unclenedsfishfactory.com

I posted a week or so ago about my deformed apisto. The spinal curvature is getting worse. The fish has a very definite S shape and is having more and more difficulty swimming.

So, the question is: do I put him down?

how do you decide when to euthanize a fish?

TIA

Unfortunately,
we practise vigorous euthanasia in the fish store.
In my opinion,
the kindest (and least messy) method
is to put the doomed fish in a dry plastic bag (no water)
and then put the bag in the freezer.
The theory being, fish being small and cold blooded,
their systems will shut down rapidly in the freezing air.
Then we just throw the frozen fish away on trash day.

I know how to euthanize. My question was more about when? What should the determining factors be?

How do I determine when the apisto's deformity goes from an aesthetic issue to a stress issue for the fish?

It's colors are good (great since I added a second female). It eats, it tries to swim.

More of an ethical question than a technical question.

I don't know...
if it eats and swims
maybe it's okay...
I don't think I can help you with that decision.