Choosing Your Marine Fish

The most important thing when buying a fish is to not impulse buy. You must consider factors such as diet, adult size of the fish, how much of a space or territory it needs to stay happy and whether it will be happiest alone or in a shoal, and not least whether it will get along with the other creatures it will be living with.

Before you buy any marine you will have ideally done some research into the fish or animal you want, but if you are unsure speak to your dealer to find out as much as possible.

Ensure the fish is displaying healthy colours (many marines will change colour when unhappy) and that it has no obvious external damage or disease. Make sure it looks well fed - ask to see the fish eat if you are unsure. If the fish is healthy and eating, then it most likely is a good specimen.

Bringing the Fish Home

When you get your new purchase home, switch off the lights put the bag containing the animal in the tank for 20 minutes to allow the water temperature of the bag to reach the same temperature as that of your aquarium. Keeping the aquarium in darkness will reduce stress on a new animal. Also, with some marine lights they will warm the water in the bags which will stress any creature in a bag below it. After this time you can open the bag and gradually mix in some of the water from your aquarium with the water in the bag for the next half hour, so that any difference in salt level, water chemistry etc is gradually adjusted. A sudden change in water conditions will stress your new animal, which could lead to stress or even death in the case of more sensitive animals.

Disclaimer:  This article is supplied for informative purposes only. Seapets Ltd has done its very best to make sure that the above information is up-to-date and correct, but takes no responsibility for any consequences resulting from the following of this advice. As always, it is recommended that you consult with your local vet regarding any concerns that you may have for your pet.