my freshwater bass

Question
QUESTION: I just got a freshwater bass ,a perch,and a sakalae from my friend a few days ago.I put them in a tank with the same dirty water because im not sure if I should put them in sink water like my other fish because of the chlorine. I put a pump in the tank to make sure they had enough air but they still look like it's hard for them to breath and i'm not sure what to feed them. My friend said worms so I dug up some worms from my back yard but they just let them sink to the bottom. I tried caterpillars,and crickets too but the same thing happened. I'm not sure what to do please help.

ANSWER: Hi Destiny,
Wow, what a interesting trio of fish! There is lots to cover and i'm not sure if you are aware of the importance of tank cycling but its definitely a matter that needs explaining since these three fish have been placed in a tank that probably hasn't been cycled. This is a great article that explains it simply-
http://www.firsttankguide.net/cycle.php

The reason I bring this up is because the fish will be suffering from ammonia poisoning before too long being placed in a tank that hasn't been established. The ammonia could already be built up to dangerous levels. It would help if you have a test kit but if you don't, there are things you can just as a precaution. If you're keeping these guys long-term, then you'll definitely have to do water changes and use your normal tap water. Just -always- remember to add water conditioner to all new water and your native fish will be fine. I wouldn't do a large water change at first, just do a small one, about 20%. I would also try to use a water conditioner that neutralizes ammonia and nitrite. Amquel-plus or Prime are excellent water conditioners. You should also try to get them a HOB (hang on back) Power filter for keeping the water clean and healthy for them. You can also put ZEOLITE in the filter to help absorb the ammonia.

I've brought home native fish before. They are going to be quite stressed, refuse food, and be breathing pretty heavily for quite a while, if the water is clean for them they will eventually relax and settle down.

Its really fun to keep native fish, even if its just temporary. They can be treated like most other fish. Just make sure to keep their water clean and try to do some research on the species of Bass and Perch you have. I've never heard of a 'sakalae'. I'm not sure what they are?

I hope all goes well and best of luck!
Karen~

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I've started to change the water like you said and they have stopped huffing and puffing but for some reason my bass keeps "attacking" the perch and sakalae. He just suddenly lunges at them and chases them until they turn to avoid hitting the side of the tank. I'm not sure if hes actually attacking them or if they might be playing.

Answer
Hi Destiny,
The bass is being territorial or predatory or probably both. There's not much you can do besides putting the Bass back where he was caught. Otherwise he'll just make life miserable for the other fish. Either that or remove the Perch and Sakalae and keep the bass.

Sorry for the bad news. I hope everything turns out okay!
Karen~