It depends on the people involved really, and their knowledge levels.
I've seen some boards where people come up with the rule that euthanasia is just plain wrong. But on boards populated by breeders and those with strong knowledge - it's generally a different answer.
Basically what it comes down to - is that the best method is the one that works best for the individual involved. Personally, I don't have a problem pulling out the cutting board if needed - but I generally perfer ice water for small fish (They've stopped breathing and moving within a second of hitting the water), larger fish, I prefer to ziplock them (in water) and put them in the freezer (We used to have a freezer supplied by hagen-dazs the first fish I put down that way - I watched, he went peacefully - no thrashing, just basically went to sleep, after 10 minutes or so he was gone).
A lot of my FW angels got culled on this last batch courtesy of the eel, wrasse and lion fish. Maybe not the nicest method - but it was good protein for the eaters - and the eatee's were put out of their misery within seconds of hitting the saltwater.
Culling/Euthanasia is an unfortunately needed/required part of our hobby on occasion. The debate over how best to do it will be with us forever, as we can't all have containers of liquid nitrogen etc at our disposal. And some of our members will always have weak stomachs, or great attachment to their pets.
Andy
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