Check adult requirements
Record the baseline and check adult size, social behaviour and swimming zone. Do not infer the aquarium's condition from a single sign. Confirm scientific identity, adult size, diet, social behaviour and swimming zone.
Then compare water parameters that can remain stable 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 compatibility of diet, territory and waste load 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 buy a species because the shop displays juveniles or labels it “community”.