Where do I start with tropical fish?
The main problem with tropical fish is that because there are so many it can be difficult to choose the right ones. Will they get too big? How many should you have? Will they be compatible? In the fish shop this can be quite bewildering but there are lots of books and magazines available to help you, not to mention web sites. You don’t need to be an expert but you should acquaint yourself a little before walking into the fish shop. A cup of tea and a read through a glossy fish magazine would be time well spent before embarking on your first purchase.
If you can, visit a few different aquatic shops, look at how clean & healthy the fish are and how helpful the staff are. This will help to give you an idea of what is available. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, a good aquatic shop with good staff is invaluable and will help you make the most of your fish. Don’t be offended if they ask you about your aquarium, what fish you have already, or if they suggest that you shouldn’t take a certain fish. This is a sign of a good aquatics shop, one that will not sell you the wrong fish for the sake of profit.
Consider keeping just one type of fish. This may seem a little boring but actually can be more fun and less stressful than having a community of different species, especially if you choose a type that comes in different colour ways. The male guppy for example, can be found in all sorts of different colours, a collection of these active fish is easy to care for and looks great.
Be firm with yourself. Buying fish can be a lot like being a child in a very large, colourful sweet shop - don’t get carried away! Remember that you need to introduce your fish gradually. It can be all to tempting to fill you aquarium up with all these wonderful fish in one go - but will you be so excited when the fish fall ill or even die? The fish certainly won’t thank you for it.
Plan what you are going to buy and stick to it - most aquatic shops have weekly deliveries so you are unlikely to miss out if you wait another month. Your fish will have a much better chance and your aquarium will be easier to care for in the long run. Patience really is a virtue.
