What to do with runts

[gwand]

I have 6 a. cacatuoides runts from a July 3 spawn. All of their sibs have been sold. I don’t think it is ethical to sell the runts since I don’t know their longevity or potential future health issues. I have been feeding them an enriched diet several times a day to see if I can procure catch up growth. I will try to give these guys away. But if no one wants them, do people actually euthanize runts as a last option?

 

[Magnum Man]

sounds like you need an Oscar or similar to feed the runts to...

 

[Uberhoust]

When I bred angels I had an issues with runts, in the end I keep them, but that is not a long term solution for people breeding fish. In the end I think you have to consider euthanizing the fish.

 

[GaryE]

You end up with 3 choices:
a) a tank of runts;
b) a community tank they go in;
c) euthanizing or feeding them to other species. With many Cichlids, that doesn't work because by the time you know they aren't growing, they have defensive spines.

I put them in a community, but the end result is a string of murders as they dislike each other as they mature. It's a no win scenario.

 

[anewbie]

I have enough large aquariums i just put the ones i don't want in them - if a true runt they won't live more than a couple of years; however if just slow growing or small they will have a normal life. Btw putting too many fishes in a small box can cause runts - however sometime they just grow smaller if the aquarium is smaller - there is a difference between runt and small.