I agree w/ all of you (am I a fence-sitter, or what?). :)
If an animal is suffering, and doesn't have a reasonable chance for a
successful cure, or if it will never "be quite the same," then I will (and
do) euthanize them as painlessly as possible.
On the other hand, I have a male marble angelfish that "should" have been
dead by now. He spent four days floating on his side, w/ a severe bact
infection and almost all his finnage rotted off. All of my friends said I
should kill him, but that little bugger was trying his damndest to live. I
didn't kill him, and not only did he recover (he *looks* uglier 'n hell),
but he then proceded to beat out 3 other male angels, all of whom were
hearty and hale, to mate w/ the one female in the tank. I now have a batch
of his babies, and he and the missus couldn't be happier together.
It all depends on the fish and the situation, I guess. BTW, my big male
Herbie had an ulcer. I gave him good care and he got over it. He is in a
tank w/ his females and they will never be put in w/ any of my other bows.
He is in good health and seems to be "happy." They spawn continuously. I
think I'll let him live out his life. :)
Just some thoughts... :)
Julie <><