Appearance is not everything.
There are other factors involved in choosing a selection of species for our aquarium, whether it is an initial population or a subsequent addition. It is our responsibility to find out whether the species we are buying is suitable for our aquarium and as ‘tankmate’ for other fish we already own.
Moreover what we should do is to consider the compatibility of the fish. Fish of the same size do not mean that they are compatible. Two species may require the same water chemistry and temperature but are incompatible as regards to other factors such as water movement. Fish of the same species will not always get on together as in many cases, males, in particular regards each other as competitors. We must also bear in mind that fish found together in nature are mostly predators and prey and are not suitable to be ‘tankmate’.
On the other hand, species that naturally live in groups need the company of their own kind. There are also species which survive in whatever environment they are in. However it is wrong to assume that they are compatible.
When choosing fish, we must also consider the eventual fish size as the majority of fish bought is not yet fully grown. Overcrowding can cause stress and contribute to health problem. Besides overcrowding, incompatibility situation, whether between fish and fish or fish and their environment is likely to cause stress too.
Visit as many aquarium stores as we can so that we do not only have the opportunity to compare but to see a far wider selection of fish, equipment, décor, medications, books and other items. The condition of the store and the staff’s attitude will depict the state of the fish on sale.
A good dealer must also capable of advising and offering information on the eventual size of fish, suitability of fish for a community and the length of time we must wait after purchase, before setting up the aquarium and putting fish in it.
In conclusion, it is wise to buy or obtain fish from a good fish-keeper.
On the other hand, species that naturally live in groups need the company of their own kind. There are also species which survive in whatever environment they are in. However it is wrong to assume that they are compatible.
When choosing fish, we must also consider the eventual fish size as the majority of fish bought is not yet fully grown. Overcrowding can cause stress and contribute to health problem. Besides overcrowding, incompatibility situation, whether between fish and fish or fish and their environment is likely to cause stress too.
Visit as many aquarium stores as we can so that we do not only have the opportunity to compare but to see a far wider selection of fish, equipment, décor, medications, books and other items. The condition of the store and the staff’s attitude will depict the state of the fish on sale.
A good dealer must also capable of advising and offering information on the eventual size of fish, suitability of fish for a community and the length of time we must wait after purchase, before setting up the aquarium and putting fish in it.
In conclusion, it is wise to buy or obtain fish from a good fish-keeper.
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