Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I've eaten fish, but I've never caught any myself. So..... .... um, how do you kill them? You don't just let them drown in the air, do you? Is there some humane method to dispatch them?

Sue the Squeamish
(aka SueinWA)

p.s. I used the same name as over at the Permie site, and it says that that name is already taken. Is that already me, or someone else?

You have registered as yourself, and your the only SueinWA... Not too sure what the problem is Sue, can you not just log in....?

The quickest and most humane way of killing fish that I know about is to break their neck (sorry to those who are squeamish). A finger under each gill plate and pull the head swiftly all the way back, very quick...

Okay, thanks Joel.

HEY! I'm a real person again! Don't know why it didn't know me the last time...

Sue

Another way is what the Japenese term Iki Jimi, which is a spike into the brain. Sounds gorey, but it is quick.

Shown here:
http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/docs/pub/CatchCare/CatchCarePage02.php?0100

What about taking your handy chop block along and chop their heads off, like chickens?

Sue

Just so long as you can get the little buggers to sit still long enough...

Hey Sue,
how about popping them in a water tight container and putting them in the fridge - their systems would slow down in the very cold water and they dont need much of a temp change to die it needs to be a fast change though. It would just be like going to sleep. I have heard not to freeze them though as they can feel the ice crystals forming in their bodies which is a horrible thought. There is a chemical you can use to anesthetise fish for a short period- this also puts them to sleep. i cant remember the name but its safe for humans as it has been used to rub on babies teeth when they're teething.I just cant remeber where I found it but if you google humane fish euthanasia I'm sure you'll find it - it was this bunch of compassionate uni students who discovered it trying to kill ther fish in a nicer manner....
Good luck - its a worthy consideration!

Hi Aeon,

I think that the stuff your thinking of is probably clove oil. Clove oil numbs your gums, and it is used in fish water when people are transporting fish to keep them calm and stop stressing...

Hi Sue!
Ive found the perfect site for you:
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-mos ... a-fish.htm
Very thorough. Good Luck!
Aeon