fish mashed with net

[venymae]

Just got a couple more tetras from the LFS and the associate (though very sweet) obviously had very little experience in netting fish and mashed several of them with the net, including the ones I got. She also had a hard time getting one of them out of the net and into the baggie, so he was suspended in the air for a lot longer then made me comfortable. Really I wasn't convinced they'd live long enough to get home, but they did.

How can I help them now? I acclimated them into my quarantine tank but I'm worried because they are pretty beat up/traumatized. What can I do to make their chances better? I hate returning dead fish, and I hate watching them struggle. Poor things.

 

[twiddlemuffin]

I'd keep the lights off in the tank and treat with melafix/stress coat.

 

[venymae]

Did the stress coat and kept them in the dark (completely) until today. Fed them a little and they are looking much better. Thanks!

 

[Delapool]

Also I find if you can reduce water flow (if a high flow tank) this allows them to rest a bit.