The Breeding of Extremely Popular Species - The BLUE GOURAMIS

Photo  by Joel Carnat 

One of the extremely popular species of fish is blue Gourami. There are also called three spot Gourami. There are a number of variations in this species because of color combinations. Blue, silver, gold and hybrid colors are seen in the pet shops.

If you try to find out three spots on their body, you may get confused. In reality, there are only two spots - one in the middle of their body and the other one at the beginning of their tail. However, their eye is also considered one spot, which makes them a three spots fish.

Blue Gouramis can change their color according to their mood. Especially during the spawning period, their mood is the best and their colors really shine. They have a labyrinth organ which means they can gulp care directly from the atmosphere. This feature makes them tougher because they can easily survive in low oxygen water.

As the adults grow up to 5 inches, they are ready for reproduction. Their colors will brighten and they tend to get aggressive. In case of females, their breast will be swollen. During the spawning period, you should provide enough space for them to swim and hide because due to excessive aggression by males, they may get injured.

When the spawning begins, the male will build up a bubble nest. After bidding, the male will try to encourage the female to go under it. He will swim around the female and indicate her to go under the bubble nest. When the female is ready, she will bite the male at his back and in response, the male will brush his body against the belly of the female.

During the spawning process, the male will wrap his body tightly around the body of the females to ensure that the eggs will float to the surface without any hassle. As the sperms will survive only for a few minutes, it is important for the male to ensure that they are as close to the eggs as possible.

As soon as the sperms reach the bubbles nest, the eggs get fertilized. This process is repeated for a lot of times and it may take several hours. The eggs are produced in thousands so the possibility of new ones coming out is high.

Ones this process is completed, the job of the females is over. At this point in time, you should remove all the females from the breeding tank because the males will attack them for protecting the eggs! Till the time of hatching, the males will protect the eggs. They will also scrutinize the eggs and rearrange them. During this time, you will see an interesting incidence - the males will spit the streams of water over them for cleaning and positioning the eggs. This spitting is also useful for preventing insects to hang around the eggs.

The hatching time is about 30 to 40 hours. The new ones will come out and they will start eating right from the first day. This is a crucial time for the fry because they're all of the organs including the labyrinth organ will be developed. They should be fed with good live food like baby shrimp during this time.

The new ones should be kept in a separate tank for at least two months. Once they are fully grown, you can shift them to the main aquarium.

By Chintamani Abhyankar Chintamani Abhyankar is a goldfish enthusiast and has been raising and breeding goldfish for many years. He is an expert on their care and an advocate for raising healthy goldfish the natural way.  Article Source: EzineArticles

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GOLDFISH Maintenance

Photo  by You As A Machine 

Goldfishes were first among the fishes and also the most common fishes that were kept as pets. They are popular because they are inexpensive and long-lasting. They can even survive in ponds covered with ice until they have sufficient supply of oxygen. Many types of goldfishes are available in the market. Because of selective breeding, different types of goldfishes are available which differ in color, shape, eye and fin configuration. Some of these fishes cannot survive in the wild and must be kept only in the aquarium. This is because of their attractive colors. Thanks to mixed breeding, the body of some fishes have been modified which is an obstruction in natural breeding. Such kinds of fishes are hand bred, but this procedure is very risky and has to be executed very carefully.

Goldfishes can be kept in an aquarium with cold water. According to the popular perception, goldfishes should have to be kept in a goldfish bowl. But what people do not realize is that the decreased water surface area provides lesser oxygen to the fishes, which can result in difficulty in respiration. The fishes also die very quickly because of ammonia or nitrite poisoning. Hence, goldfish bowls have been banned in many countries. Also, goldfishes that are kept in bowls have a shorter lifespan. One medium sized goldfish need a minimum of ten gallons of water. Goldfishes intoxicate the water very quickly with their feces and the chemicals released from their gills. The water should be cleaned regularly otherwise the fishes can die in a short period. The water surface area should be considered when introducing new fishes to the aquarium, because of more the water surface area, more the diffused oxygen. The water can also be aerated with the help of filter or water pump. Goldfishes cannot survive sudden water temperature shifts. This usually happens in winters, when the heating is turned on.

The goldfishes shouldn’t be touched because it would result in a slimy coating on its body coming out, which exposes the skin to bacterial infection. This is very dangerous to the health of the fish. Goldfishes, when kept in dark will lose their color. This is because they have pigments in the cells, similar to the pigments in human, which causes it to become tan. Therefore, lights should be installed in closed rooms. A full hood can be used to provide adequate light. But if the aquarium has water less than thirty gallons, then the room lights will do the job. Also, the aquarium can be placed in the natural light, if it is available.

Goldfishes are opportunistic feeders, that is, they will eat whenever food is provided to them. The more the food is given to them, the more the waste created. They should be given food only twice a day and the quantity must be only that much which it can finish in a couple of minutes. The food should have high carbohydrate and low protein, as the fish will be unable to digest proteins well because of the lack of stomach. Other than the commercial food flakes and pellets, they can also be given bloodworms and green leafy vegetables. If the fishes are overfed, it could lead to the bursting of their intestines.

The goldfish can grow up to twenty-three inches and can weigh up to ten pounds. There are known to live for twenty years, but in captivity, they live for eight years. Goldfishes although are good in aquariums, they can also be kept in ponds. The depth of the water should be more than thirty inches so that the water doesn’t freeze in winter. Plants should also be added to the pond as they will filter the water and even increase the oxygen amount in the water. Along with that, filters should also be used to the clean the pond water.  Ponds are a good place to breed goldfishes. Water surface should be one square foot for each inch of fish’s length.

The goldfishes kept in the aquarium and as well as in the ponds should not be mixed with tropical fishes or any other kind of fish. Since most of the goldfishes are hybrid variety, they are more prone to attacks. Some fishes not only attack the goldfishes but also suck on their wounds.

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Chicago SHEDD AQUARIUM, Discover Teeming Life Under the Water

The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, viewed from the southeast. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Chicago Shedd Aquarium shed some light on the animals down under the water.

I love the ocean, and visiting is generally one of my favorite things to do. The best part about Chicago is that they have not only water but then I can see exactly what goes on under the water at the aquarium all around the world.

Here's what you can expect from a day at the Shedd Aquarium a fantastic exploration of the waters from the:

° Oceanarium, dolphin performances, sea otters and et.

° Caribbean Reef, sharks, jellyfish, the dangerous waters off the Caribbean coasts

° Amazon Alligators, snakes, spiders more amazing creatures

° The Wild Reef, showing eels more sharks, beautiful schools of various fish and much more

I love this place because this amazing Aquarium brings you face to face with some of the most amazing creatures.

One of my favorite visits I was with my husband and we were looking at these rocks which were about a foot or so from the glass all propped together, we were looking for any sign of life inside this particular tank when we noticed an eye looking at us from this small hole, about five inches around. I wasn't quite sure what eye was staring back at me. I quickly discovered that it was an octopus, the entire eight-foot octopus squeezed out of this tiny hole and filled the entire length of the glass in front of us! It was so amazing to see just how small they can make themselves and just how big they can get when they're fully stretched out. It almost seemed like a different creature!

The Chicago Shedd Aquarium really makes the underwater world come to life! Each exhibit makes it feel like you're really there!

It's an amazing place to take family friends or to even go alone. Plus they have discount days on occasion and delicious restaurants on site. It's really a lot of fun and quite an experience for the everyone.

By Christy Williamson - Article Source: EzineArticles

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Red-eared SLIDER - Trachemys scripta elegans

Red-eared Slider - Trachemys scripta elegans - Photo: Wikipedia

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Automatic FISH FEEDERS - An Introduction

Today, people are more eager to keep at least one fish in their homes. Fish keeping has become one of the favorite hobbies of people. But most of them often face problems when it comes to feeding their fish. The people find it hard to feed right amount of food or feed on time, or to make proper feeding arrangements when they have to be away from their homes for days. But the invention of automatic fish feeder has solved these problems.

The automatic fish feeder is designed to feed the fish automatically by releasing the right amount of food at particular time intervals. This device can be fixed to the aquarium, mostly on the top position. This device either run on battery power or electrical power. Some can use both these power sources.

Normally, this has a container which is divided into numbers of small cells. The number of cells may vary from 8 - 28. In these cells, you fill fish food. Some devices provide an option to fill the container with different varieties of food at a time. You can even provide medications to the fish using this device.

The next feature is the timer through which you can set a particular time to release the fish food. There is an LCD screen which helps you to set the feeding time, a number of feedings in a day and in some devices, it displays the amount of fish food left in the container.

An automatic fish feeder can usually feed up to four times per day. Some of them can feed up to eight times per day. There are few which can even feed up to one month.

Some automatic fish feeders face food clumping problems. Clumping happens when cool air enters the cells and damps the food. As a result, the food gets clumped and it will stick to the cells instead of falling into the tank when released. To counter this problem, many automatic fish feeders have a stir bar which prevents clumping.

By Allen Richards This is what an automatic fish feeder is and this is how it works. Nowadays, these devices are in great demand and it is not an unusual thing since they offer many benefits to fish keepers. Now, the manufacturers are working hard on to improve the product. You can have a look at automatic fish feeders of different brand names if you visit the author's website automatic fish feeders. Article Source: EzineArticles

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Freshwater TURTLES

Photo  by delta407 

Hi! Good Morning! I am Deirochelys reticularia, nickname - Chicken turtle, because of my long, striped, neck. I am a freshwater turtle and belong to a reputed family Emydidae. I inhabit the calm and quiet weedy freshwater ponds, swamps or marshes.

Look at the fine grooves and yellow network on the surface of my brown carapace (4 to 10 inches long). Whenever I get bored, I come out and enjoy moving on the land. I relish both non-vegetarian and vegetarian foods. Remember, never ever try to irritate me, else I will bite!

Let me introduce other family members:

Mr. Clemmys marmorata, (Pacific/Western Pond turtle)

Miss Emys orbicularis (European pond turtle/Swamp turtle)

Mr. Emydoidea blandingii (Blanding's turtle).

Mrs. Graptemys geographica (Common Map turtle)

Baby Graptemys pseudogeographica (False Map turtle)

Master Clemmys guttata (Spotted turtle)

Miss Pseudemys concinna (River Cooter)

Ma'm Trachemys scripta elegans (Red-eared Slider) look at the significant red stripe behind the eyes.

Mr.Chrysemys picta picta (Eastern Painted Turtle)

Mrs. Pseudemys rubriventris (Eastern Red-bellied Turtle)

Mr. Calemys insculpta (Wood Turtle)

They are basically carnivorous but sometimes nibble on plants and seeds for a change of palate. They all inhabit shallow lakes, weedy marshes, ponds etc.

Let's go over there; Kinosternidae family is having a great picnic on tadpoles, snails, worms, and crayfish-

There are -Mr. Kinosternon subrubrum (Mud turtle and Eastern Mud Turtle) and Mrs. Kinosternon flavescents (Yellow Mud turtle) with yellow throat, smooth brown carapace and a big double hinged dull colored plastron.

Meet young and energetic Musk turtle, Common Musk Turtle and Loggerhead Musk Turtle. Though close kins, they are different species under the genus Sternotherus. They have a short tail, grey, brown or dull colored oval-shaped shell, a single hinged plastron and white stripes on the two sides of the head.

But don't dare to disturb them, else they may emit a strong foul smell from the glands which can knock you out (...just between you and me, we call them "stinkpot" because of the odor...yuck)! They don't grow beyond 6 inches and have characteristic fleshy barbels on the chin.

There, basking on the sandbars, are the ace swimmers - Miss Apalone ferox and Apalone spinifera (Spiny- and Florida soft-shell turtles) of the Family Trionychidae. They are big (5-24 inches), carnivoresand have leathery shells.

Wow! There is Mr.Chelydra serpentina (Snapping Turtle) of Chelydridae family; largest of our kind (8-20 inches) with strong snapping jaws. How majestic!

Aren't we fascinating? Then why do you gobble us? Why eh...?

By Paul Bryan For more information about pet turtles visit: Freshwater Turtles. Article Source: EzineArticles

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SALTWATER AQUARIUMS from A-Z: Purchasing an Aquarium

Saltwater Fishtank - Photo: Wikimedia

There are a million different types of aquariums on the market and with the number of choices available and the fact that there is no guaranteed formula for success for creating a saltwater aquarium it can be very difficult for individuals to choose which type of aquarium they should purchase. There are a number of factors which should be considered before the would-be biologist ever sets foot inside a pet store.

The first is size. As trite as it may sound an aquarium is a definite example of a time when size matters. The size of the aquarium must be sufficient to hold the types and number of fish which the owner intends to place inside. Just as you would never attempt to place a large goldfish inside a small bowl neither should you attempt to place a large saltwater fish in a small aquarium. This is particularly true if you are attempting to add a small carnivore, such as one of the smaller breeds of shark, to your home. These predators need space to swim or they will slowly make themselves mad and perhaps even perish from the confinement (a bit melodramatic and Victorian, but true nonetheless).

There are several options for size when it comes to aquariums, and a good pet shop should be able to help advise consumers as to which size would best suit their needs.

Another consideration is materials. Glass and acrylic are the two choices most widely available on the market at the moment. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Glass is by far the more popular of the two due to the fact that it is less likely to scratch, allowing the sides to maintain their clarity. It is also considerably less expensive, an important consideration as it can cost a great deal of money to establish a saltwater aquarium and every advantage should be taken. Finally, the nature of the silicone sealant used in glass aquariums allows the tank to expand more readily when water is added.

Acrylic tanks come with their own advantages. There is almost no limit to the shape and size that an acrylic tank can take, allowing for a greater amount of creativity in tank design. It is also considerably more durable than glass, an important consideration if the aquarium is going to be displayed in a public place or if the owner has small children. Where a small bump may crack or otherwise damage a glass tank acrylic tanks are made of hardier stuff. It is also easier to adjust the filtration options on an acrylic tank, as it is not necessary to have the number of special tools available that are necessary to cut glass.

Whether acrylic or glass the would-be saltwater aquarium owner will probably have the option to purchase a pre-drilled tank to prevent overflow, giving the tank a much smoother appearance than the antiquated but still popular "hang on the back" method. 

Buying an aquarium can be a tricky business; however, the truth of the matter is that as long as the ecosystem is properly designed and the tank cleaned thoroughly prior to use there is no right or wrong choice. It is all a matter of personal preference.

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