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Disposing of Unwanted Fish

Several alternatives exist for getting rid of an unwanted fish. Individuals should consider returning it to a local pet shop for resale or trade, or giving it to another hobbyist including an aquarium in a professional office, museum, school, nursing home or to a public aquarium or zoological park.

If these options are not available, a veterinarian or fishery biologist can euthanize it with anesthetic. One can also do this at home by placing the fish in a container of water and putting it into the freezer. Because cold temperature is a natural anesthetic to tropical fishes, this is considered a very humane method of euthanasia. A pet shop also may be able to assist if euthanasia is the option chosen.

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