Check adult requirements
Record the baseline and check reasonable tolerance without accepting poor conditions. Do not infer the aquarium's condition from a single sign. Confirm scientific identity, adult size, diet, social behaviour and swimming zone.
Then compare accessible diet, social number and correct volume 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 the keeper’s ability to maintain stability before continuing. Keep a reference so the result can be compared. Plan the complete group and monitor feeding, breathing, injury, shelter and space use.
A hardy species still suffers from ammonia, crowding and unsuitable tankmates.