Need help with scribbled rabbitfish

[ChrisQ0904]

I bought a new scribbled rabbit fish today and it looked healthy and was eating at the store so decided to take it. When I get home I float it in the qt tank and start mixing water. I'm doing ttm and its time to transfer the first fish today (yes I know I have to start over). As the water is mixing I look in the bag the rabbit fish is in and it is laying flat and breathing hard, so I check salinity and it matches so I panicked and dumped him in the current tank with the anthias. Now it is swimming but at a 45 angle instead of horizontal but it is still breathing hard but not as hard.

Please let me know what I should do, I really want to keep this fish alive.

http://cloud.tapatalk.com/s/59a8b8581f4d2/received_10208610284529426.mp4

 

[Maritimer]

He does look pretty stressed - rabbitfish can stress pretty badly - or at least look bad when they're stressing. I'd offer him something to hide in - PVC fittings or the like would do the job.

@melypr1985 or @Humblefish may be able to offer further guidance.

~Bruce

 

[Humblefish]

How long was he in the bag?

 

[ChrisQ0904]

How long was he in the bag?

Including the time in the store, about an hr

 

[Humblefish]

Including the time in the store, about an hr

Shouldn't be any issues with ammonia then. How is he looking now?

 

[ChrisQ0904]

I have the lights off but still breathing heavy and showing the night colors. Seems to be resting in a corner now that the lights are off.

 

[melypr1985]

I'd like to know how he's currently doing as well. Rabbit fish in general stress very easily at first. It's rare when I find a rabbit fish of any kind that will be out and about, eating and not in stress camo right after introduction. Most take a few days to chill out.

 

[Humblefish]

I have the lights off but still breathing heavy and showing the night colors. Seems to be resting in a corner now that the lights are off.

I would just let him chill and reassess in the morning. If he's still breathing hard then, you may have a problem.

 

[ChrisQ0904]

Good morning everyone, just checked on the rabbit fish and everything seems to be good now. I did end up putting in an air pump last night just because, should I keep it on or take it off?

Not sure if I jumped the gun by freaking out expecting the worst but I just want to thank everyone that chimed in for the quick responses last night. I will probably post another update this evening.

Also, I just remembered that when they scooped him up at the store they also caught 3 foxface's in the same net, is it possible it got stung or is it immune to the poison?

 

[4FordFamily]

I didn't catch you in time to say to add an airstone or point a powerhead to the surface and hope for the best but some fish pull out of these situations well, especially if normal breathing returns.

It'll also be at higher risk for parasites perhaps, as well, as a result of the stress and whatever ailed it so keep a close eye, friend!

 

[Humblefish]

Good morning everyone, just checked on the rabbit fish and everything seems to be good now. I did end up putting in an air pump last night just because, should I keep it on or take it off?

If he seems comfortable with the air stone running, keep it going.