It does sounds like the fish were shocked in one of several ways. As a history person, I'm continually impressed with how much basic chemistry is involved in the aquarium hobby. (And about the only thing I remember from High School biology is that everything in a biotype or even one creature involves several equilibriums. But that rule applies to the fish hobby. Thank you Mr. Zarobsky!)

How long has your aquarium been set up? At what stage is the nitrogen cycle? What would your tests for ammonia, nitrites and nitrates suggest?

I'm not trying to just panic you, but if you don't know what is meant by those things, Google guppylog (upper right hand side) or browse Immediate Help. Because the entries are discussions, it does take a little mining to get to the hard data.

If you prefer, Google the Net for those things, which are essentials one should know even before setting up an aquarium. If you live near a Borders book store and you have a little spare cash, drop it on
* The Everything Tropical Fish Book: Carlo Devito, Gregory Skokal, Gregory Skomal

or on another good book on setting up aquariums. For more reading hints see the last section of Immediate Help.

Also from the first section of Immediate Help, there are two lists of useful things to look for when examining a troubled tank. You probably can't or wouldn't report all of them. But please check out 20 Questions for new fish owners or owners of sick fish By angelhologram http://www.guppylog.com/story/2005/6/24/82111/0134

And as time permits, please read through the second section of Immediate Help.

After this thread, please post your questions as diaries. They are a better fit there and will often be seen and responded to more quickly. I just had a few moments before dashing off to church and happened to see your post.

By the way, your pen name may also offer insight into your aquariums issues. What do you have in your tank and how big is that tank? :)