One of the major differences
with keeping fish compared to any other pet is the sheer number of species
available. In any aquatic store you can find hundreds of different species
alongside each other, but as any fish keeper knows, not all these fish can be
kept together, and choosing the wrong fish can result in disaster for your
aquarium. Choosing the right fish is not an easy job for anyone new to the
hobby, and most experienced aquarists have at some point purchased a species
they would not have gone near in hindsight. A few simple steps can help you to
make sure the fish you purchase are all compatible and will live out the
duration of their lives happily in your aquarium.
Know your water
conditions
A basic knowledge of water chemistry is important for many reasons in fish
keeping and keeping an eye on ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels will help you
avoid any serious health problems. Having a rough idea of your aquariums pH and
hardness levels will also help you choose the right fish, since not all fish
will live in the same conditions, and dramatic changes can kill many delicate
species. Knowing what your water parameters are will allow you to match your
water conditions to those of your retailer, ensuring that new fish can settle
into your tank as quickly as possible.
Keeping Lists
A good retailer will know if the fish you wish to purchase will mix with the
fish you already have, but if you are not aware of the names of all the fish you
have, your retailer can do little to help. Always write down the names of any
fish you buy and keep an up to date list of your stock. You can then easily show
your retailer your list before you purchase any fish. Should any disasters
happen and you find out later on that some of your fish are incompatible, you
will at least have a good argument for returning the fish if your retailer
previously approved the mix with your list.
Research before you
buy
The number one tip, which many fish keepers fail to do, is to research your fish
beforehand, and never make an impulse purchase. Browse your local fish shop(s)
first and make a note of any species you like, then go away and look them up
either in a good book, or with a reliable Internet site. If possible, check more
than one source for accuracy. If you absolutely must purchase a fish you have
not researched, at least ask your retailer if you can look up the fish in their
books, or if you have a good relationship with your shop, ask their advice on
the fish. To make sure a fish is suitable for your tank, you need to check its
eventual size, character, water condition requirements, and whether it is best
in singles, pairs, or groups
Think long-term
Most fish sold in retailers are young specimens, and may change dramatically in
size, character, and even colour as they mature. For this reason you need to be
aware of what a species will turn into, and whether its fully grown state will
be suitable for your aquarium. Never purchase fish that will outgrow your tank
on the basis that you ‘might’ get a bigger tank later on, the chances are the
fish will end up outgrowing the tank and being stuck in an unsuitable
environment. In the same note, avoid retailers who will offer to take fish back
if they grow to big – when you purchase an animal you are responsible for its
care for the duration of its life, and in many cases, two years down the line,
less reputable retailers will deny offering you a return service. Thinking
long-term might also encourage you to purchase fish you might otherwise have not
given a second glance. Some fish, such as many rainbowfish species, appear quite
dull when young, but mature into very colourful and striking adults. Looking up
these fish beforehand will give you a greater choice of fish you may not have
considered, and may become your most prized specimens.
Be aware of deformed
and abused species
Researching fish you might like at first glance can throw up some interesting
facts. Most fish keepers I have spoke to who keep freshwater Parrot Fish were
unaware that the fish are a man-made cross of several species and their unusual
shape is the result of heavy deformities, including fused bones and miss-shaped
organs. If they had known this, they most certainly would have avoided the fish.
Whilst the selling of these fish is not illegal, it does encourage the
popularity of this type of process, which is detrimental to the fish’s welfare,
and often causes problems for fish keepers through an increased likelihood of
health problems, and unpredictable behaviours. Many fish are bred for different
colours and strains, and most are perfectly healthy and acceptable, but deformed
species such as Parrot Fish, or Balloon Mollies, should be avoided. A good
retailer will never sell these fish, although many stores fall short of
acceptable practices and still do. Died fish are less common than in past years,
but they do still crop up, so be wary of any fish with very bright or
fluorescent colours and if you are in any doubt, try to research the species to
find its natural appearance.
Use your retailer
Finally, most fish keepers will be within range of a good store, so do a bit of
shopping around to see who is best in your area. Travelling a few extra miles to
visit a reputable shop will pay huge dividends in the long run, as they will be
able to provide you with invaluable, reliable advice, and good after sales
service. The better retailers will also prevent you from purchasing anything
unsuitable, as they know it makes good business sense in this trade to turn down
a sale on ethical grounds, and keep your custom in the long run.
“Fish will only grow
according to the size of your tank”
Some fish, such as goldfish, will reach a much smaller size if they are kept in
an environment that is too small, but this is an exception, and even goldfish
will outgrow too small an environment. Most fish will continue to grow, perhaps
reaching a few inches short of their potential size. Therefore, a fish that
naturally grows to 30cm is likely to reach at least 25cm regardless of the size
of its environment.
“All community fish
live together”
The term ‘community fish’ only means that the fish will live in a community of
compatible species, not that they will all live together. Two community fish,
for instance, red-eye tetras and guppies, may not mix since the tetras may nip
the fins of the guppies. Choosing only community fish gives you a greater chance
of a successful mix, but you still need to check against your current or future
stock.
1) Find and use a good retailer for advice 2) Research your chosen species before purchasing 3) Never impulse buy 4) Always check the eventual size of any fish 5) Keep a list of your current stock and any fish you
may keep in the future 6) Be aware of the water conditions in your aquarium 7) Remember that fish may look and behave differently
as they mature 8) Be aware of, and avoid at all costs, deformed or
abused (e.g. dyed) species 9) Make sure you aquarium is a suitable habitat for
your potential fish 10) Check you are purchasing the right numbers of any
species
