I once read a story about how a clown loach once survived after being carpet jerky.
Not a fair comparison, freshwater fish to saltwater fish, but, I thought it might help to cheer you up -- sometimes they can survive -- there's a precedent.
So, good luck with your guy. I'm hoping for him.
PS. Found it --
http://aquaweb.pair.com/FISH_STORIES/frankenfish.shtml