How to Choose Healthy Fish at the Store

Taking a few extra minutes to observe a fish before purchase is one of the simplest ways to avoid bringing home illness or a poor genetic specimen.

Check Body Condition

Look for a rounded, not sunken, belly, clear eyes, and fins free of tears, redness, or unusual spots.

Watch Behavior

Healthy fish should swim actively and show normal interest in food or their surroundings, rather than hovering listlessly or hiding constantly.

Inspect the Whole Tank

Look at the entire display tank, not just the individual fish you’re considering — if other fish in the same system show signs of illness, it’s safer to wait, since disease may be present but not yet visible in your chosen fish.

Ask About Origin

Knowing whether a fish is captive-bred or wild-caught (see our captive-bred vs. wild-caught guide) can inform expectations about hardiness and acclimation time.

Quarantine Regardless

Even a fish that looks perfectly healthy should go through a full quarantine period — see why you need a quarantine tank — since many diseases aren’t visible until stress triggers symptoms later.