Different Cichlid Types You Should Know

There is no question that cichlids are fast becoming one of the most popular pet fishes. This is just understandable given the lovable characteristics of cichlids. If you want to follow the trend, you better acquaint yourself to the different cichlids types. The ones below can be considered as the most popular types of cichlids. Check to see if one of them is the one that you would like to have on your own.
• Discus fish
The Discus fish is a common choice because they are very sociable. You see, most cichlid breeds are aggressive and dominant so they are usually hard to incorporate with other fishes. Although discus fishes live in large groups, they are really very fond of schooling. The best tip when taking care of discus fish is to ensure that you get at least three of them. Their fish personality dictates that they be part of a group. Having two or only one cichlid in an aquarium would only make the discus fish sad and lonely.

• Angelfish Cichlid
You probably know it as angelfish but this type is very much a part of the cichlid breed. What you should understand is that Angelfish Cichlid is the more obvious choice for people who want fish pets that are relaxed. They are not too aggressive that most people fall in love with their natural grace. Angelfish Cichlids are also very elegant.

• Convict Cichlid
These types of cichlids are the most appealing to beginning cichlid owners. You see, Convict Cichlids are very much easy to keep. They also require low maintenance duties. The only downside is that you need to put on effort in decorating its new home. As much as possible, your tank must be very similar to its natural habitat-rocky with caves and substrate. Convict cichlids often burrow themselves so make sure you give them enough space to play around.

• Dwarf Cichlid
The Dwarf Cichlid is probably one of the most challenging to keep. However, most breeders prefer them over other cichlid types because they are less aggressive than some of its relatives like the Bolivian cichlids. They are also easy to mix with other fishes as long as they are compatible with each other. Although quite active, dwarf cichlids are very popular among breeders and cichlids enthusiasts.

• Jack Dempsey
Jack Dempsey is obviously named after the well-known boxer. They are loved because of their colors. They usually have greenish pecks in their tan bodies while they are young. They turn to purple gray when they get more mature. Their green specks usually turn to gold during these times.

• Oscar Fish
The Oscar fish is one of the toughest varieties. Their best feature is that they can stand almost any kind of water types. They also grow beyond 18 inches. They also have wide food choices including live food, flakes and pellets. It is easy to know if you aren't feeding Oscar fishes enough. Their colors wouldn't be that bright if they are unhealthy. So, it's the sign to watch out for.

Knowing these cichlid types can really help you jumpstart your hobby as a cichlid collector.

Is your cichlid always sick and unhappy? Are you looking for resources to help care, keep and breed healthy and beautiful cichlids? Larry Pearson is an Expert Author and an authority on caring and breeding cichlid fish.

What Makes a Flowerhorn Lucky

Have you seen a flowerhorn? It is not a thorny flower found in the deepest recesses of the forest. Rather, it is a hybrid of various species of South American cichlids that was developed in Malaysia in the late 1990?s. The flowerhorn has a characteristic hump on the top of its head. There are also markings on the side of the fish. This unusual features of the flowerhorn adds to its charms. The flowerhorn cichlids has become one of the favorites of aquarists to care for. This is because of the relative ease in keeping them, as well as the associated luck it brings to those who own them.

There are different kinds of flowerhorn fish. There is the red dragon, the kamfa, the Thai flowerhorn also known as the Thai silk, and many more. These different types of flowerhorns share the same features.

The flowerhorn sale was at its highest in the early 2000. The hump on the fish?s head has been associated to the Chinese God of Longevity, Shou Xing. It also resembles the gourd the god carries with him which contains the water of life. The markings on the sides of the flowerhorn fish, on the other hand, resemble the Chinese characters and numbers. And in some rare occasions, they resemble the character for luck.

There were some occasions in the past where flowerhorn owners attributed their good fortune on the fish. A woman won the lottery. She claimed that the numbers she used were the numbers on the flowerhorn she owns. There are also business owners who experienced increase in sales since they placed a flowerhorn in their shop. With events like these happening around, the market for flowerhorns was stimulated.

Indeed the association between flowerhorn and of the great fortune some owners have amassed while caring for the fish is still an issue of dispute, there is no denying that the flowerhorn fish is becoming the favorite of many aquarists. There is no harm in believing that flowerhorns are lucky. Be it that you believe in luck or you just want to have a fine specimen in your aquarium. After all, there is no harm in trying. If you don?t win the lottery, at least you have a wonderful fish to have as a pet.

The Best Freshwater Aquarium: Glass Vs Acrylic

Many people who are getting started in aquarium keeping will be faced with this question, and it can be quite confusing. It's not easy to decide between acrylic and glass for the best freshwater aquarium without knowing the pros and cons of each, so in this article we will have a look at why you may opt for one instead of the other.

Let's start with glass, the age-old material that has been used for many years to make all sorts of things. It is so trusted because it has its advantages, but it also has its disadvantages.

To start with, glass is much heavier than acrylic. When you consider which is the best freshwater aquarium, you will find that acrylic is the better option. It is much lighter and as a result, even the stand that you use will not be unduly strained. If you think about the possibility of an accident, you are much better off with acrylic too - it will not shatter into tiny, dangerous fragments if it ever falls down. True, the glass aquarium that you buy may be made of toughened glass and therefore hard to break, but this does not mean that it's unbreakable.

Acrylic, though much lighter, is a much tougher material. The material strands are blended in such a way that they can take a lot of strain without giving way and this is what makes it shatter-proof. Glass on the other hand will worry you if it gets even a tiny crack, because it will put strain on the entire structure especially considering that there is the weight of water to make the pressure that much more. As an aside, if you own a glass aquarium and it has a crack, consider replacing it because that is an accident waiting to happen.

Acrylic will also give you options with shape because it is mouldable without making it weaker. Glass is too, but the more you bend and play around with glass, the more delicate and brittle it tends to become. With acrylic, you will be able to get tanks in many different shapes, and you can choose the best freshwater aquarium that is something other than just square or rectangular.

If you ever need to modify your tank, maybe to put in an overflow system, go with acrylic. You can cut it easily with common tools that you can get at your tool store. Glass would require a glass expert and any holes will tend to leave the entire structure rather unstable.

Glass, because of its nature will tend to distort images and light. This means that depending on the angle from which you are looking into your fish tank, you may see that the fish and whatever else is in the tank look distorted. This will not happen with acrylic. Glass tanks also tend to be that much thicker, another factor that will distort view.

Glass does have its positive attributes though; it's a natural material and it will not discolour like acrylic. Acrylic tends to yellow with time, and because your fish tank has algae in it, if you are not very regular with the cleaning, you may find that the color of the tank has permanently changed. Glass will also outshine acrylic any day - you just can't get the same gleam however much you polish an acrylic tank. With an acrylic freshwater aquarium, you are always watching out not to scratch it - scratches are unsightly and they will affect the general attractive look of the tank.

Acrylic, because of all these qualities, will be more expensive, as well as more tasking to ship - it has to be wrapped very carefully so as not to get scratched. All that said though, you are much better off with acrylic as the best freshwater aquarium, so long as you clean it regularly enough for it not to yellow fast and avoid getting scratches on it.

Origins and Different Meanings of Koi Fish Types

Koi fish meaning is the thing that people who own and breed koi fish seek because they want to believe that the koi fish means or symbolize something other than just being ornamental fish. They want to believe that caring for a Koi will bring them more than just satisfaction because it can mean something more.

For people who do not know much about the Koi fish, it is nothing but common wild carp with colored mutations. However, for people in the East, specifically in Japan, the Koi is more than just color mutated common carp. The common carp originated in China and was later on brought to different Asian countries such as Japan and Korea, and now they can be found all over the world. Over the years, since the conception of the Koi (more commonly known as the Nishikigoi in Japan), many beliefs, legends and myths have been told to explain the meaning of the Koi or what it represents.

Indeed there have been many stories that have been told about the Koi. According to Japanese myths and beliefs, the Koi can symbolize masculinity, prosperity or good fortune, perseverance during adversity and strength of purpose. In Chinese, a Koi symbolizes balance and harmony (yin and yang), courage and also good luck.

According to the most popular Japanese story about what the Koi fish symbolizes, if a Koi is able to swim up and against the current of a waterfall, at a point called Dragon Gate on a river called the Yellow River, it will transform into a dragon. Thus, explaining why the Koi fish symbolizes perseverance during adversity. The Koi fish is known to swim upstream, like that of the salmon, this perhaps best explains where this most common story about what it symbolizes have come from.

Masculinity is one of the things that a Koi is said to symbolize in Japanese Culture. Every year the Japanese hold an event they call Boys Day Festival where each son in a family participates in the form of a Koi shaped kite. The bigger the kite, the better. The Japanese consider the carp as one of the most energetic fish because it is constantly moving and motion is seen as a characteristic of that of a boy.

In Japanese culture, the Koi fish also symbolizes Family. A specific color represents a member of the family. For example, the black koi is for the father, the flame red koi is for the mother, the blue and white koi represents the son and the pink and red represents the daughter.

The colors of the Koi also have significant meanings. For example, the platinum or silver colored fish represents success in business and the gold koi represents wealth and prosperity.

Many people have taken up collecting different types of Koi as a hobby and most of them believe that the Koi brings good luck and wealth. This can be because a Koi fish can be very expensive, especially the ones that are deemed to be high quality; these kinds of Koi have perfect color markings.

A Koi can mean a lot of different thing but there are really no concrete meanings. All of these are based merely on myths and different beliefs of people. In the end, it is up to the person to decide what the Koi means for him.

Designing the Perfect Aquarium

An aquarium can range from a small fish bowl to public aquaria that can house marine fish such as sharks and other sea animals including turtles and sting rays. However, the essence of an aquarium is not necessarily what living creatures contain them but how it is designed.

An aquarium can be used as decoration in some cases, to brighten up an event or simply placed in a cosy living room. If you own a fish tank or small aquarium of your own then there are tips on how you can aquascape the water filled space.

When a new fish tank is bought, one of the first things you will consider is the ornaments and plants that will accompany the inhabitants of the tank. The key is not to overload the space with novelty ornaments as it will look too overcrowded. One of the biggest dangers of designing a small household aquarium is getting too eager and filling the tank with too many objects, which makes it look crammed. Yes, we all believe the classic castle ornament belongs in our fish tanks, but too many novelty items can make it look too 'busy'. By all means keep the traditional ornament, however don't go over the top.

Another good tip is to have a good mixture of ornaments and plants in your aquarium. It is important to create a balance so the tank refrains from looking too cluttered. For example you could use artificial or live plants along with plastic figures. However, do not use too many plant forms as it is important for the fish to move around easily and sometimes artificial plants can restrict that. You could also add rocks to the bottom of the aquarium to add a more natural feel to the space.

In addition, adhering to a theme for your aquarium is an option when considering a design. Some fish tank owners like to create a sunken ship scenario or recreate the image of the barrier reef. It is up to you which theme you choose, and you can consult local aquarium or pet shops for ideas about a specific genre for your tank. On the other hand, if you're eager to keep up to date with modern designs then I urge you to go to your local aquarium shop and inquire about new trends and new ornaments available. Also, look around the shop's own displays and try and recreate their design.

Finally, when creating a design one of the aspects that must be considered are the inhabitants of the aquarium. It is important to keep the most natural living space for the fish you have housed in your tank. Look online or ask in your local aquarium shop about the natural setting of your fish depending on the species. I advise you to consider this because even though it is important to create an eye catching design it is vital that the inhabitants of the aquarium can adapt to the setting you have provided for them.

There Are Many Different Fish Tank Filters

A fish tank filter is one of the pieces of equipment that you will need to get your fish aquarium set up properly. A freshwater fish filter will help to circulate the air in the water for your fish. This really helps to maintain a healthy environment. These filters help to run all the water in the aquariums through the fish tank filter at least four times an hour. It is recommended for small to medium fish aquariums to have a power filter or an under-gravel filter but a canister filter is recommended for the larger aquariums.

One of the first filters was the corner filter which set in one of the back corners of the aquariums and is one of the cheaper fish tank filters sold today. They have a less powerful flow intake which is good for those that have breeding tanks.

The canister freshwater fish tank filter is more powerful and fits best on medium to larger tanks. The canister can be hidden in the back of the aquarium and it forces water through the filter media instead of flowing past the filters. If you wish to increase the biological filtration capacity of the canister filter then you will want to add a bio-wheel. The only disadvantage of the canister filter is that it is very difficult to take apart for maintenance and cleaning and is just as difficult to get it primed and restarted.

The next fish tank filter is the diatomic filter which removes the very small particles in the water. This kind of tank filter is used most often when diatomic algae is a problem. These diatomic freshwater fish tank filters are only used for specific situations so most often standard filters are used with a diatomic insert to be used when needed.

Then there is the fluidized bed fish tank filters which use sand as the filer medium and it is a very efficient biological filter. Even though it takes a while longer for these particulate substances to mature they make excellent filters and they can be used in any size fish tank.

The most commonly used fish tank filter is the power filter. It hangs off the back and is so simple to install and maintain. It provides mechanical and chemical filtration and can be combined with a bio-wheel to help biological filtration increase.

The under gravel filter has been around a long time and is placed on the aquarium floor and then the air pump pulls the water down through the rocks along with the unwanted matter. The UGF is inexpensive and is very easy to set up. It is also maintenance free but if you use live plants in your aquariums then this can cause the UGF to clog.

Golden Retriever Puppy Biting

We all know how cute puppies are, especially these ones. However, we are all guilty of mistaking them biting us as cuteness. Many owners don't realise that this so called 'harmless behaviour' can lead to aggressive and dominant behaviour in adulthood. You must therefore, ensure that you get rid of your puppy biting issue immediately.

Most Golden Retriever puppies learn to stop biting very early on as their brothers and sisters will bite them back. This usually happens around about 8 weeks old. If the biting doesn't stop after this point then it can become very troublesome to stop them biting...

Golden Retriever Puppy Biting Problems: Young and Naive

It is imperative that you act quickly and decisively as soon as you notice your Golden Retriever puppy biting problem If you have just got your pup and it is younger than 8 weeks old then at once is the time to act.

To begin, please don't hit your puppy when it bites you. This can sometimes be a major reason why they develop aggression problems in later life.

The best way to stop your Golden Retriever puppy biting is to address the cause issue. To stop your Golden Retriever puppy biting use the 'stick and carrot' method. The basic model of this is to reinforce and reward good behaviour and discourage bad behaviour. This doesn't insinuate punishing them!

Avoid any form of physical games with your puppy as this will encourage aggressive behaviour.The main aim is to be consistent in your actions. Please don't send mixed signals to your puppy such as encouraging rough games one week and not the next. This is because it can confuse them, and can lead to aggression in later life.

Golden Retriever Puppy Biting Problems: Education

Another great way to stop your Golden Retriever puppy biting is to begin some form of obedience training. The obedience classes are great because the trainers are experts at handling biting problems

By also enrolling on socialization classes your dog will become much more socialized. This also helps to decrease violence and worry problems.

Redirecting any biting behaviour is vitally important when trying to discourage biting.If you give them a chew toy instead of your finger then they will associate the chew toy with biting, not your finger.

You can teach your dog that biting is unacceptable by simply displaying pain whenever you are bit. This shows that biting is painful, and instantly discourages it.

By far the best time to train your dog that biting is unacceptable is when they are young. You can eliminate the biting problem within a few months if you start it early enough. This will cause much less stress in later life as it can grow to be much more difficult, although not impossible as the dog gets grown-up and develops habits.

Make the Outdoor Stay of Your Dogs a Comfortable One With Wood Dog Houses

Dogs are pretty amazing and lovable pets. You can hug them, cuddle them and even play with them. However, when they are too many, you would definitely have to assign the others in the outdoors. Your beloved pets may be cute and adorable but you can't negate the fact that they can leave quite a mess. Their fur could be everywhere from your sofas to your clothes. And, the funny thing is that some of them can drool all over the place and even chew up your furniture or shoes.

When it becomes necessary to station your dogs in the outer premises of your home, then make their outdoor stay a comfortable one with the presence of wood dog houses. Offering safe shelters for your canine pals is entirely a must. There are certain dog breeds that couldn't withstand the extreme heat or cold conditions that present in the open. By giving them a home of their own, they will have a place they can seek some shade away from the sun or crawl into to keep dry when it rains.

Wood dog houses are great for your pets for they have amazing features. They are often made from cedar wood, a very resilient and tough wood material. Cedar possesses high natural oil content which makes it a fantastic insulating material.

It can trap some heat during winter at the same time reflect some of the heat during summer. Because of its natural oils, it is not easily attacked by termites and other pesky pests.

Another remarkable thing about these wooden-made houses for dogs is that they are available in wide range of designs. You will surely be delighted in seeing your furry friends sprawling and resting in their little villa, cabin, country-club and lodge-style shelters. Some designs can even come in duplexes while others can feature very charming front porches.

Giving A Puppy As A Gift May Not Be A Good Idea

If you are thinking about giving someone a puppy as a gift, consider these important issues. Remember that a puppy needs to be constantly cared for and trained. The first year the puppy will grow quickly but will not settle down and make a good house companion until it is about two or three years old, depending on the breed it could be longer. Before you give someone a puppy as a gift you should do some research.

Being a pet owner is a big responsibility and your friend might talk about it but does not really want to commit. If you are buying a puppy for a friend, make sure they really want it. Any type of pet requires time and commitment and it should be wanted and loved.

If you are a parent buying a dog for your child, it might be hard to say no but, better in the long run. I am sure the kids will be insisting that they will take care of him but I can guarantee it will be you that does the caring. If you are not filling the bowls with food and water you will be buying it. Your new puppy will need to go to the veterinarian at least once a year and visit the groomer. When the weather is cold or the children are too tired who will be walking the dog for his daily exercise, you.

If your children are very young it could be quite a chore to teach them how to care for your new puppy. Because of their excitement and unpredictability a young child can make a puppy or any dog nervous and fearful. If this is the case your own child or one of their friends could be bitten. Children love animals but do not know how to treat them without being taught. You will form the major part of your dog's personality by the way you raise and care for him.

Adopting a dog from your local pet shelter has advantages. The handlers at the shelters can tell you a little about the dog's disposition when it comes to general behavior and how it gets along with other animals and children. The shelter will usually make sure the dog is up to date with any shots, is in good health and may even spay or neuter them.

When you buy a puppy from a breeder or pet store you can never be quite sure about what you are getting. While designer dogs are all the rage they often have health problems common to their breed. The more purebred the dog the more likely they will succumb to these health issues.

Anytime you consider buying a puppy you should do some research first. Find the breed that best suits your wants and needs before you buy. If your plan is to give someone a puppy as a gift, consider paying the expense to have the dog spayed or neutered to add the value of responsibility to your gift.

Information on Runner Ducks

The Indian Runner Duck has to be one of the most fascinating of all water fowl and they were introduced into Europe around 1800 and the first evidence of the Indian Runner in Britain was about 1830. The Indian runner Duck has a perfect upright stature and is often referred to as the penguin bird simply because of its waddle.

The Indian Runner has a slim neck and a long, narrow head, the legs and shanks of the Indian runner are also incredibly short which is why the Indian Runner walks and runs very upright and straight.

The Ducks are delightful birds and do make excellent pets, they are also quite hardy, meaning they suffer rarely from any serious illnesses. Ducks will need a larger house than a normal chicken coop, especially as they stand quite tall and need to be able to get in and out of the house easily. Each Duck will need a space of 2sqf per Duck in the house to ensure they have enough room to sit. Many people prefer to lay a concrete base for the floor of the house and then build around the floor with wood to provide a good solid Duck house. Concrete floors are fine as long as there is plenty of bedding to keep the Ducks warm and straw is a perfect example of good, warm bedding. Runner Ducks are renowned for being slightly messy and their bedding will become soiled quicker than a standard chicken coop and for this reason you may need to remove bedding and disinfect the floor before replacing fresh straw and depending on how many Ducks you have, you may need to clean them out twice a week.

Runner Ducks will not usually use a nest box and will simply lay their eggs wherever they feel like it and for this reason you need to be aware that eggs may get lost in the bedding. Runner Ducks are fantastic at foraging for their own food and as well as the food you provide, they will find a lot of their own food. Ducks will eat Layers pellets and crumb and mash should be avoided as Ducks have a problem picking this up. Ducks are best fed twice a day and you can also feed some corn late afternoon which your Ducks will look forward to. Water should also be available readily and your Runner Ducks will drink plentifully throughout the day and so making sure their water supply is readily available is very important.

Runner Ducks are fantastic pets and are sweet natured and for this reason they make excellent pets for children.

Attracting Birds Without Bird Seed

Many people think that the best way to lure birds to their yard is with bagged bird seed. While this does draw in birds to their yards, there are alternative ways to entice our feathered friends without visiting the store every couple of weeks.

A good water source will attract a wider range of animals than bird seed because only certain species eat seeds, but all of them require water. In the summer months most species like to bathe. Moving or dripping water will tempt them to visit even more. They are lured to the splashing sound, and the mosquitoes will be unable to lay eggs in the moving water. To accomplish this you can buy a wiggler or a pump of some sort, and if possible one that is solar powered so it does not rely on an outlet. Another way to create moving water would be hanging a bottle with water and punching a small hole in the bottom to drip into the bird bath. The water should be cleaned at least once a week to reduce disease transmission between the birds. If there is no moving water it should be cleaned every other day to prevent mosquitoes.

Another way to attract birds without any bird seed is to stop raking your yard. The added leaf litter gives insects more places to live, which will attract the birds that feed on bugs, such as Eastern Towhees. If you do not like the look of leaves all over your yard you can just rake them to one corner or under a bush. These leaves will also compost and creates good soil for plants.

Planting native plants in your yard will attract birds, sometimes more than store bought bird seed. Plants with berries are good for fruit eating birds, for example Cedar Waxwings; and plants with bright and colorful flowers will attract nectar feeding birds, including Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds. Before planting any plants in your yard you should do a lot of research, making sure it is native to the area and not invasive. The best source to check would be with your state's Department of Natural Resources.

These tips will help attract birds to your yard with less money and can attract more birds than the basic store bought bird seed.

African Grey Parrots - Are They The Smartest Parrots?

There are numerous beautiful birds that exist today; some sing or talk more than others, some are more intelligent than others and some make great pets. One particular parrot is called the African Grey Parrot. This African parrot is one particular bird that is not only beautiful, it is very smart, has the ability to speak many words and makes a good pet for bird lovers.

In addition to their high level of intelligence within bird species and their ability to have a big vocabulary, the African Grey is also admired for their coloring. The colors are not vibrant like many parrots you may find in the jungle or zoo, but this parrot is sleek and elegant. African Grey's are of two different families, one is the Congo African Grey and the other is the Timneh African Grey. As the name states the bird is of a grey color but the Congo has a lighter grey compared to the Timneh whose grey is darker. Both types do have a colored tail, the Congo's is red and the Timneh's is maroon.

The African Grey's Characteristics

The African parrots are considered to be medium sized and their length can be 10 to 14 inches. Within many bird species, the male usually has more vibrant colors than the female but this parrot the coloring is the same for both the males and females. There is one physical characteristic between the males and females and that is that the female has a narrower head as well as a slender neck. The life span is quit long and they can live around 60 years in age.

When choosing this African parrot for a pet, it is best to keep in mind its long life span as well as its intelligence level. Are you willing to commit to this responsibility for a very long period of time? In regards to the parrots intelligence, just like a human, it needs constant interaction otherwise it will be bored. If a human becomes bored, they can have behavior problems and this is the same for the African Grey. Understanding the needs of this African parrot is very important so that it will receive a quality of life that it deserves as it won't be living in its natural environment.

Knowing the history and behaviors of the African Grey, it will help you to provide both physical and mental activities so that your parrot will maintain a healthy life and have a good behavior pattern. Although the parrot is relatively easy to care for, it does require discipline to keep up the good behavior. If there is no discipline or interaction with the African parrot to keep its mind occupied in a positive manner, the parrot might begin to be cranky or even show negative behavior such as feather picking, chew on its cage or even bite. If the African parrot is left unattended to for too long without positive interaction, the parrot may also begin to cause self-infliction; this can lead to very serious physical complications.

The beak is extremely hard and strong as it is used as a tool to not only search for as well as other uses. By nature, African Grey's are extremely social birds; they tend to group together and will show affection for one another. In captivity, the parrot's owner tends to be considered the parrots flock and the parrot will show certain signs of affection to the owner. The African parrot may not prefer a lot of cuddling from its owner but it does enjoy having its head petting or scratched. One deep sign of affection is when the parrot will regurgitate and may even try to "kiss" the owner's mouth (the human mouth has many bacteria that could harm the bird) so try to prevent the "kiss" of possible.

Who Is That Charming Little Creature In My Chinchilla Cage?

Considering all of the unique critters on the planet, which ones are the warmest, cutest, furriest, cuddliest, most entertaining and affectionate pets of all? Well, I suppose if you ask ten different pet owners, you'll likely get ten different answers. For me, it's hard to beat the incredible little critter from high up in the Andes Mountains of South America, the chinchilla. And, that's especially true of the adorable chinchilla baby. Chinchillas as pets were imported, or more likely smuggled into North America nearly a century ago, these adorable dynamos have evolved into one of the world's most cherished pets.

The name chinchilla means "little chincha", a name associated with the Chincha people of Peru, a group who relied heavily upon the once abundant rodent populations for both food and fur. Unfortunately, the arrival of Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century ushered in the eventual demise of the larger king chinchilla and the subsequent endangerment of the remainder of the entire wild species, as the chinchilla fur trade offered an irresistible opportunity for wealth.

Thankfully, that group of a dozen or so chinnies, who were discreetly transported to California at the turn of the century, are given credit, by some experts, as having propagated the entire population of North American chinchillas. Sadly, the numbers left behind in South America have struggled for survival and while they may be protected as an endangered species, the populations appear to lack the necessary growth to offer any substantial hope for the immediate future.

The coolest thing about the species, which happens to be the softest and thickest fur of any animal on the planet, is also the one thing that's contributed to its near extinction. The demands of the fur market, for this high priced pelt, inspired an inexhaustible army of trappers eagerly waging war against the harmless and defenseless 'little chinchas'. The pursuit of profit, it would seem, has no room for conscience. And, although the demand for all types of fur has diminished worldwide, it's unlikely that any organized efforts, with regard to any type of wide scale chinchilla rescue, will ever return the number of wild chinchillas to their pre-conquistador levels of the 1600s.

Here in the United States the chinchilla pet industry has evolved into a stable and profitable enterprise, with breeders and pet stores alike, supplying the needs of a demanding base of enthusiastic and loving chinnie owners.

A few chinchilla facts reveal that this little animal weighs in at somewhere between two and three pounds, and appears to be a cross between a rabbit and a squirrel. Reaching a full-grown length of about 12 inches, the typical chinchilla is relatively easy to care for, demanding only reasonably sized chinchilla cages or enclosure and sufficient room to run about in a daily program of physical exercise. Specialized needs include the relatively inexpensive chinchilla wheel, a few chinchilla toys, and the chinchilla bath, more commonly known as chinchilla sand. The required diet, while somewhat specialized, is rather simple and generally not a challenge for the average budget.

Chinchillas are very intelligent, highly energetic and can be extremely affectionate, showing great attachment to the owners they depend on and love. They are also very delicate animals that are easily injured, a potential that demands supervised activity when young children are involved. As a nocturnal animal, the bulk of their activity occurs between sundown and daybreak, however there's sufficient time in between for you to interact with your comically playful little pet.

Getting to Know the Adorable Chinchillas

Keeping a pet is a common hobby. When you are with your dog, cat, rabbit, parrot or even snake, you will as if you are unloading your stress and throwing your worries away. Indeed pet keeping has many therapeutic effects that people who are keeping animals as their pets will often find it hard to continue living when parted with their pets.

Aside from hamsters, Chinchillas are also popular pets that take the form of rodent-like built. The scientific name of Chinchilla is Chinchilla lanigera. They often live up to 15 years although it is not uncommon for them to reach an extended life of 18 to 20 years. At first look, they may be mistaken as hamsters but considering their slimness as opposed to chubby hamsters, Chinchillas stand above. Their body length can reach to 10 to 14 inches while their tail can reach to 5 to six inches. Chinchillas vary in color but the most common ones are those that have grey coats. They are just too irresistible that an audience may find it hard not to squeeze it.

Chinchilla keeping presents unique requirements. In terms of their cages, they must be wide enough for them to move around. The cage must not be a boring one. It should posses structures like platforms, ramps, perches and even wheels where they can play around like that of white mice. Aside from that, Chinchillas also love to have toys. This is necessary for their incisors to develop well as they tend to chew the toys when they play.

With regards to their habit, they usually are nocturnal in nature. They are most active at night and less playful at daytime. That is the reason why they are sometimes they are called crepuscular referring to animals whose activeness peaks at dawn and dusk. They should be kept in a quiet area during the day so as not to disturb their rest. Since they are so vigorous and playful, chinchillas need a larger cage for all their activities. The temperature that they love will depend on their variety although most love to be around a cooler temperature.

When it comes to feeding, Chinchillas require a lot of fibre. Their diet should mainly consist of a good quality grass hay along with pellets especially made for chinchillas. A total of one teaspoon per day is a usual amount given to them since their digestive system are fairly sensitive. Diet changes should by all means made gradual.

Chinchillas are very active and playful. However, there are instances when they do not like to be cuddled or touched. They can get close with their owners easily so that the owner himself will quickly grow fond of the pet in no time at all. They can be tamed easily and can be kept either in singles or with pairs for mating. Choosing one will surely be an enjoyable moment for a future Chinchilla owner. Before buying any Chinchilla, just be sure that you can give time to take care of it. Otherwise, your pet will suffer from loneliness and malnourishment.

Chinchillas For Sale - Where To Get Chinchillas

For first time pet owners, a chinchilla or a baby chinchilla may be the last thing they would want to get as they may feel like it is a wild rodent and is generally dirty,. However, a chinchilla is one of the cleanest and easiest pet to take care of (as you will see in the later parts of this narrative) and for the most part, even tamer that a rabbit or a mice. These little creatures are blessed with the thickest and softest fur that makes them virtually impenetrable to ticks, dogs, cats and even birds can get fleas even if we have been constantly grooming them and giving them baths as often as every other day. There are also a lot of baby chinchillas for sale in most pet shops, so, they would be quite easy to find.

Pet lovers are everywhere but cannot seem to decide which pet or pets are suitable for them. Most of us who live in highly urbanized cities may often live in condo units or apartments that really do not give much room for a pet to move around in. Chinchillas for sale are great pets to keep us company at home. They really do not need much in terms of maintenance and are fairly even tempered when they are comfortable in your home. They do not need to be bathed in water and all you need is their specially made chinchilla dust for them to roll around and take a chinchilla dust bath in.

Where To Get Chinchillas?
Baby Chinchillas or chins may be bought from reputable breeders that advertise online or from pet shops. They can cost as little as a few hundred dollars each depending on the lineage and or background. A pure standard chinchilla is basically a pure breed and that no mutation or mixing of the gene pool from other chins was made. They are known to be generally healthier compared to mixed breeds that may have genetic complications arise as they grow older.

Breeders of these animals are quite proud of their stock and will always disclose whether their animals are pure standard or not. If you are looking to adopt abandoned chinchillas (bless your heart!) they would come in quite cheap or even free as long as you know animal shelters that have them. There are also a lot of cheap chinchilla for sale out there, one just has to know where to look. Many chinchillas are abandoned or rescued by concerned citizens who take pity on these animals as some people breed them for their fur and sell them to the highest bidder.

What kinds of chinchillas are for sale?
Chinchillas generally have two kinds; the Chinchilla brevicaudata and the chinchilla lanigera. They almost look alike but the Chinchilla brevicaudata has a shorter tail and broad shoulders. This specie is also the one mainly produced in captivity, Chinchilla lanigera is mostly found in the wild along the mountains of South America where they came originally from.

These chins come in generally four kinds of fur colors that are gray, beige, white and ebony. There may be rarer colors found but this may be a sign of cross breeding. Again, it would be wise to ask your breeder about the chins' lineage or family background.

When looking for a suitable chinchilla to bring home, take a close look at the quality of his fur. It should be soft and shiny and not have signs of "fur chewing" this can be a result of an attack by another chin or he may have done it himself. It will be hard to detect how deep the fur chewing or attack went as it is almost impossible to see through all those hair.

What Else To Check?
Second, check to see the over-all demeanor of the animal. It should be up and about during the evening and be rested during the day. They are nocturnal animals (come out during the evenings) and will keep you up for the most part as they jump and tumble inside their cage. Speaking of the cage, some chinchilla cages for sale are not that durable, so, be wise in choosing. This is also perfect for those who work during the day as you are assured that they will not do anything to harm themselves as they will be fast asleep while you are in the office or at school.

Lastly, it would be of great help to you to know more about these animals before you really and finally decide to get one. Take the time to study how they live, watch a few videos and especially learn how to give a chinchilla dust bath! It would also be of great comfort to you if you already have a veterinarian in your phones speed dial for those emergencies. Pay careful attention to your pet chin's diet as they have a very sensitive need when it comes to the kinds of food they eat.

Accessories You Will Also Need
You will of course have to buy chinchilla cages for your new pet, just like how guinea pigs need guinea pig hutches, as well as food, a food dish, a water bottle, hay, and chinchilla toys. There are so many options available and one could easily spend a ton of money getting all of these items. While these things go along with your budget you can't let your chinchilla suffer - sometimes a toy is a necessity along with food and water!

In Conclusion...
Baby chinchillas for sale, though strictly monitored, are quite easy to find and responsible breeders will never sell a chin that is less than 6 weeks old. Some pet chinchillas for sale, even if they are born with fur and with eyes wide open, does not mean that they are fully grown!

10 Things To Consider When Choosing Freshwater Aquarium Fish

If you're getting your freshwater aquarium set up, then you must be thinking about what kind of fish should go in there. There's more to it that just getting pretty ones that match, and here, we will go through things that you should do as you select your freshwater aquarium fish so that you end up with an aquarium that's wholesome, fun and easy to maintain.

1. Determine the number of fish you want to keep. The temptation of course is to keep as many pretty ones as you can get in there, but you may squeeze them too much. An aquarium with too many fish means much more waste, which is not good for the fish and will force you to clean more often. When there are too many fish, there may also be a scramble for food so that there are some that are not fed enough. The rule of thumb is about 2 inches of fish for every gallon of water.

2. You need to choose your fish from a reputable dealer. This way, you are sure that you're getting healthy stock. It's not uncommon to set up an aquarium and a few days later the fish are dead - they were likely not healthy when they were bought. Look at the fish in the shop to start with; are the aquariums clean and do the fish look healthy? If you are impressed with the way the store is kept, you are more likely to get good, healthy fish. If the aquariums are dirty and the fish in them look dull, look for another supplier.

3. Learn as much as you can about freshwater aquarium fish that you may be considering. Do they have particular preferences? Do they prey on other fish? Do they require special kinds of substrate? What temperature do they best thrive in? You also need to know if they have special dietary requirements. Sometimes, this information may help you decide whether you can cope with your selection - some fish breeds are rather high maintenance. A tip here is to get school fish. There will be minimal compatibility issues and it's easier to tell when something is wrong in the fish tank because they will all behave oddly. There are some that come recommended: pearl and zebra danios are beautiful; neons and cardinal tetras too.

4. Try not to get one of everything that you like; they may all be school fish, but they still have different environments under which they thrive best. It's hard to simulate all these environments in a fish tank. 2 or 3 types are ok.

5. There will be algae, and it's always best, together with regular maintenance, to get a species of fish that feeds on it so you can control it naturally. A brittle nose, a clown plecostomus or otocinclus catfish are perfect fresh water aquarium fish for this.

6. Killifish, if you can get them, are an excellent way to start your aquarium. They are not so high maintenance, and by the time you get to add other fish species, you will have got the hang of it.

7. Think about compatibility. Most people will think about freshwater aquarium fish that prey on others here, but there are also some that grow so big in a short time that they start to squeeze out the others. Cichilds, for instance grow quite big. Angle fish can easily squeeze out smaller fish if they are in a fish tank smaller than 10 gallons. Some fish types are also rather messy, and the mess they leave behind may poison more sensitive breeds.

8. DON'T keep a piranha, unless all by themselves. They will eat your other fish. If you go for them, make sure to be ready for the expense that they bring. They need a lot more cleaning after, and they need to be fed much more to keep them from eating each other.

9. There are miniature sharks, like the Bala, that you can keep, but they still will grow rather big and you will need a bigger-than-standard fish tank.

10. Stay away from catfish. They will eat other fish in the fish tank and they never stop growing.

You are now armed with lots of information on choosing freshwater aquarium fish and choosing fish for your aquarium so follow this guidance and remember even one wrong fish in your fish tank can affect all the rest, so it's important to follow these tips.

Three Freshwater Aquarium Fish You Need Named A-B

Angelfish

Great in a community tank, it moves around at a slow pace and is lovely to look at with wonderful colors. Adults can be as big as fifteen centimeters long, so think about that when you are working out how many fish your aquarium can accommodate.
Temperature wise they can endure quite a wide range and they are also happy with a variable range of foods.

This fish looks silvery, is thin and has curvy fins that sweep backwards. Distinct vertical stripes run along the body from the caudal fin to the eye. And you can tell when this fish is afraid as these black stripes suddenly fade away.
Other Angel fish such as the black one, obviously don't show these stripes as clearly. Another one, an Angel fish has lace patterns on the fins. Longer fins can be found on another Angel fish, the Veil Angel that has a marble effect.

Sexing these fish is not easy. When you do manage to get a pair they remain loyal to each other and look after they young well. When breeding you will need a well planted tank with broad leaves and the light needs to be at a low level. Sticky eggs are produced within two or three days.
Bear in mind that these fish can eat the eggs, especially if they feel afraid. The young can be fed with infusoria and then micro worms and then brine shrimps.

Badis

You cannot say that this fish has one particular color as there are lots and lots of variations. The colors vary from red to a nearly purple color and spots have even been noted. Not only that, the color changes depending on the aquarium conditions and during breeding.

Major characteristics are a dorsal fin that that might have bluish green stripes, scales with a line around them and a stripe crossing the eye.
When breeding make sure that the male is smaller than the female because she can be injured by a bigger male. As a cave dweller ensure you use something like a plant pot for it to breed in. Have a well planted aquarium with a water temp of twenty nine degrees centigrade. Remove the female after egg laying, wait for them to hatch and then remove the male. Use infusoria to feed the young.

Black Widow

The family is Characidae and the scientific name is Gymnocorymbus ternetzi. This is a popular freshwater aquarium fish as it is peaceful, fairly small at 6.5 centimetres and therefore great in a community tank. Nevertheless it is susceptible to bad water conditions and this can be identified by seeing if it swims with the head down. Food wise, a range of feeding can be used but it prefers live food.

Color wise its body has vertical dark stripes with red circled eyes and a silvery green body. Sexing is difficult a clue is that the male is not as fat in the body and it has bigger frontal and anal fins and dorsal fins that are sharper. The breeding tank must be thickly planted at on end, water at twenty degrees centigrade and you also need floating plants.

After breeding the eggs are dispersed, some adhering themselves to plant leaves and others falling to the bottom. Remove the breeding pair after spawning and you will see the fry after about thre days. Feed the young on infusoria, then brine shrimp.