Don’t Get Hooked by These Red Flags: Your Guide to Spotting Poor Fish Care at Aquarium Stores

Visiting a new fish store should be an exciting experience, but not all aquarium shops maintain the same standards of care. Knowing what to look for can save you from bringing home sick fish, prevent disease outbreaks in your own tank, and ensure you’re supporting businesses that prioritize animal welfare. Here are the critical warning signs that should make you think twice before making a purchase.

Dead Fish in Display Tanks

The most obvious red flag is when you walk in and see a bunch of dead or sick fish in the stores display tanks. Some lifelessly floating, some lying motionless on the substrate, and others just stuck in the filter inlet. A few dead fish is inevitable and is not an immediate cause for concern, but a better fish shop will scoop them out right away. Note: I am excluding this point if some tanks are marked “not for sale” (you may see the letters “NFS” written on the tank) because this shows that they are addressing any issues and are not trying to sell ill fish.

Poor Water Quality and Dirty Tanks

Dirty water can contain ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates, and possibly be contaminated with bacteria, parasites, or illnesses. Tanks like these show a lack of concern for their livestock. Signs of poor water quality include cloudy water, strong odors, algae overgrowth, and visible debris floating in the tanks. Poor Water Quality: Excess waste leads to higher levels of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. Another problem is poor water quality. With more fish, waste builds up faster, creating high levels of harmful substances like ammonia.

Overcrowded Conditions

An overcrowded fish tank can lead to numerous problems, including poor water quality and increased stress among the fish, which can result in disease and aggression. Signs of overcrowding include frequent fish conflicts, inadequate swimming space, and difficulty maintaining water parameters within safe limits. If your fish are constantly hiding, competing aggressively for food, or if you notice a rapid decline in water quality, these may be indicators that your tank is too crowded. Look for tanks where fish appear cramped, constantly bumping into each other, or showing signs of stress like rapid gill movement.

Unhealthy Fish Behavior and Appearance

Healthy fish should be active, alert, and display vibrant colors. Fish will sometimes swim erratically when unwell. Your fish may start to swim in circles, upside down, or in another odd manner. Watch for fish that are:

• Fish that stop eating may be unwell. Appetite loss in fish can have many causes, such as infectious diseases and poor water conditions.
• However, if your fish doesn’t usually hide and starts hiding all the time, there could be a reason. Fish may hide when they are stressed, frightened, or uncomfortable.
• A dull, faded color is often a telltale sign of a problem. A dull, faded color is often a telltale sign of a problem. If your betta’s once-vibrant colors seem washed out or pale, this might signal stress, illness, or poor water conditions.
• Unhealthy bettas often have fins that look clamped or damaged. Clamped fins—where the fins are held tightly against the body—are a common sign of stress, illness, or poor water quality.

Visible Disease Signs

If your fish has developed white spots, it could be ich. Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, more commonly known as ich or white spot disease, is a common fish parasite. The illness causes white spots all over the body. Other warning signs include fin rot, fungal infections, and parasitic infestations that should be immediately apparent to trained staff.

Unknowledgeable or Dishonest Staff

I was in a fish shop when a sales associate was helping another customer who was purchasing a tank and a betta at the same time. The customer who, despite obviously being brand new to aquariums, was asking questions that genuinely sounded like they wanted to provide their new pet with a good home. Instead, the associate sold them a water conditioner and stated the following: “Because it makes the water safe and jump starts the nitrogen cycle”. Quality stores employ staff who understand fish care, water chemistry, and proper aquarium maintenance.

Inadequate Quarantine Practices

It’s sad to say that many pet fish stores may be incubating serious diseases without any clinical signs. Many new pet fish that pass through wholesalers and distributors are not routinely tested for any diseases or move too quickly for disease to start showing signs. What then happens is the fish you thought was healthy, gets sick within a week of coming home with you. Reputable stores maintain quarantine systems for new arrivals and can discuss their quarantine protocols.

What to Look for Instead

When searching for a reliable fish store near me, seek establishments that prioritize fish health and customer education. Companies like Island Fish and Reef, located in Bohemia, NY, exemplify the standards you should expect. Quality and responsibility of care are core tenants of the Fish and Reef ethos. We are proud of our history and our current staff of five installation and maintenance technicians that use their years of experience to provide you a great wealth of comfort, peace of mind, and knowledge.

We regularly buy quality livestock such as corals, plants, marine and freshwater fish from all corners of the globe including Bali, Australia, the Caribbean, and Fiji. All of our livestock is carefully quarantined and monitored by our staff prior to arriving at a client’s aquarium. This level of care ensures customers receive healthy fish that will thrive in their home aquariums.

Final Thoughts

Remember that purchasing fish from a reputable store is an investment in your aquarium’s long-term success. We understand that having a separate tank and equipment is a hassle, but it is the BEST thing you can do for your new fish. I GUARANTEE it will save you money, time and many fish lives. Take time to observe the store’s practices, ask questions about their fish care protocols, and trust your instincts. A quality fish store will welcome your questions and demonstrate their commitment to fish health and customer satisfaction.

By avoiding stores that display these red flags and choosing establishments that prioritize proper fish care, you’ll be more likely to bring home healthy, vibrant fish that will provide years of enjoyment in your aquarium. Your fish—and your wallet—will thank you for making informed decisions about where you shop.