Use a mesh net to remove the dead goldfish from its tank.
Step2
Place the goldfish in a small box and bury it outdoors if you prefer. Be sure to make a deep hole so neighborhood pets won't get curious and start digging.
Step3
Place your goldfish on a saucer or wrap it up in tissue if you'd like to dispose of it the other way.
Step4
Go into the bathroom.
Step5
Slide the dead fish off the saucer into the toilet bowl, or throw the tissue-wrapped fish in the toilet.
Step6
Say a few words of respect to the dearly departed, if you wish.
Step7
Flush.
Step8
Wash your hands and the saucer (if you used one) thoroughly with soap and hot water.
Step9
Consider changing the tank water and cleaning the net and tank thoroughly if you have other fish or want to get a new one, in case your pet died of disease.
Step10
Ask your local pet store what type of fish tank cleaning product is appropriate for the net and tank, and clean the tank thoroughly.
Tips & Warnings
Soap and cleaning detergents are hazardous to fish. Avoid using these products unless you're dying to officiate another fish funeral.
on 6/27/2008
Well I've been having a rough day and this article just brightened my day. It brought me the giggles I needed. This article is useful for anyone that has kids and has encountered the first dead goldfish. Thanks ;)
on 4/5/2008
1. I don't think a dead goldfish "cares" if s/he is buried in water or dirt.
2. Going into the sewage system is not guarantee that everything will be processed out. Scary, I know. Perhaps you have seen in the news recently that pharmaceutical drugs are showing up in trace amounts in our drinking water in most major cities tested. This is because we are such a highly medicated society that enough people are peeing out drugs into their toilet that very small amounts are now seeping even into our water table.
on 9/12/2007
last week i added a sucker fish and another small under water frog to my tank today my new fish and frog both died today my original beta and frog i have had for a few months are still alive so what do i need to cleah the tank?
on 5/11/2007
Last comment was a test...
Just wanted to say that flushing a dead fish will not infect the waterways as most infections or parasites will leave its host when it dies. If your fish died of disease, the infection or parasites are likely to have went back into your aquarium and are waiting until you get another live fish so they can attach to it or attack it. Flushing an infected (sick) live fish is by all means more dangerous for waterways than flushing a dead one.
Comments
liondescent said
on 6/27/2008 Well I've been having a rough day and this article just brightened my day. It brought me the giggles I needed. This article is useful for anyone that has kids and has encountered the first dead goldfish. Thanks ;)
DrPete said
on 4/5/2008 1. I don't think a dead goldfish "cares" if s/he is buried in water or dirt.
2. Going into the sewage system is not guarantee that everything will be processed out. Scary, I know. Perhaps you have seen in the news recently that pharmaceutical drugs are showing up in trace amounts in our drinking water in most major cities tested. This is because we are such a highly medicated society that enough people are peeing out drugs into their toilet that very small amounts are now seeping even into our water table.
bearbronson said
on 1/19/2008 I agree with Bill on the dead fish, but please do not flush dead dogs as they do pose a risk to native fish.
wendibirdspbby said
on 9/12/2007 last week i added a sucker fish and another small under water frog to my tank today my new fish and frog both died today my original beta and frog i have had for a few months are still alive so what do i need to cleah the tank?
SunnyDiana said
on 5/11/2007 Last comment was a test...
Just wanted to say that flushing a dead fish will not infect the waterways as most infections or parasites will leave its host when it dies. If your fish died of disease, the infection or parasites are likely to have went back into your aquarium and are waiting until you get another live fish so they can attach to it or attack it. Flushing an infected (sick) live fish is by all means more dangerous for waterways than flushing a dead one.