Firefish laying on side

[danenelsen]

My new firefish that I picked up yesterday is lying on his side and breathing rapidly. Help!

 

[Bennett_Reefing]

He doesn't look good, I suggest checking your water and trying to leave him alone it's most likely stress.

 

[Jay Hemdal]

Sorry to see!

That is what is termed "moribund" it is actively dying. Unlikely that there is anything you can do for it.

It may be the angle of the photo, but the fish looks pretty skinny. The two common issues we see with new fish having problems are: acclimation stress and being in poor condition when purchased. For the acclimation issue - the big problem is fish that go from a low salinity at the store to a high salinity in your home tank. This can also cause the fish to dehydrate and become skinny. Do you know the salt levels between the store and your tank?

jay

 

[danenelsen]

Sorry to see!

That is what is termed "moribund" it is actively dying. Unlikely that there is anything you can do for it.

It may be the angle of the photo, but the fish looks pretty skinny. The two common issues we see with new fish having problems are: acclimation stress and being in poor condition when purchased. For the acclimation issue - the big problem is fish that go from a low salinity at the store to a high salinity in your home tank. This can also cause the fish to dehydrate and become skinny. Do you know the salt levels between the store and your tank?

jay

The store that I got him from's salinity matched mine. 35 ppt.

 

[Jay Hemdal]

It may just have been in poor shape when you to it then. If you post a short video, I might be able to assess it better. I have been fooled a couple of times with a fish that *looked* like it was dying in a picture, but then having a treatable issue.....

Jay

 

[danenelsen]

It may just have been in poor shape when you to it then. If you post a short video, I might be able to assess it better. I have been fooled a couple of times with a fish that *looked* like it was dying in a picture, but then having a treatable issue.....

Jay

He is hiding under a rock right now, I will get a video when and if he comes out.

 

[Jay Hemdal]

He is hiding under a rock right now, I will get a video when and if he comes out.

If it is hiding and upright, that's a good sign!

Jay