Quote:
I, for one, have never knowingly encountered the situation and would rather not have to make the decision because I would likely just take the fish to eat, of give to someone else who would rather than leaving it to likely waste. Not that that would really happen given how Mother Nature normally works.
|
I would gladly have taken the fish, but we can't keep one over 27 inches. This one was about 44 inches. The deal was - if we do nothing, the fish dies for sure. If we vent, she has a chance. Big breeder reds like this need that chance!! The approved venting tools are stainless surgical quality hollow needles. Sani-wipes work well if you think it is contaminated. According to biologists I have interviewed, there is a mixed opinion on venting. Some say that if the bladder is distended, there is already some internal organ damage. Others disagree. The biologists working for the state of Florida are on the venting side which is why we have to have an approved "tool" on board. Personally, when I see a fish take off like a shot after venting and reviving, I feel like she has a chance to survive. That's why I've been venting fish for many years as well.