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Step 1
Research the type of fish you want to purchase and learn the requirements for each. Make sure that your tank will be a suitable environment for the variety of fish you want to buy and check for compatibility between types of fish if you plan to have more than one breed.
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Step 2
Consider the following varieties of fish if you are a beginner: tetras, danios, algae eaters, corries or mollies. Avoid cichlids and other aggressive breeds until you are a more experienced hobbyist.
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Step 3
Check that the fish are being well cared for at the store you choose. The tanks should be clean and the water clear. The fish themselves should look like they are in good overall health and disease free.
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Step 4
Look specifically for physical damage to the fish, such as cuts or scrapes, white marks, spots or discoloration. These are signs of disease or poor care.
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Step 5
Ask a store employee to feed the fish. Watch to see if the fish will eat the offered food. A fish that will not eat probably isn't healthy.
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Step 6
Purchase only two or three fish at a time. Wait a week or two before adding another batch of fish. Filling your tank more quickly than this will put undue stress on the fish and they may die.
