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The following list represents general characteristics of most healthy fish:
- Clear Eyes (not cloudy).
- Erect, undamaged fins.
- Scales should be intact, parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and no red blotches.
- No holes, ulcerations, or lumps.
- Species with translucent bodies, no inner appearing whitish areas.
- Active, lively, normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally shy and reclusive).
- No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or body.
- Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed circumstances).
- Gills should be red inside, not faded or discolored, and not distended or puffy.
- Actively feeding.
- Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens.
Choosing fish that are healthy from the beginning will help avoid problems. It is always a good idea to maintain a small quarantine tank for observation of newly purchased specimens and possible treatment. The quarantine aquarium will also serve as a hospital or isolation tank should compatibility problems arise, or other unavoidable circumstances which could result in disease.
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