Should I euthanise?

[Catfish586]

This poor cardinal tetra has had some sort of white lump on its tail recently and has started swimming erratically. I checked parameters: no issues. I treated the tank with anti-internal bacteria because I've already had two deaths. I isolated the fish because I didn't want the others eating it if it died, thus further spreading infection. However it's clearly not well or happy - swimming erratically or laying down and will undoubtedly be stressed in isolation. Should I admit defeat and kindly euthanise with clove oil?

 

[Gertrudae]

Yes, I think this ist the kindest way to treat the poor thing. Had the other fish also this white lump?

 

[Catfish586]

Yes, I think this ist the kindest way to treat the poor thing. Had the other fish also this white lump?

The second death did - also some dropsy. The first was out of the blue and seemed to have a slightly curved spine after death, but I'd not noticed that before. There's clearly been some sort of outbreak so I'm hoping this is the end of it

 

[emeraldking]

Time to treat the tank.

 

[Back in the fold]

I never can outright kill a fish . That’s just me . It bothers my conscience to do it . I let them die naturally in their own time . There’s no right or wrong here about that and the topic has been debated ad nauseum many times here on The Great TFF Forum .

 

[Catfish586]

Time to treat the tank.

But what with? I don't know what the problem is. I've tried an anti- internal bacterial meds and I don't think it's caused by a treatable parasite judging from the symptoms.

 

[emeraldking]

But what with? I don't know what the problem is. I've tried an anti- internal bacterial meds and I don't think it's caused by a treatable parasite judging from the symptoms.

Well, if the cause is unkown you could try a broad band med. I'm not familair with the meds that are available overthere at your place.