dying betta fish

Question
My betta is in it's last throes of life. It's way over three years old now as i am the third owner and I have had it almost a year myself. Very well taken care of, I have had a clean tank, use aquarium salt, etc. Tried Marycn 2 for bloating and lack of appetite, but it has done nothing at all. The fish now looks like he has swallowed a golf ball and is extremely miserable. Eyes are white. Lays upside down but is not dead. Is now fluttering around gasping for air. Is there some humane way to end his life? The suffering is really making us all upset and I wish I could do something.  

Answer
Hi Shelley;

I'm so sorry you all have to go through this. It would be so much easier if they quietly went on but often they don't. He's lived a good long life in your care so you've done a good job.

Clove Oil seems to be the most humane way without the fish experiencing additional discomfort before finally expiring. It is added to the tank water. It's available at health food stores and some drug stores. You might want to call around to be sure you can find it. It anesthetizes the fish permanently but peacefully if they aren't moved to plain water to recover from it's effects. Here is a good web page with more info on euthanizing humanely;

http://groups.msn.com/TheBettaObsession/illnessamptreatmentpart2.msnw

My Condolences.....
Chris Robbins