I have used clove oil successfully on much smaller fish that were suffering. He's about the ugliest thing I've ever seen, but I can't say he's suffering.
He very quickly mastered his tank dimensions, and turns successfully without hitting the glass, and eats out of my hand.
I just called the woman that I purchased the crap from, and told her to do the right thing, and mail me my money, as she was very untruthful in her advertising.
I guess she's chinese, and had the friggin' nerve to tell me that that fish was supposed to be kept in the smaller tank, because that's where he's been for over 10 years. Just a reminder, the smaller tank is a 20 gallon, and head to tail, he's 10". She told me that I should be blessed to have him because the koi bring good luck.
Well, she wouldn't know a koi if it bit her in the butt, because he's a monster common goldfish.
Anyways, like I said he's now in a 30 gallon, still too small, but with excellent filtration.
Thanks, Book, however for the cool info. Another vote for death
, but I'm in total agreement about the freezing method being on the cruel side.
I've frozen them after the clove oil sedation.