky or wine? I might be on the wrong thread - I'm thinking, yum.

Clove oil for euthanasia - you'll need to leave the fish in the water for a good half hour to make sure it's properly dispatched. We use 2 drops to anaethetise our fish for beak trimming and a good slosh for putting them to sleep.

Good luck, but be assured, he won't feel a thing.

Alternatively try a fish keeping forum: www.fishkeeping.co.uk/modules/newbb/index.php
and not AIBU on Mumsnet. Some lovely people on here who helped my goldfish with her swim bladder problem.

Move it now, I speak from bitter experience of daughter looking in gerbil cage to find one had eaten the ear of the other. Not good for the soul that when you're 5.
What is it about bloody animals and eating each other?

It's done, she went peacefully :(. Thanks so much everyone for all the help and info, I know this was probably not the most appropriate place, but initially genuinely wanted to know if I would be a rotten sod for killing it quickly before it died painfully and slowly.

Just to tell DD tomorrow, eek!!

Thanks again x