Amazing Facts About SALAMANDERS

Salamanders are one of the animals that make up the Kingdom Amphibia, particularly the order Caudata. There are around 400-500 species known worldwide and some of them are mostly found in the temperate lands of tropical South, Central America and all over the Northern hemisphere. In the past, salamanders have spread out in regions like British Columbia and central Labrador. If you want to know more about them, then below are some of the interesting facts about salamanders.

Photo by wwarby

Average Size and Life Span

Salamanders vary in sizes. Some may only reach the size of 3.9 cm while others may reach up to the size of 180 cm. One of the smallest salamanders is the 4-toed salamander (Hemidactylium scutatum) that only reaches 5-9 cm. On the other hand, one of the largest is the mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus) that may reach a length of 43 cm. Salamander's life span also varies. The Chinese giant salamander can live for about 52 years while other salamanders may only reach a year or two.

General Description

Salamanders closely resemble the lizards. That is the main reason why they are typically mistaken as lizards. However, salamanders do not have the characteristics that lizards have. For example, salamanders do not have claws. Also, they have moist skin compared to lizards that have dry and scaly skin.

Generally, salamanders can't hear sounds; instead, they depend on the vibrations that they sense in the environment. These creatures are also voiceless, although some species have the ability to produce soft squeaks. Some of these species breathe through their pair of nostrils, while others breathe through gills or skin, or at times in combination. They often have movable eyelids and fine teeth. Their heart consists of 2 atria and one ventricle, making it a 3-chambered organ.

Behavior

Salamanders hibernate every year in order to survive. Since they cannot endure extremely cold temperatures, they need to dig underground. Aquatic salamanders are generally active at any time of the year while terrestrial salamanders are only active during night time, or when the land is moist or damp. Temperate seasons or warm period may immediately cause them dehydration.

Reproduction

There are two ways on how the eggs of the salamanders can be fertilized. It can be through external or internal fertilization. Internally, the male will drop jellylike capsule of sperms and the female will eventually take up these sperms through the lips of the cloaca. The eggs are fertilized as they are pushed out. On the other hand, external fertilization occurs when the egg is already outside the salamanders' body.

Nutrition

Generally, salamanders are carnivorous. Bigger salamanders are fond of eating earthworms and larvae of insects. Smaller species like small insects and small invertebrates while salamander larvae eat tadpoles.

Importance in the Environment

Salamanders are considered as great benefit in the field of agriculture and forest industry since they consume harmful insects that may destroy crops and plants. Salamanders are maintaining the balance of the food chain just like what other animals do. Without them, a break in the food chain can happen and problems related to plant industry may arise.

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Salamanders today are continuously decreasing in number since a lot of universities and research laboratories catch them and make them subjects in their studies. That is why local laws are protecting these salamanders in order to keep their numbers in the wild. Take your part in the campaign of saving salamanders. Read more information about salamanders so you will know how to care for them properly.

By JM Miller Salamanders are interesting pets to keep. If you want to know more about salamanders , then visit our site at [http://www.salamandercare.com]. Get your own FREE mini-course on salamander facts when you sign up at our site. Article Source: EzineArticles

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Switching From a FRESHWATER to a Home SALTWATER AQUARIUM

Many people would like to own and maintain a saltwater aquarium but they shy away from them, turning instead to the freshwater variety because they have been told that saltwater aquariums are difficult to maintain and require additional equipment. That is not necessarily true. For the most part converting a freshwater tank to a saltwater tank is simple. Most of the equipment both tanks use is the same, with only a few notable exceptions. One such exception is the aquarium substrate. 

A shot of our 10 Gallon tank. Hopefully being used as an example of a personal water tank.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Instead of using the gravel that your fresh water fish preferred tropical fish fare better with a substrate that is made of live sand or crushed coral. Most filtering systems work well in both freshwater and saltwater environments, but many aquarium owners take advantage of the opportunity to upgrade their system, i is also important to remember that the filter you are using in your saltwater tank circulates the water throughout the entire tank. Disturbing the water's surface maximizes the amount of oxygen in the water. If you are planning to maintain a fish only aquarium you shouldn't have to worry about upgrading your lighting system. The only time the lights will have to be upgraded is if you start adding coral reefs to your tank.

A mistake many aquarium lovers make when they are converting their freshwater tanks to saltwater tanks is assuming that all they have to do is add a little salt to the water and voila, a saltwater tank. All they have done is create an environment that will kill any coral reefs, tropical fish, and freshwater fish that they place in the tank. The bacteria in saltwater is completely different from the bacteria in freshwater. People who want to speed the waters cycling process should scoop some aquarium substrate from a warm saltwater aquarium and transfer it to a temperate saltwater aquarium. Before you add fish to your freshly converted tank, make sure you purchase a refractometer and hydrometer to test the salinity of your water. The salinity should have a specific gravity that is between 1.020 and 1.026.

Saltwater causes rust. Check your tank and filtration system regularly. If you notice rust starting to form, it's time to replace your equipment.

Before you start stocking you saltwater aquarium with fish do a little research. Many variety's of tropical fish require a different type of food the freshwater varieties. Several of these variety's have to be fed combinations of fresh, frozen, and live food in addition to fish flakes. Frozen food should not be kept in your freezer for more then three months. If you are purchasing a fish that is going to need a great deal of live food, find out what kind of arrangements are going to Switching From a Freshwater Aquarium to a Home Saltwater Aquariums

Many people would like to own and maintain a saltwater aquarium but they shy away from them, turning instead to the freshwater variety because they have been told that saltwater aquariums are difficult to maintain and require additional equipment. That is not necessarily true. For the most part converting a freshwater tank to a saltwater tank is simple. Most of the equipment both tanks use is the same, with only a few notable exceptions. One such exception is the aquarium substrate. Instead of using the gravel that your fresh water fish preferred tropical fish fare better with a substrate that is made of live sand or crushed coral. Most filtering systems work well in both freshwater and saltwater environments, but many aquarium owners take advantage of the opportunity to upgrade their system, i is also important to remember that the filter you are using in your saltwater tank circulates the water throughout the entire tank. Disturbing the water's surface maximizes the amount of oxygen in the water. If you are planning to maintain a fish only aquarium you shouldn't have to worry about upgrading your lighting system. The only time the lights will have to be upgraded is if you start adding coral reefs to your tank.

A mistake many aquarium lovers make when they are converting their freshwater tanks to saltwater tanks is assuming that all they have to do is add a little salt to the water and voila, a saltwater tank. All they have done is create an environment that will kill any coral reefs, tropical fish, and freshwater fish that they place in the tank. The bacteria in saltwater is completely different from the bacteria in freshwater. People who want to speed the waters cycling process should scoop some aquarium substrate from a warm saltwater aquarium and transfer it to a temperate saltwater aquarium. Before you add fish to your freshly converted tank, make sure you purchase a refractometer and hydrometer to test the salinity of your water. The salinity should have a specific gravity that is between 1.020 and 1.026.

Saltwater causes rust. Check your tank and filtration system regularly. If you notice rust starting to form, it's time to replace your equipment.

Before you start stocking you saltwater aquarium with fish do a little research. Many variety's of tropical fish require a different type of food the freshwater varieties. Several of these variety's have to be fed combinations of fresh, frozen, and live food in addition to fish flakes. Frozen food should not be kept in your freezer for more then three months. If you are purchasing a fish that is going to need a great deal of live food, find out what kind of arrangements are going to have to be made to keep the food alive before consumption.

Most fish owners recommend purchasing a small tank that can be used as a quarantine tank. Placing a sick fish in a quarantine tank will make treating it easier and increase its odds of survival.have to be made to keep the food alive before consumption.

Most fish owners recommend purchasing a small tank that can be used as a quarantine tank. Placing a sick fish in a quarantine tank will make treating it easier and increase its odds of survival.

Preparing For a BETTA FISH

Getting ready for a pet is the busiest time of owning it. To get started, make sure you have a good supply of funds, and will be able to afford all the things to care for the needs of you new pet. You will also need to make sure you have time to care for and bond with your pet. Many people do not think you can bond with fish, but they are a very special type of pet that can live in a rather smaller size area, and still provide the companionship you need in a lonely or busy life. And do not hesitate to talk to your fish. They will listen, and not talk back or interrupt. Pets are also proven to be a health benefit.

Betta Splendens fish with his bubblenest just prior to a water change. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Betta, or Siamese Fighting Fish, is a tropical beauty native to Thialand. They naturally live in rice patties. Though these are rather shallow, they are hundreds of mile wide, and one fish can live in up to 100 gallons.

When you head to the pet store, be sure to pick up these things for your new Betta tank:

• Tank, no smaller than 5 gallons, preferably with a lid, and no vases.
• Tank stand, this is if you do not have anywhere to place your new aquarium.
• Filter, this will help you keep your tank water clean longer.
• Heater, Bettas are tropical and NEED heaters, get one that is adjustable.
• Silk or live aquarium plants, (FRESH WATER ONLY!)
• Other decor, be sure none of the things you put in are sharp enough to tear pantyhose or come from saltwater tanks.
• Aquarium gravel, if you like.
• Fish food. NOT FREEZE DRIED! Variety is better, and Bettas do not really like flakes, pellets are OK, but blood worms, brine shrimp, etc. are better for mimicking the natural habitat of a Betta fish.
• Water conditioner. This is good for tap water especially, but it is still recommended for well or fountain water.

When you have your supplies, you can put your tank together. Remove the tank from the box and place it were it will be standing. Make sure you are close to an outlet, where you will be powering your heater and filter from. (If you have a stand, put it together first.) Add the filter, heater and gravel, plants and decor. Fill the tank with water and add the instructed amount of water conditioner. Turn everything on and let it run overnight, you should be able to buy your fish the following day.

Have fun!

By Valik Rudd Valik Rudd is a Betta fish enthusiast. He writes about this topic to educate others on the fish's needs on his Betta fish blog. His latest articles about soap and salt in freshwater tanks is available at http://bettamaster.com/aquarium-salt-and-soap-for-bettas/. Article Source: EzineArticles

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Kumonryu KOI

Kumonryu Koi

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DISCUS FISH Keeping Tips - Simple Things You Must Know When Caring For Discus

Many new aquarists who try their hand at discus fish keeping have tried and failed. Some keep at it, hoping they will get the hang of it. While one group may live longer than the last, they just do not seem able to get past a certain critical point. And with these fishes being expensive as they are, it becomes disheartening after a while. If this is you, do not despair. With a little foreknowledge you can succeed with keeping them alive and thriving.

Discus fish (Symphysodon aequifasciatus)  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

To get you going, here are simple things you need to know about discus fish keeping.

Set The Temperature

While they are very peaceful and make ideal community fish, their tank-mates may not appreciate it. They require fairly high temperatures to be comfortable. Their ideal temperature is most times too high for other tropical fish. They require it to be between 80 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit. Most other fishes prefer it to be between 72 and 78.

So you can see the discrepancy there. It might not seem big to you, but if you were cold blooded and your normal range was the lower one, then when you are subjected to the higher ranges, you will feel like you are having a fever. You would not be very comfortable. The discus at lower temperatures will feel like they are experiencing cold chills.

Perform Water Changes Regularly

These guys need pristine water conditions at all times. You will need to change it on a regular basis and never miss one, ever!

Schoolmates

These are schooling fish and so they will not be happy in groups smaller than six.

The Book (not anymore available)

You might want to look at this book for all the secrets to successful discus fish keeping. So, click here for the secrets. Article Directory: EzineArticles

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AXOLOTL Housing - Axolotl Tank

The Aquarium

For someone looking to keep an axolotl in captivity as a pet it is recommended to use a long aquarium with a minimum of 18 inches in length. A standard 20 gallon aquarium is typically large enough for one adult axolotl.

An albino axolotl in captivity in my own tank. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

You don't want to fill the entire tank with water, you only need enough to cover the axolotl and allow some room for movement. Typically most enthusiasts fill the tank up about halfway to the top in most tanks, this allows a good depth of water for the axolotl, and enough space on top so water does not overflow from the movement of the axolotl.

Underneath the tank it is recommended you place black plastic of black paper, since the bottom of the aquarium, it can help the axolotl to have a more natural and darker tank bottom. Enthusiasts often use polystyrene board wrapped in a black plastic bag to help with the color and to spread the weight more evenly.

Filtration

Filtration is not necessary for axolotls, provided that you're willing to regularly change the water. If you choose to use a filter there are a number of options available, such as under-gravel, external "hang on" filters, and canister filters, all will work fine for axolotls but are not required if you opt to change the majority of the water in the tank weekly.

Axolotls excrete a lot of waste, mainly in the form of ammonia (NH3). Through the process of nitrification, ammonia is converted into the less harmful substance nitrite (NO2). This process is one of the most important aspects of filtration and is known is biological filtration.

If you plan on using a mechanical filter, we recommend "aging" your tank for at least two weeks after filling it up with water and installing the filter, before adding any axolotls. Doing this will aid in the development of the bacteria on the filter media, and in preparation for the addition of your axolotl.

Substrates

Axolotls cannot "grip" the bottom of a glass tank, and can cause unneeded stress over time, so we recommend you use a substrate such as sand or rock.

Standard aquarium gravel is not recommended for use in your axolotl tank because the small pieces can become lodged in your axolotls gut and you can risk injuring or killing your axolotl.

If you do wish to use gravel you must use gravel is at least pea sized, about 1/4″ or larger in diameter. Alternatively you can also use fine sand since it does not cause any blockages in the axolotl.

A popular gravel used in most axolotl tanks is a aggregate coated in polymer to prevent it from leeching any chemicals into the water and harming the axolotl. The gravel comes this way, already coated in polymer, and comes in many shapes and sizes.

Lighting

Axolotls do not require any special lighting, standard aquarium fluorescent lighting will work just fine for all axolotl tanks. Unless you are keeping live plants, a standard "hood" style aquarium light will work perfect for your tank.

Axolotls do not need light to survive, the light is purely for display purposes. The only requirement would be if you were keeping live plants in your aquarium, which would require special lighting.

Temperature & Heating

The water in your axolotl tank should be kept between 57-68 degrees, which in most homes does not require any heating or cooling to stay within this temperature.

Temperatures below 57 degrees leads to slower metabolism and a sluggish axolotl. Temperatures above 68 degrees raise the risk for disease, and fluctuations between warm and cool temperatures between nigh and day can also be stressful to your axolotl.

If you do require heating for your aquarium, standard heaters used in fish aquariums, both under the tank and in tank, will work fine for your axolotl tank.

Decoration

Adding decoration such as plastic plants, caves, and rocks gives the axolotl an added sense of security, and is visually appealing to the human eye.

By Josh Range - [http://Axolotl.us]     Article Source: EzineArticles

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ALBINO CORYDORA Catfish

Belonging to the Catfish family, Albino Corydoras grow to about 2- inches in length, the female being a bit larger than the male. They are white to pink in color with pink eyes that appear to be looking directly at you. Surrounding their mouths are barbels with which they hunt for food. It is vital to have nothing in the aquarium with jagged edges as the barbels are quite delicate and even rough gravel can damage them. Check everything for roughness before putting it in the aquarium.

"Albino Cory Spawning" by Docmarius - via Wikimedia Commons.

These fish are non-aggressive in nature, yet are able to hold their own against a more aggressive fish due to their spined fins. Because they are schooling fish, Corydoras are happiest in a group of five or more of their own species. They are playful and love to chase each other, taking occasional breaks to swim to the surface for a gulp of air, sometimes making a good splash before swimming back to the bottom.

he Albino Corydoras are a fish that can thrive in the smaller aquarium. It is acceptable to house a group of 6 -- 8 in a 10- gallon tank. They are hardy enough to withstand most water conditions, with the exception of salted water. Keep the temperature ot the water between 72 -- 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Have for them plenty of plant life as they will rest under the plants to take refuge of the lights from time to time. These fish will eat flaked foods, but being bottom feeders they will wait until the flakes have made the journey to the floor of the aquarium. If you have other species in the aquarium who feed from the surface, consider giving sinking pellets to the Corydoras. They will welcome treats such as live worms and frozen brine shrimp too.

Breeding is no problem for the Albino Corydoras. After spawning, the mother carries the eggs with her ventral fins to deposit them onto plant life and aquarium decorations. If you wish to raise the fry, carefully remove a plant that she placed the eggs onto and put it into a separate tank. But you will have to act soon, as the adult fish will waste no time devouring the eggs. In the end, the mother will have scattered up to 200 eggs. After about one week the fry will hatch.

Be sure to lower the setting of the air filter afore-hand because a powerful stream will injure the tiny fry. Feed microworms to them for the first week, after which you may slowly introduce them to flakes and pellets. When they reach about 3/4- inches in length they will be safe in the community tank. It's quite amusing to see the adult Albino Corydoras and the babies together, as the babies look like exact replicas of their parents, barbels and all. And with a little tender loving care, you can expect these babies to live approximately five years.

By Cybil Frost http://www.cybilf.webs.com - Article Source: EzineArticles

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