I want to get rid of my Jack Dempsey, where do I start?

Question

He was given to my son and then my son moved and could not take the fish. I hate fish and I do not even want to fish him out of the tank. The tank is a 10 gal which is too small for him anyway, but the fish store owner said that is fine that he will only grow to accomodate his surroundings.

Anyway, I do not want him. Will a store take him back? I would say that he is almost 4 yrs old. Or should I just put an ad in for someone to come and get it for free? (I hate to be ignorant, but fish tanks give me the willies, I don't even look forward to emptying it. I did not get this tank for my son, someone else did)

My son was a little too young to do what I am. But...yeah I wish someone else would do it.

What do you mean by the stunted situation? Do you think he remained small because of the tank? He is rather large, though.

Answer 1

Try a local newspaper or classifieds paper, or online on craigslist or a trade posting on a forum like the one at www.cichlid-forum.com, where it shouldn't be difficult to give him away. Around here the stores will take them back for free (his stunted situation makes him worthless).

*edit - stunting is the actual term for 'growing to their environment' - the latter sounds nicer, but the former is closer to what is actually happening. If he even fits into the 10 gallon with room to move and he's actually 4 years old, then he would need to be considerably smaller then he would be raised in a proper sized tank, and hence, stunted.

Answer 2

Call around to your local pet stores. Some stores allow trade in - basically they take the fish that you don't want and they give you store credit for you to use for a later date. If you do not have any store in that area that will take him then put an ad in the paper and perhaps see if those stores have a posting area where you can put up a flyer. And no Jacks do not grow to accomedate the size of the tank-they will get big.

Answer 3

It's nice that you are at least looking into your options of finding a home for him rather then just "killing" him. Please don't do that. I'm sure it shouldn't be too hard to find a home. I know my vets office has a bulletin board where you can hang signs to sell things or want things, so if you have a vet near you you might want to call and see if they do, or perhaps they can even point you in the right direction of where you can take him to donate him or something.
Again, thanks for having a heart and trying to find this fish a home. The fish didn't ask to be stuck in a 10 gallon tank, so it's really not his fault. Your son should have taken responsibility for it, especially if he knew his mom didn't like fish or fish tanks....that was kind of mean on his part. I'd make HIM do what you are trying to do. His fish, his problem. But that's just my opinion.
Good luck to you. ;o)

Answer 4

Place an ad. A pet store might give you credit for a purchase, then turn around and sell the fish. Just make sure it goes to someone who knows the requirement for it, and will provide a good home. It would probably be best to charge something for it, so not just anybody calls about it.

Answer 5

Most papers allow "Free Ads" for no cost!
Also word of mouth!
Local schools will usually appreciate a donation of this sort ! Call them first! Good Luck!*

Answer 6

I would get an ad or petco, petco take fish in for free to find them new homes.

Answer 7

You can give him/her up for adoption at a local fish store.

Answer 8

just place a free ad in your local paper and please explain that he is a fighting fish and that he would not do well with others . good luck .

Answer 9

Send him on a journey to the porcelain gods.