catfish-moose

Question
QUESTION: I have a pretty big catfish that has been in my 3000 gallon koi pond for about 8 years.  at the beginning of the summer he ate for a day or two and now he just lies on the bottom and his tail barely moves, is there anything i can do for him?  His name is moose, he was such a great attraction and never bothers my 30 plus koi, any suggestions?

ANSWER: Catfish are often more affected by communicable diseases than koi and goldfish.  His age may be a factor as well.  Try to get a closer look at him to see if his gills are a normal color and make sure he has no ulcers on his sides or head.

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QUESTION: Good morning,

Moose doesn't have any ulcers and his gills appear to be normal.  Do I leave him to die on the bottom or should I remove him before he passes?  I don't want him to suffer and I really don't have anywhere to place him.  Is there a place I can take him?

Answer
This is a tough decision for anyone to come to.  There are several ways, but options are limited when concerning larger fish.  The most humane way to kill a fish is with an injection, but they are hard to come by and administer.  The best way I can think of (as far as your own discomfort) is to let it pass naturally.  If it seems to be struggling and living in discomfort, perhaps being picked on by other fish, the best method is decapitation preceded by anasthesia.  This seems brutal, and I personally don't think I could bring myself to do it.  However, it is pretty much agreed upon as the most humane way, other than over-anesthetising.  Whatever you do, don't freeze him and look up the correct method to whatever approach you decide.  I'm sorry that your friend in the water has taken a turn for the worst, and I hope that whatever happens brings the least possible amount of discomfort to you and Moose.

Jon