Never buy fish before finding out about its requirement first.

You really need to take your time to ask questions and be very observant when you are in the aquarium store. There are lots of aquarium stores with unknowledgeable owners, so you don't base your decision on their advice alone... make sure you take a look at the fish yourself.

If you can make friends with some of the staff in the store they will possibly tell you more about the lifestyle of the fish you are intending to pick.

Below are some basic guidelines to consider when buying new fish.

- The following points all need to be considered:

- Is your fish tank at the right temperature?

- Are your water conditions correct?

- How big does it get? - It may be small now, but will your other fish be at risk when it grows?

- Is it a territorial - or will it be happier in a group?

Can you supply the right food for it?

Remember that the key to successful fishkeeping is happy, stress-free fish, so don't be tempted into buying an incompatible species jut because you think it's attractive - you'll regret it.

Sometimes it can be difficult to be patient, particularly if the dealer has a species of fish that you really want. But it's important not to rush things. Don't try to add too many fish to your tank at once - and always check that the fish are healthy.