Here, you’ll learn how to shop for your fish with a particular focus on the tropical variety. So, are you ready to learn how to go shopping for tropical fish?
Let’s proceed!
Tropical Fish Importers and Wholesalers
Are you planning on starting an aquarium?
Knowing your fish varieties will be among the primary considerations to make. Now, not everyone has an idea of what fish variety to get.
These and several other considerations confuse some buyers, especially those with little to no experience.
In this article, we help readers make better buying choices by providing valuable tips.
Types of Tropical Fish
Having identified a need for tropical fish, buyers must know the different types and their characteristics.
The most common include South American cichlids, labyrinth fish, angel fish, aulonocaras, danios, gourami fish, rasboras, discus fish, tetra, Malawi cichlids, and barb fish.
Other variants include catfish, dwarf cichlids, goldfish, rainbow fish, betta fish, piranhas, guppy fish, swordtails, platyfish, and molly.
These fish can be classified under herbivores, carnivores, limnivores, and omnivores.
Tropical fish classified as herbivores mainly feed on algae and vegetables. Fish classified as carnivores have a well-developed stomach that enables them to provide for other fish.
Lignivorous not only feed on vegetables but also living elements and wastes.
As expected, fish under the omnivorous classification tend to have a more balanced diet because they feed on vegetables and other living organisms.
This information will likely influence buyer decisions or choices in picking appropriate species.
Are there Tropical Fish Varieties to Avoid?
Again, this largely depends on who you ask.
In other words, buyers have varying tropical fish needs that influence their purchasing decisions or actions. While that is true, certain tropical fish varieties have earned a reputation for being unsuitable for aquarium owners.
This reality means significant research should be done before stocking your tank.
It would be best if you considered avoiding the green spotted puffer, common plecostomus, Bala shark, iridescent shark catfish, goldfish, tinfoil barb, silver dollar, and piranhas.
So, what could be wrong with including any of these varieties in your aquarium?
There are clear reasons why we should avoid them. Species like the green-spotted puffer are aggressive territorial predators that hardly tolerate other fish species.
The common plecostomus is a fast-growing fish that can grow to as much as 2 feet. This makes it inappropriate for most home aquariums.
The Bala shark tropical fish variety grows to about a foot long. This calls for more space requirements.
The main problem with keeping iridescent shark catfish is the size they grow to. These grow to about 4 feet in length, which is considered too much for an aquarium.
Goldfish also pose similar problems as they grow up to 8 inches at maturity.
Tinfoil barbs will require more giant fish tanks due to their size at maturity. The silver dollar variant is a relative of the notorious piranha fish family.
The problem with them is that they cause damage to plants. Their sizes at maturity make them less favorable to keep as aquarium pets.
What Every Tropical Fish Buyer should know
As a tropical fish buyer wondering what to go for or what serves your needs, there are essential tips that can prove helpful.
These include thinking long-term, keeping a list, never overcrowding your aquarium, choosing compatible fish species, acclimatizing your fish, and choosing reputable vendors for your stock.
Tropical fish buyers should also note or inquire about maximum growth at maturity while going for appropriately sized fish tanks. Let’s discuss each of these buyer tips in more detail.
i. Thinking Long-Term
As a tropical fish buyer, you need to think long-term. Thinking long-term includes considering a variety of factors.
Primarily such has to do with the result in terms of whether or not the fish maintains character, size, and color when they mature.
ii. Keeping a List
This has to do with keeping an up-to-date list of your stock. Such information is crucial because it might be required when purchasing new stock.
Retailers can advise you on what variety will do well when incorporated into your stock. Keeping a list helps with resolving incompatibility issues.
iii. Never Overcrowding an Aquarium
As a tropical fish buyer, you should understand that overcrowding is a significant problem that must be avoided for your fish to thrive.
Overcrowding leads to stressed-out fish, which quickly become sick. Also, newcomers should be gradually introduced to the aquarium. It’s essential to know your tank’s holding capacity.
iv. Choice of Compatible Fish Species
Like keeping a list, choosing compatible fish species is crucial to their survival. This is something all tropical fish buyers must adhere to.
Some expert advice or opinion is needed before shopping for your fish. You can easily research such information from reliable sources. Also, asking your retailer can go a long way to help.
v. Acclimatizing your Fish
Did you know tropical fish would need some acclimatizing? These shouldn’t be dumped into the tank without some form of conditioning.
Doing so will result in stress and shock, which could lead to death. One of the ways this is done is by using a floating bag. Also, consider seeking expert help if you can.
vi. Choosing Reputable Vendors for your Stock
Experienced tropical fish buyers understand the importance of reputable vendors. Such vendors can only be identified by conducting your research.
Reliable breeders are known to raise quality stocks likely to thrive with little to no mortality rates. Do your research before proceeding.
vii. Inquire about Maximum Growth
As mentioned earlier, certain tropical fish species are known to grow excessively. This is mainly beyond the carrying capacity of home aquariums.
To avoid that, consider inquiring or researching about the maximum growth or size they’ll reach maturity. This helps you choose rightly.
viii. Going for Appropriately Sized Fish Tanks
Different fish tank sizes are suitable for a variety of uses.
You’ll do well to figure out what serves your need before purchasing. An appropriate-sized tank will hold the desired number of fish without causing issues.
With this knowledge of tropical fish, buyers can choose their stock better.
