Blunthead Cichlid – Tropheus Moorii “Ilangi”

Blunthead Cichlid – Tropheus Moorii "Ilangi"
"They don’t call me Blunt head for nothing… So, let me be blunt!
I rule! Why? Because I am the very first Tropheus discovered, and THAT was over 100 years ago!"

   With more than 40 different color morphs,

the Blunthead Cichlid may actually have a variety for every color of the rainbow!

   The Blunthead Cichlid Tropheus Moorii was described over a hundred years ago (1898), and was the first of their genus be recognized. This is actually a small genus of fish in Lake Tanganyika, Africa, but with over 120 known color varieties. They are very specialized feeders which restricts their habitat to rocky areas with good algae growth. But they can be found spread throughout this enormous lake at almost every single reef, and each area has a unique color variety… (More)

Catalina Macaw – Polo!

Polo
"A most colorful bird… but thats not all!"
2009-11-03

Here’s what Valerie Cook says about Polo:

"I just got polo about 6 months ago. I thought it wouldnt take him time to get used to me. now he is just the love of our lives, he brings us so much joy. The funniest thing he has done to me so far is: i was sitting on the couch one day reading a book and polo was sitting on his couch and i could hear him moving around. well, then i felt these long toe nails on my foot, I thought it was my dog and when I looked down polo was on my foot looking up at me and he said come here! When he came to live with us he had a small vocabulary and I would say in 6 months he has learned about 20 new words. He also loves to antagonize my dogs, he will get down on the floor and chase them around the house.
I have a mini dashound and a 6 lb. min pin."

Giant Clam – Derasa

Derasa Clam ~ Tridacna derasa
"The Derasa Clam gets big! Yes, it can grow just under 2 feet in length. It’s a very hardy giant clam in the aquarium with a subtle and intriguing beauty… But yes! It is also used as a food source!"

   The Derasa Clam is one of the hardiest, most widely available giant clam for the aquarium!

   The Derasa Clam Tridacna derasa, along with its cousin the Gigas Clam Tridacna gigas, was one of the of the first aquacultured species of Tridacna clams. A popular food item, these clams have been hunted extensively throughout their natural
habitats. Today both of these giant clams are cultivated in captivity. They are supplied as a food source, but are also readily available to the aquarist.

   The Derasa Clam has proven to be one of the hardiest giant clams for the aquarium. T. derasa’s are also quite attractive. They usually have a mantle with a striped pattern of wavy lines or a spotted pattern. They sport various
color combinations of orange, yellow, black, blue, and white, some can even
have brilliant blue or green accents. (Read More Here)

Casper the friendly… Albino Raccoon!

Casper
"Check out the maskless Raccoon, Casper!"
2009-11-01

Here’s what Mary Wille says about Casper:

"He is a wonderful companion. He is 6 months old in this picture and all play now. He has been fixed, which is required under my permit. He is from a registered breeder and I have to carry a captive wildlife permit, which entails a lot of restrictions like only 2 raccoons per permit and all enclosures have to be a certian large size. They are good restrictions, but it is only good for 1 year, then I have to re-apply. That I don’t like, it should be for the life of your critter. Also, the permits were 50 dollars.

He is a neutered male and true albino, i.e. pink hands, feet, nose, mouth, and ears. A mama’s boy, he loves hugs and kisses. It’s not required, but he has his distemper shots and rabies shots. He makes a great companion but you need a lot of room and patience. It’s kinda like having a 2 to 3 year old in your farm, but with the mentality of a teenager…hmmmmm imagine that. We love him like he’s our kid, and he is a sweet heart. Couldn’t imagine life without him. "

Aquarium Care for Freshwater Fish

Aquarists Keep All Types of Freshwater Fish!
  Seeing a beautiful fish at a pet store or winning a goldfish at the fair can be the beginning of a very exciting journeying… becoming an aquarist!

Keeping tropical fish is fun and very rewarding. The adventure begins with getting an aquarium for your new aquatic pet. Then learning how to feed and care for it. Freshwater fish care is not difficult but there are a few basics.

This article will introduce you to some of the basics for keeping and caring for freshwater fish. Then as you become comfortable, you may want to begin keeping the unusual or more difficult types of tropical fish. Enjoy the journey!

   “Aquarium Care for Freshwater Fish” – Author: Vlad Gorgan

Have you ever wondered what the difference between freshwater fish and saltwater fish is? Here is one general thought. Freshwater fish are hardier, which makes them so much more lovable than saltwater ones. In order to be able to keep any freshwater fish, you need to set up a basic aquarium, comprising of the fish tank, rocks or substrate on the bottom, a water filter and a lighting system. As far as the fish are concerned, you cannot have incompatible fish in the same tank. They have to be a match from the point of view of the temperature and the water pH. Also, it is recommended to have approximately same-sized fish, for the risk of eating each other not to exist after a shorter or longer period of time.

When it comes to freshwater fish, they should receive fish food twice a day and only small quantities of food, approximately how much they can eat in two up to five minutes. What if you do not know how much food t give them and you give them too much? Well, in that case, the extra food will become debris, dirtying the fish tank. Generally, you should clean a fish tank every week and also you should check the water pH and the water temperature, so that it does not come to fish being affected in any way. If the conditions in the tank are not appropriate, then most of the times, your fish will get ill. Fortunately, you can easily observe that, but you then have to take care of them and treat as soon as possible, because usually, fish are not very resistant and they just as easily die.

When your fish get sick, you can buy them stress coats from shops and treat any sign of distress and another thing you should do is to never put too many fish in the same fish tank, as this is another reason for fish getting sick.

Coming back to the aquarium water, when you change it, you should only change a third of the total volume once, in order not to harm the fish in that water. Remember to change the water once every 2-3 weeks, using a siphon or a bucket. Also, you should never let any debris or extra algae in the water and you should check the temperature to remain constant at about two degrees. The filter should also be changed very carefully and at the right time. No matter what operation you perform, you should do it with your hands clean.

Keeping freshwater fish is a very pleasant hobby, barbs, live bearers, danios or other such fish being extremely resistant to large amounts of nitrates. What is always very important is to know how to assure them the best living conditions and never to introduce more than four fish in a fish tank in one week. This related to how many small fish you should add up every week. Be fresh by keeping freshwater fish!

Here is some additional information on Aquarium Care for Freshwater Fish:

• Freshwater Aquarium Setup and Maintenance – How to set up an aquarium for the best results
• Fish Care – Maintenance Schedule – A few quick basics about caring for tropical fish
• Cycling Your Aquarium – Starting the aquarium cycle for a healthy aquarium

Your Pets Safety During Halloween

  Halloween is a very fun time for people… but Halloween can be a big challenge for our pets!

  The guessing games and fantasies we create with costumes and strange sounds are exciting, but unfortunately they are not fun for our animal companions. It can be quite scary for them, potentially dangerous, and highly stressful.

  This timely article has some great safety tips for pets during this holiday.

  Pet Safety Tips For Halloween

Loud music, crazy costumes, laughing and screaming people and delicious food—this might sound like the perfect Halloween for you and your friends, but it can be a potentially dangerous and scary time for your pets. With all of the commotion, your pet might behave inappropriately or become stressed. Below are some ways that you can ensure your pet stays safe and calm during this frightful holiday.

Westie Breed Treats: Do’s and Dont’s

The West Highland White Terrier (or Westie)
The Westie is one of the most versatile and adaptable of the terrier breeds. This is a spunky, fun-loving little dog that reaches only 10″ to 12″ tall. They are a favorite pet, and on that is well suited for an apartment.
This article offers some great tips for your Westie when offering treats!

Hi, my name is Duncan and I am a 2 year old Westie. I want to tell you a story about the types of food that I can and can’t eat because it can be unhealthy or even dangerous for me. It can also be dangerous for all dogs also. So please read my story below so all my friends are safe.

I love the food you buy at the veterinarian mom, I think that’s why my Westie coat is so nice and my face so white, and….. I’m always very healthy. I love the piece of apple and carrot you give me when you prepare the supper, yummy!!!!!

BUT, my health is mostly a result of not getting table food (well almost “not”). I like a piece of crust from your toast mom at breakfast. But I’m a good little Westie, I don’t beg for food and I lie in my little bed waiting till you’re ready to share it with me, oh that crust smells so good – I can’t wait!

BUT, there’s some foods I will not digest at all, and it might be very harmful to me, I can even die! I want to live a long life with both of you, mom and dad.

Here are these foods:

Chicken, pork and fish bones, oh my!!! they might break and get stuck in my troat, I might choke…..ouch, I can’t breath…. my digestive system might get damaged – oh noooooooooo!

Chocolate looks yummy to me, but … it’s a NO NO for the Westie breed and any dog for that matter… They say the darker it is, the worst it is…… oh boy!

Milk is good only for my neighbor friend, the “putty cat”, ahhh…. i’m so lactose intolerant.

It’s ok for me to chew my rubber bone, but please don’t give me sugar free gum, they told me that it contains xylitol that can lower my blood sugar levels very fast, and I might die.

How about drinks with caffeine. I might have seizures from the toxic substance in it and affect my heart and nervous system.

Since my liver and kidneys are healthy, no mushrooms for me, because they may contain toxins. Avocados are definitely out as they are very toxic for me.

Oh onions, my blood cells can become damaged and anemia might result.

My intestines are functioning perfectly, so please don’t feed me raisins or grapes, I might get diarrhea and vomit.

I love to run in the park, if I eat macadamia nuts, there’s a compound in them that could temporarily cause paralysis to my hind legs which means no more running. Now I do not want that to happen after all, I won’t be able to run after the silly rabbits out there.

See? If you help me with my diet, my doggy kingdom and I will live happily ever after.

About the Author: Christiane is an author and publisher of Westies Club, a web site dedicated to the Westie breed. The site is also a fervent and advocate supporter of Westie rescue. Christiane cares for and loves her Westie Duncan and she relates her experiences about her Westie in her blog from her Westie, Duncan. viewpoint.

Marwari Horses

Marwari – Marwari Horse
"Check out these ears!
Despite it’s ears, (or maybe because of them!) the Marwari Horse is a proud and aristocratic breed… once a war horse of India’s elite Rathore warriors!"

  The color of the Marwari is as important in this breed

as is its forthright presence and arrogant bearing!

   Originated in Northwest India, the Marwari ia a proud and aristocratic breed. It was the war horse of India’s elite Rathore warriors. They used this horse to help defend the area near the Khyber Pass in Pakistan, a gateway between the two countries. It survived centuries of political turmoil and the deeds of this loyal, bold warhorse are recorded in prose, poetry and song.

   The Marwari horse is also famed as a bejeweled dancing horse of formal ceremony and celebration. A strain of the breed, the Natchni, is reputed to be “born to dance”. Their grace and beauty are in high demand at ceremonial events in India… (more)

Arabian Horses

Arabian Horse
"All are familiar with the popular Arabian horse! Why just the name ‘Arabian’ conjures up many wonderful images… from proud horses to the fun and whimsical… like ‘Aladdin!"

   The Arabian, known for its incredible endurance, can maintain a run for over 100 miles!

  The Arabian, one of the oldest breed of horse, and is also the purest breed of horse. They have existed for at least 4,500 years. The Arabian horse is known to have been in existence since the time of Muhammad. It is also believed to have been developed by the nomadic Bedouin’s in the desert belt of Africa, extending from the Atlantic Ocean to the Arabian Desert, for 2,500 years prior to that. As Islamic influence spread so did the Arabian horse, to be bred all over the Middle East and North Africa. With the Moorish invasion of Spain in the 7th century it was introduced to Europe.

   The Arabian horses have a beautiful and unique appearance. They are generally small in stature but readily recognized by their dished face and fine features. As they were bred in different parts of the world various breeds emerged including the Polish Arabian, the Shagya Arabian in Hungary, and the Egyptian Arabian. The Arabian blood contributed to the development of many other fine breeds as well, such as the Lipizzaner and the Thoroughbred, and it is still used to improve and refine other breeds…(more)

Aquatic Passion Photo of the Month Winner – September 2009

Congratulations to Chad for this cool photo of a Trumpet Coral – Caulastrea echinulata

A very similar species to the Candycane coral C. furcata. The trumpet coral is usually less colorful than the candycane and has trumpet shaped polyps which are more closely packed. See pictures illustrating the Candycane and Trumpet Coral differences.

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