| Well, of course there is no guarantee that the fish | | | | hanging around the top of the tank where its |
| you see, you are interested in (and you are going | | | | mouth kissing the top of the water. Compare the |
| to buy) is totally healthy. A Fish can appear as | | | | gill movement of a fish with other fish in the tank. |
| healthy as it could be but in fact it has invisible | | | | Extremely rapid gill movement may be a sign of |
| inner problems. There are many ways, many | | | | stress. |
| things you should seek out to determine if a fish | | | | The fish should interact well with another fish, as |
| is healthy. | | | | they pass each other, moving out, etc. Healthy |
| And here's a list of some: | | | | fish should swim in a horizontal motion (not with |
| Firstly, look for physical characteristics of good | | | | its head up or down with a few exceptions) |
| health. A healthy fish should have bright body | | | | throughout the aquarium---not just creeping |
| color, not pale or dull. However darker or patchy | | | | around the corners or hiding all the time. Don't pick |
| coloration may be an indicator of stress and not | | | | a fish that allows itself to be bullied or likes to bully |
| of bad health. Before you buy a fish, find out how | | | | others! Spend some time watching the fish you're |
| it should look under normal conditions. No open | | | | interested in buying maybe a good advice. |
| sores, boils, ulcers, peeling scales or blemishes. No | | | | Sometimes you'll see things you didn't notice right |
| visible parasites, such as tiny white crystals that | | | | away. Watch how it behaves for a while. |
| look like salt or tiny black nodules that look like | | | | Only buy fish that eat well! If possible watch them |
| "blackheads". There are also viruses, like the | | | | being fed, as this is very important. You won't |
| Lymphocystis (cauliflower-like growths on the | | | | have a wonderfully beautiful fish that only lasts a |
| edge of fins). Be sure to examine the fish before | | | | day, right? |
| buying it. | | | | It would be wise too to check fish prices. |
| Eyes should be clear, not cloudy or popping out of | | | | Unusually cheap price should be questioned, as |
| the sockets. Fins are erect, especially the top fin | | | | there are some dangerous yet awfully cheap |
| (dorsal). Buckled fins can mean trouble. No ragged, | | | | methods to caught fish today, like using cyanide |
| torn or ripped fins. All of them should be intact. | | | | and drugs. Cheap prices don't have to mean poor |
| Scales are flat and smooth, stomach is well | | | | quality. |
| rounded, girth of the entire body is of normal size, | | | | And make sure that the fish be caught with two |
| not bloated or sunken. Visible fish waste should be | | | | nets. That's the best, since using one net will |
| dark in color, not pale. | | | | usually only result in a crazy chase around the |
| You should also examine their behavior! Healthy | | | | tank, making the fish extremely stressed. |
| fish should breathe normally, not guzzling for air or | | | | |