Stupid Question....Just Wondering Though

[BayouBeard]

When it comes to purchasing fish...is there any advantage to getting a small specimen vs a large specimen? Does the smaller one have a better chance of adapting to your aquarium vs a larger one? Does the larger one have the advantage of a more developed immune system (hardiness)? I know larger specimens are more expensive, but I think that has more to do with the "I want it now" mentality. Any thoughts?

 

[reefsandrotts]

Not a stupid question at all.....
I would say it depends on the fish, I know juvi emperors are easier to get to eat than adults and ive had the same experience with batfish

 

[JLight]

I would say it could go both ways. A smaller fish will obviously last longer because of its younger age. But I think a larger fish may be able to withstand stress a bit better then a younger fish.

 

[beaslbob]

If you get the smaller of a fish it is usually younger.

 

[JSB]

My thought would be that my kids are tougher, stronger, and more resilient than me. But that was not true when they were infants. So in my world younger/smaller has the advantage, but not too young.

 

[slowavy]

I like all of the above replys and will add one. Make sure the new fish is big enough to not to get eaten when you add it to your tank.

 

[markkazdad]

It's usually best to get them after they've passed the rebellious phase.

 

[JLight]

I like all of the above replys and will add one. Make sure the new fish is big enough to not to get eaten when you add it to your tank.

That's a good point also. Don't buy your current livestock a expensive dinner

 

[Bad Company]

I belive that younger fish may be more adaptable as far as getting along with tankmates. How many times have you heard, "once they get big, they get nasty"?

 

[Hassablad]

Yea I think that's happening to me...lol