"My fish is dying! he's laying on bottom of the bag..."
Many fish will end up in this situation, so don't worry it's not dying, its just stressed! The fish is gill heavy and is a the bottom of the bag, take time to successfully fish acclimation so be patient.
The following are some common characteristics before, during and after acclimation:
Marine Fish: The fish may start to breathe rapidly during acclimation, this is common and species like the Angelfish, Triggerfish, & Tangs will lay on their side when in the bag or acclimating
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Wrasse: They may lay on their side when in plastic bag or in the acclimating container and may spin harmless cotton substance in bag and even "play dead".
Shrimp: May act motionless for up half a minute or so when first introduced into tank, so move them around
Crabs: May act motionless when first introduced into the saltwater aquarium, move them around
Starfish: May stay motionless or not move for days at a time, pick up and inspect for signs of disintegration
Snails & Conchs: May not open or move for days at a time, pick up and see if it smells rancid.
Puffers: Generally like to lay on bottom of the aquarium.
Corals & Anemones: May take hours or days to fully open or inflate to their true form
Anemones: If shipped in little or no water within the plastic bag they will inflate and shrink, but disintegration is only indicator of death.
Hope these points will put aside any fears or worries you may have.
Further reading:
Learn the important elements to do a Safe acclimation procedure
For more information click on Acclimation Guide
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