I’m sorry you’re here today…
… Because the circumstances that brought you to this page are so sad.
That said:
Death is part of life, one we all end up facing at one time or another.
So I wrote this guide hoping it will make the process as simple as possible for you when you need to dispose of a dead fish.
This is a kind, safe, respectful method where I’ve broken down each step.
I hope it helps you!
Keep reading to learn how.
1. Remove the dead fish from the aquarium.
(And as soon as possible.)
If there are other fish in the tank, the longer the dead fish remains in the aquarium, the more dangerous the polluted waters are and the greater the risk of infection to to the others if the fish died of illness.
The risk is even greater if the other fish start eating on the dead one.
Yuck!
Using a fish net (or your hands if it doesn’t bother you) remove the fish from the tank and place it in a paper bag.
Also:
Your net or hands will need to be thoroughly washed and sterilized afterwards to prevent contamination of your other fish.
2. Place the fish in a paper bag.
Take it from me:
Sometimes it can be really hard to look at your fish once they are dead and make you feel just terrible.
A paper bag really helps with this in my experience.
It also makes it easier to transport your deceased pet.
3. Place the bagged fish in the freezer.
This will preserve their body until you are ready to bury them.
Freezing the fish gives you some time to get everything planned out – the burial site, what to bury them in and other details.
Tip:
If the fish is very large, you may wish to place the paper bag holding the fish in an old ice cream container to prevent water from making a mess.
4. Bury your fish (don’t flush).
If you loved your pet fish and they were a meaningful part of your life…
… I highly recommend burying your fish instead of throwing them fish in the trash along with a bunch of other unwanted garbage.
There’s a way to give our precious friends a more dignified passing than that.
Flushing a dead fish is not only not respectful…
It is illegal in the US.
Introducing non-native fish – dead or alive – into the waterways can transmit bacteria and disease to other animals.
So – what to do with a dead fish?
You can honor the influence they had in your life by giving them a proper burial.
For those who want to do something extra special, you can obtain a special environmentally friendly casket made specifically for fish.
It’s also a good way to teach children about the cycle of life and death, while helping to bring a sense of closure for them through the process.
This one is suitable for fish up to 3.5″ in length and can be decorated with paint or written on:
It comes with a little seed you can plant beside the grave.
What about for larger fish, such as goldfish?
This 12″ one would work best and can also be personalized with writing your pet’s name:

It comes with a temporary grave marker you can use if you need extra time to find something more permanent.
Here’s a quick tip:
Your fish should be buried at least 3 feet deep in the ground to prevent wild animals, dogs or cats from breaking into the box.
Some people also like to put a paving slab (blocks diggers) or bag of kitty litter (masks scent) on top of the casket to deter unwanted animals as well.
Now:
Where should you bury your dead fish?
It’s totally up to you (so long as it is on your property).
A popular choice is in a garden beside the flowering plants or shrubs, or under a tree.
(Interestingly enough, the decomposing fish actually becomes fertilizer for the plants.)
Holding a mini “funeral service” for your late fish might be something you would like to try.
These folks got creative:
5. Create a special monument.
This step is totally optional, but many people like to do this.
I’m sure you’ll agree with me when I say:
Loosing a fish can be very, VERY hard.
One way that can help ease the pain and honor the memory of your pet is to create a monument at the site where you buried them.
Memorial stones block diggers and mark where you placed your fish so you can visit the site later.
It’s a beautiful way you can show them your love one last time.
The engraved kind are made to last with time and weather.
This one has a beautiful sentiment:
Look:
If you are having a hard time emotionally with this, you’re not alone.
Trust me – I’ve been there, and I know how it feels.
So I wrote this article out of going through the heartache when I lost my big boy Numis – in hopes it can comfort those who have lost a fish and are wondering if they will ever feel better.
- Read More: Coping with the Loss of a Pet Fish
Protective Measures
After you have kindly disposed of your pet from the tank, you will now want to do a large water change to remove the toxins (mostly ammonia) that were put out by the corpse.
This will help protect the tank’s other inhabitants.
A filter cleaning and a gravel vacuum are probably a good idea as well, in addition to a probiotic bacteria supplement to help fend off bad bacteria that have been introduced to the water.
The worst thing that can happen is to have your other fish pass in succession as a result of exposure to the other one.
Final Thoughts
It can be devastating to lose a pet, but knowing what to do can help make the process a little easier.
I hope you found this article useful.
What is your experience dealing with a deceased fish?
Do you have any tips you’d like to share?
Feel free to leave a comment below!
Featured Image Credit: Mr. SUTTIPON YAKHAM, Shutterstock
My little scar. I rescued him from a carnival about a week and a half ago maybe 2 my dad just wanted to play the win a fish game with the ping pong balls but I convinced him I’d keep the fish(scar) and he was my first legit pet that I could call MINE and take care of feed, talk too, watch swim all weird sometimes lol my mom too liked scar and would watch him eat and swim with me. 2 hours ago we left to pick up my mom came back to change his water and little dude was dead… I’m heart broken I only eat fish for “meats” not no more. Swim In Peace Scar ❤??
RIP little Scar :'(
My little Bebe died today. I won her from a carnival last summer. I gave her a big tank with beautiful rocks and plants. I’m very grateful she lived a whole year with me. My cat and I would always watch her swim. She always made me smile. I’m going to bury her next to the Saint Francis statue outside today. Swim in Peace Bebe <3
Aww SIP Bebe
I had my Comet Goldfish Tangerine for almost 10 years. He was my first fish, I got him when I was just 9 years old. I had such a special bond with him… He was family to me, like a dog or cat may be to others, and I lost him last night to old age… I have never been so incredibly heartbroken in my entire life. There is no words to describe the feeling…
Swim in peace Tangerine!
Just lost a fish:( her name was Sicky… She was always sick since we got her 8 months ago. She had a deformed spine and welts on her top of her eyes but still swam and ate so no reason of pulling her from the tank. We got her as a fry. Super tiny baby less than a month old she followed me around the tank and loved it when I showed up. I am sad to see my strong will fish not be in the tank anymore 🙁
Sorry for your loss of Sicky, S corkins 🙁
I’m glad I found this. Today my betta, Topaz, passed after 2 years. I was given him as a gift when I found out I was pregnant. Sadly that pregnancy ended in a terrible miscarriage so I always held onto my Topaz as a last little piece of my son. Today has been very rough. I hope I did right by him. I did so much research to make sure he was happy ?
Wow I’m so sorry to hear this Ashlyn. That must have been very hard. But it sounds like you took wonderful care of him and gave him a great life.
I lost my Harvey last night, after 8 years of being roomies. He’s moved house with me 4 times. I didn’t realise how devastated I would be when the time came! Ugly tears last night ?
So sorry for your loss of Harvey, Rose! This post might help you feel a little better.
My little Storm passed away today. He was a blue & gray betta fish. I am only a teen so being able to buy everything for him myself was a big deal to me. I made him a fake christmas tree, a little birthday cake on his big day made out of his pellets, and I loved him. I went to go feed him today and there he was, lying there, all the color drained out of him. I gasp in horror and ran to tell my mom, crying. Today is the worst day ever.
So sorry Kaylin, it makes me sad just to hear this 🙁
The same thing happened to me today. Sorry for your loss 🙁
I rescued my little blue betta buddy Freeman, from my sister and rough nieces 3 years ago after she flushed her 2 fish down the toliet. Ever since then I’ve loved him, decorated his tank,
was obsessive about his feedings and caring for him. However, after being sickly for a few weeks, not eating and resting on the bottom of the tank, my beloved Freeman passed. After 3 years he’s gone and it’s so devastating☹? I don’t have a backyard to bury him and I despise the idea of flushing him or trashing him with garbage. What are my other options? RIP MY BABY FREEMAN
Not sure if this will work but if you could get a flower pot you might place him at the bottom on a layer of soil, then add more soil and plant a plant. You may want to keep it on your porch.
My little Fry guy passed away last night. I am just devastated and at a loss as to how to give him the proper goodbye that he deserves. My son won him from a carnival about two years ago. Every morning when I came to feed him I would sing a little song I made up for him and he would dance for me. It became our little ritual every morning. My kids thought I had lost my mind until one morning I caught my daughter singing the song to Fry and there he was head swaying back and forth. Even my husband couldn’t help but fall in love with the little guy! We had just got him a new bigger tank a few months ago with all the coolest stuff. He loved it! Last week my oldest son came back from the same carnival my younger son got Fry from with a new little fish. We named him Joey. He was just a wee little fellow and he didn’t look quite right color wise to me but I wanted to give Fry a little brother so we followed all the guidelines I found online to add him to Frys tank. Three days later we found Joey dead in the tank. We promptly removed him from the tank and cleaned the water. The next day Fry started acting strange and his tail look a little frayed. Then he started floating vertically and I new something was very wrong. I was going to have someone come check on him the next day but we woke up in the morning to find he has passed. I have been so devastated and I don’t think people really understand. Yes he was just a fish but he was MY fish, my friend. I am so thankful to for writing this article. It has helped me so much. Thank you.
So sorry for your loss of Fry :'( So much misinformation online and so few people recommend what’s required for quarantine. You did your best with what you knew.
Umm so I’m reading this right now and my fish hasn’t died yet but he is dying right now I’m so sad I will miss Benito ?
I’m sorry Adriana for Benito & you!
Today I got home went to feed my guppys and i found one of the females just lying there i knocked on the glass a few times and I realized she passed i was so upset (i am still upset) and i just cried
Aww sorry to hear that Lorena.
We have just lost our lovely Carp – Jaws, he was at least 25 years old but only ours for 8 of those years. We would knock on the pond wall and up he would come, mouth open wide – at least 1.5″ wide- and I’d pour his food in. We are going to miss him so much swimming around his big pond. RIP dear Jaws. ????
Aw sorry for your loss of Jaws. I actually pictured that GIF of the koi eating pellets out of a spoon when you said how big he could open his mouth. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hZrl57_C9Q He sounds really special.
I am so thankful for this article.
RIP Maurice❤️
Aww sorry for Maurice, Ruth 🙁 Glad you liked the post <3
My GoldFish “Chappie” just passed away today 🙁 he was ok all day long and suddenly he started to swim upside down, he was dead after 1 hour. We just lost my baby dog “Xuco” 4 months ago, he was 13 years old and I have to put him to sleep because the cancer spread out on all his body. For me the passing of an animal is just as painful as the passing of a person. So we buried our Chappie in our backyard so he can be surrounded of beautiful flowers and fresh grass all the time. I found your article very touching and very educational at the same time. 🙂 “No longer by my side forever in my heart, we will meet at the Rainbow Bridge and we will never be apart”.
RIP Chappie
Aww so sorry about Chappie and your baby dog. It is so very hard.
My goldfish Elote died today. It’s sooo heartbreaking. He was just fine last night. I’m not sure what happened to him. ?
Today my Nemo and Splash died…I loved them Soo much….it made me cry Soo much…miss them?
RIP Nemo & Splash :'(
Today I lost 7 fishes that I had since 2014… ?? they were so smart.. I have some of their babies in another tank. But me and my kids will definitely miss the 7 ??
I’m sorry Bekkah :'(
Thank you so much for this post. It has been so informative about what to do. Reading through the comments has been helpful to know it’s ok to grieve over this loss. I lost my fish Isaiah today, and it’s been rough. I didn’t realize one could be so attached to a fish.
Sorry for your loss of Isaiah, Chingy. Glad the post and comments were helpful.
When i return home from work my Fluffly always sticks his head on the tank moving his tail like a dog like he s greeting me, today he didnt do that.. he was laying at the bottom :’(
Sorry for your loss of Fluffy :'(
Lost my baby girl Sali tonight. She was an old betta. I rescued her from a neglectful science teacher. She’d never had a heater, plants, or natural light. When I got her, she was in a crusty bowl with no filter. Her color was dull and she was losing her scales out of stress. I gave her the best home I could and she was very happy up until the end. I don’t really know how she died but I didn’t know her age so I like to think that she lived a long life. I’m grateful I got to make her happy for as long as I did. This helps. Thank you.
Sounds like Sali had a great owner while she was here, Alexandra
So happy to find this article and read the touching comments. Now I don’t feel so alone in my grief of losing my little friend Goldie last night. You can feel a bit silly about caring so much but people don’t realise how attached you can become to these little things.
I don’t know why he didn’t make it but I hope he had a happy life.
So true Bronwyn, they are like family!
Just lost my blood parrot cichlid Buddy. I had to transfer him to another tank ao the ago cuz he wouldn’t stop bullying the other fish and I think the move stressed him out. 4 days ago I noticed he was swimming upside down and frequently motionless at the bottom of tank. I did all the research I could and treated him for swim bladder/boyancy issues and he seemed to be responding well. I gave him an Epsom salt bath an hour ago. He swam around and seemed to enjoy it. I put him back into his tank and monitored him while I was reading about swim bladder troubleshooting. Looked over and he was resting peacefully on his side and had passed away. ? Ugh. RIP Buddy. I know I did the best I could but still feel really bad that my tank swap etc most likely led to his stress/early passing. Happy I found this forum tho. Thanks for reading!???
RIP Buddy, sorry for your loss
Hi Puregoldfish-
my goldfish Cutie is dying, and I can’t bury her. The ground is totally frozen, and I am NOT flushing her down the toilet, so what can I do?? I don’t really feel right about putting her in the freezer. It is amazing how attached we get to fish; i have been sobbing all morning. Thanks.
Sorry Grace, you can also euthanize with clove oil if you want.
Well I have four fishies My little blossom died in the morning when I went to feed them I saw blossom on top of an artificial plant it made my heart ache I had to go to school when I came back I didn’t see her so I thought I imagined it and she was probably hiding she was dead my mom probaly flushed her which makes me kinda made but she didn’t get why I loved my fish so much my dad does though he helps with the cleaning I’m miss my little blossom she was an angels and knows she’s swimming forever
RIP Blossom , sorry Blu for your loss :'(
Lost my Comet Goldfish this morning, My boyfriend got it for this past weekend and we had not even named it yet. Yesterday morning I fed both of them before leaving for work and everything seemed fine. When I got back from work, the one looked a bit sickly….looking for corners to hide itself in…then letting the bubbles from the air pump carry it around until it hits against something. I decided to remove it from its tank and place it in a different one so it can get better. when I woke up it just resting peacefully at the bottom of the tank. I had not bonded with it for long but it really broke my heart.
I lost my goldenfish carassius auratus…i had given them the names joyoce dean and peek…when i got up today morning they all were dead… Um feeling like h*** and everything seems to be empty…thnx to ur article dear…it felt like a helping hand in the time of despair and heartache.
Glad the article helped you feel a little better Suheeba 🙂
This reminds me so much of my betta Prince…he starved himself for two weeks and became so still and sickly…then I woke up one Tuesday after trying to let him recuperate in my sister’s room…he was laying on the bottom of the tank I buried him at our “pet cemetery” and cried my eyes out sheesh I’m nearly crying again writing this…
Aw sorry Katie :'(
I\’ve had a lot of fish. Swirlsplash(male) Finflip(female) Flame(male) and Ripple(also male) in that order. I stopped getting new fish awhile ago(thinking of getting another soon) but I\’m HEARTBROKEN when one dies. I can\’t flush, my mom did it for me, but the worst part is when a classmate says, \”It\’s just a stupid fish. Throw it out and buy a better one.\” THEY ACTUALLY SAID THAT WORD FOR WORD. I punched them in the nose. I probably shouldn\’t have done that, but they REALLY deserved it. I still feel broken after 5 years since the death of my first and favorite fish, Swirlsplash. Please tell me how to cope! I want a new fish, should I buy one? It\’s been years…
So sorry to hear that. You may want to check out the post here on coping.
My fish is dying and I know it’s time…
I had a baby betta fish i never named him he lived for 2 months he just died a few hours ago now im heart broke in bed:( I will take your advice tho
Sorry for your loss Steven… you might like to check out this post on grieving.
My sweet little goldfish Alexa died overnight, after 9 days of being sick. The treatment medicines that I was putting into the water for her didn\’t save her, but I thought they were going to, I was getting so hopeful as she seemed to be improving right up until last night. So, it\’s been such a painful 9 days, being so worried about her, and blaming myself for not providing ideal enough conditions for her … and then such a horrible shock this morning, when I expected to see her almost well again. She has been my only companion throughout the whole coronavirus social distancing and lockdown time. I don\’t know if that\’s why it\’s hitting me so hard, or just because I always love my pets as though they are family. And she did engage with me, look at me, respond to my presence at the tank, and give me so many hours of happiness watching her graceful and funny ways. I\’m crying, and don\’t want to tell any of my friends yet, because they won\’t get it. They\’ll give me five seconds of sympathy and then change the subject and expect me to chat happily about other topics, and it is way too soon for that, for me. Thank you for providing a place where I can say all this and be understood
Sorry for your loss of Alexa, Bronnie, I’m sure she will be very missed. It is true, the loss of a pet fish is something only those have known can understand how much it hurts.
I totally understood the pain. Just went through that myself. Hugs to you.
Thank you for the helpful post – I am heartbroken over the passing of my goldfish named Mochi yesterday. She was a beautiful butterfly telescope who had the best personality. I\’m going to miss the cute little wiggle she would do everytime I came up to the aquarium to say hi and the fun times of her eating shelled peas right out of my hand.
We had a difficult journey as I healed her from ammonia burns after being gifted this fish in an undersized tank, fin rot during emergency fish-in cycling when I moved her to a new bigger home, swimming upside down on occasions due to trapped air, and even dropsy since it was caught early. She is safely in the freezer while I make plans to bury her under either a rosebush or a pea plant (seems fitting since peas were her favorite). I miss her even more than I thought possible, swim in peace Mochi ❤️
Sorry for your loss of Mochi Ariel! They do capture our hearts.
i have a betta named marly and im going euthinize him today 🙁 he is suffering and i dont know what else to do. ive been crying all day. thank you for posting this. i will hold a funeral for him soon 🙁
Sorry for your loss of Marley, Shane. It is good not to have him suffer.
Thank you for the insight and the beautifully written article.
As many others here, I’ve also lost my dearest, first betta fish pet, Ruby (or, we fondly called “Uby”) due to pop eye and white spot diseases. His medicine arrived rather late, and I’m still blaming myself for not being able to save him sooner. He was also suffered from swim bladder disorder, not more than a month ago.
He was given to me by my boss, and he used to stay in my office cubicle until recent pandemic, I’ve got to bring him home. All his life, he was deeply loved. His death is a huge loss and pain to me.
I hope all of us get some closure soon, and my all fishes play and swim happily on paradise.
So sorry for your loss of Ruby, Annie, it sounds like you tried to do everything you could. He will be missed.
Thank you. Greatly appreciate it, Meredith 🙂
Hello. I am a 14 year from india. Today, 11 july 2020 sunday, i lost my orange oscar fish. I am really sad. I just can\\\\\\\’t express it ?. She was the only fish in my aquarium. ? I really want her to come back to life. She was just 1 year old :\\\\\\\'(.
Thank you for this article
Aw sorry for your loss of your oscar Sparsh :'(
My 5-year old female Cobalt blue discus Azul suddenly died this morning. It was probably due to the \”Dash and smash\” discus behaviour as there was a storm during the night, with lightning and she must have been frightened by the bolts she could see from the kitchen windows. I am shattered and I will bury her later this afternoon under the date palm which is on our terrace when my husband comes back from work.