Check adult requirements
Record the baseline and check quarantine and prior observation. Do not infer the aquarium's condition from a single sign. Confirm scientific identity, adult size, diet, social behaviour and swimming zone.
Then compare biofilter capacity and occupied territories with livestock needs and recent changes. Look for genuine overlap in water, flow, territory and feeding throughout the year.
Assess compatibility and welfare
Adjust one variable and assess staged introduction with a removal plan before continuing. Keep a reference so the result can be compared. Plan the complete group and monitor feeding, breathing, injury, shelter and space use.
Do not add animals when separation is impossible if incompatibility appears.