How to euthanize an aquarium fish?

During an incurable illness, it may happen that you wish to euthanize your fish to avoid causing it to suffer unnecessarily.

The choice to euthanize an animal is a difficult decision to make, but if you consider that it is preferable to end the life of your fish, in this case, it is possible to carry out this act in an ethical and safe manner.

Over-the-counter product

It is enough to obtain in pharmacies, without a prescription, clove (or clove) essential oil, which contains on average between 60 and 95% eugenol, an active substance with anesthetic power. At high doses, the fish will have an anesthetic overdose leading to death.

The recommended dose for fish euthanasia is 10 drops (1 mL) of clove essential oil for one liter of water. In practice:

• In a tank of suitable volume, pour the necessary quantity of water from your aquarium;
• Pour the clove oil (1 mL/L). You can possibly facilitate the dispersion of the oil, by pre-diluting it in 5 times its volume of hot water;
• Stir the water/oil mixture well with a kitchen whisk for at least 5 minutes;
• Transfer your fish to be euthanized into this tank, then place a lid on top;
• Quickly, your fish will lose its balance, become unconscious, and stop breathing;
• Leave your fish in this tank euthanasia, for at least 30 minutes after complete cessation of respiratory movements.

Other protocol

For this type of act, it is preferable to consult a veterinarian. In this case, we recommend to our customers the use of benzocaine (delivery only on veterinary prescription).