Pond fish for free

“Freshwater fish” covers a huge range, from small shoaling fish such as tetras and guppies to goldfish, cichlids and large predators. The right choice depends on your tank size and on which species can live together. Check adult size and temperament before you buy, because a small juvenile can outgrow a modest tank and bully its neighbours. Beginners do best with hardy species in a tank that has been running for a few weeks first.

In the UAE the main risks are heat and power cuts. Keep the tank away from windows and direct sun, keep the water well aerated, and think about a fan or chiller for tropical species in summer. A battery air pump is cheap insurance. Treat tap water with a conditioner and add new fish slowly. If fish look pale, gasp at the surface or stop eating, ask your vet, ideally one who treats fish.

Fish are not microchipped or vaccinated, so your checks are different. Ask to see the tank and how long the fish have lived there, and avoid cloudy water or fish with clamped fins. Fish brought in from abroad need an import permit and health certificate, so check the current rules with MOCCAE or your municipality. Never release unwanted fish into the wild; rehome them. On AnimalMarket24, asking prices have mostly been between AED 1,000 and AED 4,500. Some ads include the tank and equipment, so read each listing closely.