How to Get a Rock Out of a Fish Mouth

When you have a fish as a pet, it's natural to observe him closely. When doing so, it can be quite startling to find that he has a rock stuck in his mouth. Since fish get oxygen through their gills instead of their mouths, the main concern for a fish with a rock stuck in his mouth is the inability to eat rather than the inability to breathe. Most fish can't eat much, if anything at all, if there's a rock in the way. Handled properly, a rock can be removed from a fish's mouth without causing it any harm and most fish will return to the water no worse for wear and eager for their next feeding.

Things You'll Need

  • Fish net
  • Small tweezers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Scoop your fish out of the water using a fish net or grab him gently with your clean hands.

    • 2

      Lift him up and out of the water, placing him on a clean surface in a well-lit room.

    • 3

      Press gently on your fish's throat, if his mouth doesn't open automatically.

    • 4

      Insert the tweezers carefully into the fish's mouth and firmly grasp the rock before pulling it out. If the rock does not come out, insert the tweezers again and attempt to retrieve it. If the rock does not come out within 30 seconds, return your fish to the water and let him rest for 15 minutes before attempting to get the rock out again.