Wrasse playing dead?

[tyler1503]

Hi R2R! I know some wrasses are notorious for playing dead and I also know some wrasses don't ship well.
How do you tell a dead wrasse from a wrasse playing dead?
I just received a possum wrasse who won't move. His eyes seem clear, no signs of stress except the slight colour loss you expect from being in a white box overnight. He doesn't react when I nudge him gently through the bag. I can't tell if his gills are moving either.
There's a long story behind this fish, I'd hate to lose him now!

What do you guys think?

 

[eatbreakfast]

That guy is dead, not playing 'possum.' Was shipped in pretty poor condition as well.

 

[saltyhog]

Yikes! When they play dead they usually lay on their side not upside down. They also are pretty easy to identify as being still alive.

Sorry for the your loss.

 

[tyler1503]

Dang. Thanks guys.

@saltyhog he was laying on his side, it's just the angle of the photo that makes it look otherwise. Not that it really matters now :/

I decided to open the bag and start a drip acclimation to see if he came back to life anyway, the smell was pretty rank. He's definitely a goner

 

[cracker]

sorry Man !

 

[tyler1503]

Hopefully the next one I find will arrive Fat and healthy. 5th times the charm!

I decided to share the slightly boring story about how I came to acquire this little guy

https://www.reef2reef.com/index.php?threads/Elusive-fish-being-elusive..327623/