Check adult requirements
Record the baseline and check volume, maturity and salinity stability. Do not infer the aquarium's condition from a single sign. Confirm scientific identity, adult size, diet, social behaviour and swimming zone.
Then compare adult size, territory and specialised diet 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 compatibility with corals, invertebrates and fish before continuing. Keep a reference so the result can be compared. Plan the complete group and monitor feeding, breathing, injury, shelter and space use.
Do not buy marine fish without verified origin, adult size and a workable feeding plan.