1) Check the tank the fish are in, if any of the fish are showing fuzzy areas or have what looks like grains of salt on them DO NOT BUY anything from that tank.

2) Check for dead fish in the tank, dead fish can be a sign of disease. The tank should be clean without excessive fish waste or plant debris both of which can foul the water.

3) Fish should be free swimming and not appear to have problems breathing such as gasping at the surface (known exceptions being Bettas and other labyrinth fish) or gills that are clamped shut or in poor color (healthy gills are red).

4) Look for signs of illness or injury, torn tail or fins, missing scales, damaged mouth, cloudy eyes, sunken stomach.

Do not be afraid to ask questions. Those following are a good start.

1) How big will this fish get?

2) What is the minimum tank size?

3) What other fish can I keep with this fish?

4) What does it eat, does it need a special diet and is it herbivore or omnivore or carnivore? Ask them to feed the fish so that you can see that they are eating, this is especially important when buying hard to feed fish such as those who will only take live foods.

5) Does it tolerate or need salt in the tank and if so at what concentration?


If the store were unwilling or unable to answer those questions I would find another store.

When buying fish it is important to avoid impulse buying, if you see a fish you like WAIT, go home and do research on the fish. Check several sources to be sure you are receiving accurate information. By researching the fish you want you can avoid bringing home a monster that will eat everything in your tank.