What size fish to buy???

[skraj011]

There are often several different sizes of the same fish that are available for purchase.

Is it better to buy "tiny," "small," "medium," or "large" individuals in terms of successful acclimation to aquarium life.

Some people seem to think that juveniles adjust more easily, whereas others think that they have higher nutritional demands are therefore more difficult to maintain.

I realize that the answer maybe different for different types of fish.

 

[snorvich]

I would tend to buy fish that are 6 months to a year old; so the actual size depends on the fish.

 

[ENTMogul]

I have always been more successful buying as small as I can get having the fish grow in my care.

 

[spieszak]

IMO It always helps to evaluate the new additions tank mates. In areas of questionable compatibility especially. Depending on the fish/addition though, the proper course can be completely opposite. Sometimes buying the smallest for the new addition means that the addition will be viewed as a juvenile and therefore a non threat, and sometimes that same fish will be viewed as food, or a growing threat to be taken out quickly... in the latter case, the new addition being as large as it's tank mates will allow for the new addition to stake a territory with its tank makes and (hopefully) allow for peaceful co-existence.

When there aren't tank mates to consider or any compatibility, I've always done best with whatever the middle is... Having the fish eating and past "childhood" issues, means the fish has adapted to captivity, but isn't too "set" in its current environment.

 

[LukFox]

The only exception to the above I can think of right now are fish that are found in Australia. Some fish coming out of Australia don't come in often at small sizes, but they still do well due to good collecting practices.

 

[RJT]

Size doesn't nearly matter as much as compatibility. A 2in clown or anthias can live peaceably with a 5in angel. But a 5in lionfhish cannot live with the anthias that small...well the anthias won't live long with a 5in lionfish. Also, a purple tang cannot live forever in 20gallon tank, he will out grow it and attack the other fish.

 

[snorvich]

The only exception to the above I can think of right now are fish that are found in Australia. Some fish coming out of Australia don't come in often at small sizes, but they still do well due to good collecting practices.

Yes, I agree. And remember their seasons are opposite of ours.

 

[skibum9884]

I agree with Steve, I think younger/smaller fish tend to do better. I think this is as a direct result of shipping. Many large fish end up being shipped in too little water and tend to dirty the water. Also, I think it's important to not buy fish that are too young as they need such frequent feedings. While I'm not sure of an exact time frame, I'd say 6mo. to a year sounds very reasonable.

 

[namxas]

We tend to like them on the small side, but they can indeed be a bit more delicate. For instance, we recently received a tiny female red-fin waspfish from DD, and we're used to the sizes being "off", but this is one TINY fish, and it came in pretty darned thin. Fortunately, we have a decent amount of experience with Scorpaeniformes, because IMHO this fish would have died of starvation in about 90% of peep's aquaria (the fish is a great eater, but getting the proper sized food and delivery system was the key).

We've also received fish that are quite a bit larger than listed, which in one case was a bit larger than we really were set up for.

So, I guess what I'm trying to say is whatever size you order, try to find out the true size of the specimen you're getting (ask whether it's measured in SL or TL), or ask others how close the sizes are running if you can do so.

 

[geaux xman]

even though its commonly said that juvenile angels do much better adapting to prepared food, i like the 4-6" range for tangs and angels. it helps them stand out much more in the DT.