Size vs. Survivability

[Ruckus16]

When purchasing a fish online and going through the normal acclimation/quarantine process has anyone noticed if size of the fish has any impact on survival rates?

 

[ca1ore]

Smaller individuals are more likely to be on the receiving end of aggression/bullying; which will affect survivability. If you keep them in QT long enough to gain some size, then I think there's no major difference.

 

[GoldeneyeRet]

I would say it depends on the species.

 

[Ruckus16]

Ok, how about age more than size? Is a wild caught fish who is smaller(younger) more likely to adopt to captivity better than a larger(older) fish?

 

[ca1ore]

I would say it depends on the species.

Yes, good point. Same answer for age as well .

 

[ca1ore]

Ok, how about age more than size? Is a wild caught fish who is smaller(younger) more likely to adopt to captivity better than a larger(older) fish?

I think that's probably true in many (most?) cases. Not all though. Advantage of buying a younger fish is obvious - you'll have it for longer.

 

[eatbreakfast]

Shipping is harder on larger fish, but smaller fish have a faster metabolism, so time in transit can really put them at a disadvantage. Small-medium is probably best. Try to avoid large and tiny specimens. Although it does vary specimen to specimen.

 

[lion king]

I agree it does depend on the species, not only from a survival rate but also from an acclimation to captivity point. I rarely see very large fish make it; many of the very large angels and tangs especially don't eat or just wither away. We are talking about fish that travel many miles a day that are now trapped in a small glass cage. Large triggers will commit havoc, if they don't die they will be nasty, more nasty than most can handle. I lean toward aggressive fish, and there is a marked difference when you raise them from a juvi state. What makes matters worse is that people think a 6 foot tank makes up for it all, then many don't even do that. I don't really know what a fish understand; but I believe growing up small juvis is the most humane. Maybe this becomes the only reality they remember or understand, so are happier and more well adjusted. Another note, captive bred varieties are becoming more available. I have recently found out that the old myth about not being able to bred most marine species in captivity was impossible, was a lie. It's just easier and cheaper to collect, collect, collect; until there is nothing left.