Euthanizing Fish With Benzocaine

[MrNiceGuy]

I read about the clove oil (tooth ache medication) method of euthanizing fish, but I can't find clove oil anywhere. I've been to about 5 stores now and I havent seen it yet. I got fed up and bought a similar product called benzocaine. Can this be used to euthanize a fish? I have a betta that is in horrible shape.. It just lays on his side all day every day with a giant tumor-like growth bulging out his side. If not benzocaine, what else could be used?

 

[fluttermoth]

There's some info on using benzocaine to euthanise fish here; http/www.bgsu.edu/downloads/gradcol/file45043.pdf

Hope that helps; I'm so sorry for you fishy

 

[StandbySetting]

I'd recommend severing the spinal chord with a scalpel, it kills them easily, then pith the brain afterwards. Otherwise put water in the freezer and as it's starting to freeze drop the fish in it and it will die instantly.

 

[Caprichoso]

I read about the clove oil (tooth ache medication) method of euthanizing fish, but I can't find clove oil anywhere. I've been to about 5 stores now and I havent seen it yet. I got fed up and bought a similar product called benzocaine. Can this be used to euthanize a fish? I have a betta that is in horrible shape.. It just lays on his side all day every day with a giant tumor-like growth bulging out his side. If not benzocaine, what else could be used?

It can be found at aromatherapy shops or ordered online.

 

[Tizer]

I got a nice house brick i use if necessary.

 

[Caprichoso]

I got a nice house brick i use if necessary.

Lol, dude, I think he wants the "non-violent" method!

 

[MBOU]

Hmmm apropriate...

Most aquatic shops can buy Clove Oil is as "Koi Calm" or if you are more sensible, you buy get it from any pharmacy or supermarket. Will be aimed at humans but its the same stuff.

Please don't just freeze fish to death. Its horribly inhumane and slow. Fish can feel pain and I doubt they will want to die from being frozen from the outside in any more than you would.

 

[MrNiceGuy]

There's some info on using benzocaine to euthanise fish here; http/www.bgsu.edu/downloads/gradcol/file45043.pdf

Hope that helps; I'm so sorry for you fishy

thank you, but from what i see that link focuses on benzocaine hydrochloride, and not simple benzocaine.

I got a nice house brick i use if necessary.

i used this method once. actually i used a hammer, but it was pretty off-putting. i'd like to avoid that if possible.

Hmmm apropriate...

Most aquatic shops can buy Clove Oil is as "Koi Calm" or if you are more sensible, you buy get it from any pharmacy or supermarket. Will be aimed at humans but its the same stuff.

i keep hearing that clove oil is widely available, but i've looked in multiple pharmacies and supermarkets and i haven't seen it once. they all just have benzocaine.

 

[Tizer]

Sharp knife and lop off its head!

Sorry i seem to be giving the impression im ok with killing fish, lol Its sad, but sometimes it has to be done, the quicker the better.

 

[fluttermoth]

I've never had to euthanise a fish (yet *crosses fingers*) but I keep a bottle of clove oil just in case; I think probably all fishkeeperes should.

 

[marieukxx]

I've never had to euthanise a fish (yet *crosses fingers*) but I keep a bottle of clove oil just in case; I think probably all fishkeeperes should.

hmmm maybe I should too. I never thought about that possibility but if I had a fish that was suffereing I would want to help it.

 

[MBOU]

I've had instances with my own fish where I havent had anything to hand and it had to be instant (awful incident ended up with horrendous injuries which meant i couldnt just go the half hour to the nearest shop and back) where i had to put said fish and a few bags and full strength whack against a wall. I was horribly sick afterwards. I hated it but i didnt have much choice.

Always got clove oil handy now!

Chemist/pharmacy dont usually have it in an obvious place on the shelf, several times i've had them get itfrom behind the counter... just ask for it!