Angelfish for Beginners

 

Queen Angelfish

General Information

Angelfish belong to the Cichlidae family of freshwater fish and their saltwater relatives belong to the Pomacanthidae family. These colorful, triangular-shaped creatures are an attractive addition to your aquarium. But be forewarned, they require more upkeep than goldfish or other common tropical fish. Saltwater (or marine) angelfish varieties are even more exotic-looking and need more time and specialized care from fishkeepers. But if you have the patience and the money, caring for a tank or two of brightly-hued angelfish will give you many hours of enjoyment and fascinate even your non-aquarist friends.


Natural Origins

Freshwater angelfish live in South American rivers. Marine angelfish swim in oceans throughout the Southern hemisphere. If you’ve ever watched film of scuba divers swimming past coral reefs and schools of brightly-colored fish, there’s a good chance some of those fish were marine angels.


 Identifying Characteristics


Since there are about a hundred different species of freshwater and saltwater angelfish,  the characteristics are as varied as the names-from flameback to zebra, from Cherub to Emperor, full descriptions will vary, but there are a few similarities. Freshwater angels have long dorsal and back fins and a flattened, laterally-shaped body. Saltwater angelfish are flat like freshwater fish, though their fins are usually not as long as freshwater angels. Marine angels tend to have striking coloration, and they eat algae, vegetable and animal matter. Saltwater angels eat sponge and are territorial about their surroundings. For this reason,   aquarists recommend keeping only one species (or in some cases, only one fish) to a tank.

It’s hard to tell the difference between a male and female angel fish except at breeding time. The female’s breeding tube will be blunter and wider than the male’s.  While this info makes some angelfish species harder to keep than the average fish, their looks make them worth it to many aquarists. Call them the high-maintenance fish of the aquarium hobby!

 Tank Set-Up


Each adult angelfish requires four gallons of water. Breeding couples need 15 gallons of water. Use 25 plus gallons of water if fry will be raised with the parents.  Fill the tank with filtered tap water at a temperature of 74 to 80 degrees Celsius. Maintain a pH  of between 6 and 7.5 – 6.5 to 6.9 if breeding. Use a sponge or under-gravel filtration system. A high-flow system may be too taxing for these sensitive fish. Add java moss, java fern, and/or tall, blade-like Vallisneria (eelgrass) to the tank. Angels love to glide through eelgrass. Include broadleaf plants if you have spawning angels. They like to lay eggs on the leaves.  Keep the tank free of debris by use a net to remove excess food. Use a gravel vacuum to siphon off debris at the bottom of the tank. Change 20 per cent of the water once a week for show fish and 50% for breeding fish.

Feeding

Angelfish can eat commercially-prepared dry flake and freeze-dried food. Live foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms are good choices for angels. Saltwater species need frozen foods that contain both meat and algae.

To find more specific information about caring for angelfish, consult Fishchannel.com or browse angelfish for sale at Petco.com.

French Angelfish

Article Copyright 2011 Jade Blackmore
This article originally appeared on Yeepet.com .

The Difference Between Stray and Feral Cats

There are almost 60 million stray and feral cats in the United States, with the number growing everyday. Some cats are truly feral or wild animals while others are lost cats that have strayed too far from home.

 Feral cats are domestic cats that have reverted back to their ancestors’ natural, predatory state.They have been away from humans too long and may fear people or be downright hostile and vicious. A stray is simply a domestic housecat that has wandered too far from its owner’s front door.

A lost housecat may be dirty or banged up a bit from being outdoors for a few days. Some cats may withstand this initial experience better than others, but after awhile, they get tough. Most lost domestic cats who don’t get back to their home-or a new home - within a reasonable amount of time won’t survive very long on the streets. That is, unless they join a clowder or group of other feral cats. Clowder cats usually band together in alleys, parks or other secluded spots. If you live in a crowded urban area, a clowder of fighting or mating cats may wake you up with their high-pitched shrieks  in the middle of the night..


A Stray Story

My cat Petey was a stray. She would walk up repeatedly on my doorstep and rub up against me til I fed her. Petey followed me inside the first few times I left food on the porch , but I didn’t bring her in, figuring she belonged to one of the many “cat people” on the block who sometimes let their pets outdoors during the day. When a neighbor said she’d spied Petey sleeping on our porch one night ,that was it. The next day when she showed up at feeding time, I took her in. I was unable to locate her original owner, so she stayed with me for several years.

Wild In The Streets

It’s easy to tell a feral cat from a newly-minted stray, though it will take more than a quick sidelong glance. A feral cat will flat-out avoid humans or snarl and hiss when anyone approaches him. Unlike Petey and other strays, a feral cat has no interest in returning to a housecat status. They’ve had a taste of the hunter lifestyle, and it’s now permanently etched in their genes.

Taking in a feral cat is not recommended, even for the most experienced and patient cat people. There’s no way of knowing how long the cat has been in the wild or if he has contracted toxoplasmosis, rabies or other diseases while out on the streets.

 A friend of mine once took in a feral cat . He actually saved the cat’s life by rescuing him from a wheel well. He took the cat home, fed him, and tried to treat him like a regular housecat, but the feral feline would have none of it. He wasn’t interested in living in a home, except for the regular feedings. He did take to the other household cat, a mild-mannered domestic, and they would often play and clean each other’s ears. The feral cat never did get chummy with any of the people in the house, even after several years off the streets. He spent most of his time hiding and sleeping under the bed..Eventually, he ran away. He did return once, a few months after gallivanting, and followed me up the stairs. He took one look at my friend and ran away again. That’s gratitude for you!

Trap-Neuter-Return
 So while it may be tempting to take in a feral cat, you’re fighting a losing, and maybe dangerous, battle. The ASPCA and other animal and cat organizations advocate Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), a humane method of trapping feral cats so they can be neutered or spayed and checked for rabies before being released back into the wild. You can find out more about T-N-R by reading the ASPCA’s Feral Cat Sterilization Guidelines.

Article Copyright 2012 Jade Blackmore

This article was first published on Yeepet.com

In Praise of Hairless Pets - Be Bald and Free Day

Origin Oct 14 is the Be Bald and Free Day. This was conceived by Wellcat Holiday & Herbs to honor folks who are bald, either by chance or choice. After all, there’s enough attention heaped upon the long-tressed populace. Why not devote a day to hairless people – and even hairless pets. While most of us know a few folks with shaved pates, not many people own – or even know much about – hairless dogs and cats.  Because of their unusual appearance, some fur-free breeds have gained notoriety in “Ugliest dog” contests- and as the feline companion to Austin Powers’ nemesis, Dr. Evil.                                           Sam, the World's Ugliest Dog The World’s Ugliest Dogs? If you’ve caught a glimpse of “Ugliest Dog” contest winners on the Internet, you’ve seen the best-known breed of hairless pup, the Hairless Chinese Crested. These dogs have no fur on their bodies, just on their feet, head and tail. Sam, the world’s most famous Chinese Crested, won the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest from 2003 to 2005. Rascal, another “Ugly Dog” contest winner, appeared on the Jay Leno show and in a few horror movies as well. As they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and some of these pups are so homely they’re cute. Other Hairless Dog Breeds There are a few other hairless dog breeds, though none of them have achieved the celebrity status of the Chinese Crested. The energetic and loving American Hairless Terrier is a “nude” version of a Rat Terrier. Hairless Khalas, native to Latin American countries, resemble greyhounds. Xoloitzcuintli, or Mexican Hairless, comes in toy, miniature and standard sizes.                                                                              A Sphynx cat on his kitty tower He’s Not a Bad Cat, He Only Plays One in the Movies  Mr. Bigglesworth, Dr. Evil’s pet in the Austin Powers movies, was a Sphynx cat. Although this particular cat character was portrayed as a meanie, Sphynx cats are actually very sweet and loving in real life. They have a skin texture similar to Chamois leather and may have thin vellus hair or peach fuzz. They love cuddling up to their owners and other pets for warmth.  Ten Things You Need to Know about Hairless Dogs and Cats 1)  They don’t shed! No fur to clog up vacuums or stray hairs all over the house. 2)  Most allergy sufferers can live with a hairless dog or cat, since the dander and body hair that cause weezing are non-existent. 3)  You can dress them up in shirts, sweaters, and costumes and they won’t mind. They need to cover-up when the weather is cool anyway, so why not do it fashionably! 4) They need less grooming. No combing, brushing or trips to the pet “hairstylist.” You will need to bathe them on a regular basis to keep them clean. 5) Use sunscreen on your hairless dog before walking them or letting them play outside. Since they don’t have a coat to protect their skin, cancer is a concern. 6) Check your hairless pet for scratches or cuts after playing outdoors. Some breeds can get pimples or rashes, just like humans! 7)  Keep Sphynx cats indoors!  Since they have no fur to protect them, a little bit of feline curiosity and the hot sun will cause injury and sunburn. 8) Keep your home, or at least the rooms where your hairless pets reside, relatively warm. Sphynx cats like temperatures of about 70 degrees, for example. 9) Hairless Chinese Crested tend to have tooth problems, so brush their teeth often. 10) You won’t have to worry about searching for hidden fleas or ticks in your pet’s fur.             The handsome American Hairless Terrier Celebrate Be Bald and Free Day on Oct 14 with your hairless pet (if you're lucky enough to have one) by buying them a new sweater or coat for the fall, or get them an extra-warm blanket or pillow. If you have a short or long-haired breed, as most of us do, take them in for a grooming or brush off excess fur with a “love glove.” They won’t be as bald and free as their born-hairless compatriots, but they’ll feel better! A Chinese Crested Hairless pup Article Copyright 2011 Jade Blackmore This article originally appeared on Yeepet.com

Weird Pets -The Axolotl

We’ve all seen pictures of pet dogs and cats that are so unusual looking they make us laugh or squirm, but what about fish and amphibians? In the slippery world of salamanders, the axolotl or Ambystoma mexicanum, wins the quirky-looks category hands down. Originally descending from Xochimilco and the defunct Chalco, two lakes south of Mexico City, the axolotl brings in the highest number of oohs and aaahs - and maybe some yucks - of all the salamanders available to pet owners.

Unlike other salamanders, Axolotls are neotenic. That is, they remain in their larval form (complete with fins) permanently. For this reason, most axies have a babyish, quizzical appearance. Maybe it’s their lidless eyes or the pale pink, almost see-through skin of most axololtols that makes them look perpetually young. They develop gills and remain in the water all their lives. Occasionally, an axolotl undergoes metamorphosis,  but this is painful for the animal. Axolotls can regenerate their limbs, eyes, even their kidneys. It’s no wonder scientists study these creatures to find out more about their healing and regenerative abilities.

A mature, two- year axolotl ranges from six to eighteen inches in length. Axolotls have several naturally occurring colors. They may be brown with spots, black, pink, gold or tan. Their eyes are pink or black. Some captive breeders produce multicolored or neon, glow-in the-dark variations.

Caring for an Axolotl

Axolotls should be raised in a 15-20 gallon aquarium, filled with enough water to fully cover the axie. Never use tap water as chlorine may harm axolotl. Use bottled water at a temperature between 64 and 72 degrees, adding Holtfreter's salt solution  to prevent infection. Change 20% of the tank water every two weeks. You may need to adjust this, depending on your axolotl's habits and health. Use only sand as substrate; the axolotl may eat stones or gravel lining the botttom of the tank. This may cause death. Axies eat bloodworms, earthworms, shrimp, red meat and tiny fish. They’ll also chow down on tiny insects and store-bought food pellets like Reptomin. Be careful when feeding axies miniature live fish.  Avoid leaving any in the tank. They may nibble at the axolotl's gills. With proper care, axolotls can live up to 15 years. Hand-feed these creatures, as they have poor eyesight and can only see an inch in front of them.


Endangered in Nature, Bred in Captivity

The axolotl is listed as “critically endangered:” in its natural habitat by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, many amphibian experts breed axolotls and interested parties can contact a private breeder about purchasing one. Small pet stores occasionally sell axolotls, but you can never be sure of what you’re getting unless you can talk directly with a breeder.

Some states ban axolotls as pets. For example, it is illegal to ship them to California and New Jersey. Check with your state’s Fish and Game Department for the laws in your area.

Article Copyright 2011 Jade Blackmore



This article originally appeared on Yeepet.com

Cat Agility Tournaments Bring Felines Into the Sports World

Watch out, Westminster Dog Show, Cat Agility Tournaments have come to town. International Cat Agility Tournaments (ICAT for short) were modeled after dog agility shows, which imitated equestrian shows. Both dog and cat agility shows have gained popularity among dedicated animal aficionados, but most causal pet owners aren’t familiar with these mini-athletic contests. That is, until last Sunday when the New York Times ran an article on feline agility competitions.

The mere concept of placing a feline in an agility competition may leave many cat owners scratching their heads. It’s not that cats are incapable of jumping through hoops or running through tunnels. Cats can perform incredible gymnastic feats – like jumping from a ledge and flying seven feet onto a bed containing their sleeping owner. (This actually happened to me.)  The problem, as the Times article points out, is getting them to do it on command.

ICAT’s official website recommends that owners serious about entering pets in agility competitions start training their feline at about five weeks. The key to training cats is a bit different than training dogs. Cats are moody and finicky (ya think?), so making the training-and subsequent contests- fun for them is important. Coaches entice a kitty to jump and run on ramps and through hoops by enticing them with feathered toys or wands. Every cat has a toy that makes them run like a sprinting champ. It may just be a matter of choosing the right toy to spur a potential kitty champ through the obstacle course.

The basic ICAT obstacle course consists of stairs, hurdles, hoops and poles for a cat to zigzag through, although organizers hope to include other obstacle in the future. Winners of cat agility tournaments are usually rewarded with ribbons or other mementos, although cash prizes are sometimes offered.

Cat agility training benefits even non-competitive cats. It’s a great way to make housebound cats get some exercise and keep things exciting. Dog owners take their pets out for walks everyday, so at least indoor dogs can see the sights and stretch their legs a few times a day. Cats need a similar type of activity at least once a day, according to veterinarians. So even if you have no desire to enter your cat in an official agility competition, you can play with him and encourage new athletic endeavors to keep him in shape.

Article Copyright 2012 Jade Blackmore

This article originally appeared on Yeepet.com

Literary Cats: Writers and Their Feline Friends

Writing is a solitary profession, so it’s no wonder that many famous authors throughout history have enjoyed the company of a cat (or two or three) as they labored at the computer, typewriter or composed with pen and paper. Here are a few writers who shared their workspace with a feline companion.
 
Mark Twain 


Humorist and Huckleberry Finn author Mark Twain was so fond of cats, he lived with up to 19 of them at one time. He even placed one of his kittens on his pool table to join in a game of billards. The kitty would reach out with his paws to stop the balls as they hit the corner pocket. Twain often wrote of cats in his novels, stories and letters, including Concerning Cats: Two Tales, based on bedtime stories he told his daughters.

His daughter Clara gave him a mischievous black cat named Bambino, who loved to scratch him and barter for his attention. Twain taught the cat to turn out the lamp light for him at night, and loved showing him off to visitors. One night, Bambino slipped away through an open window. Twain was so distraught he placed a “Lost Cat” ad in the New York American. Eventually, Bambino returned on his own, but people still answered the ad, eager to get a glimpse of the famous writer.

Charles Bukowski

Tough, hard drinking Charles Bukowski, L.A.’s poet laureate, lived in Hollywood for most of his career and wrote bawdy poems about life in Tinseltown’s tough, non-celebrity neighborhoods. He exhibited a mellow side when playing with his cats, and he was often photographed with them. Several of his poems feature passages about his pets or cats in general. His poem Exactly Right begins:

the strays keep arriving: now we have 5
cats and they are smart, spontaneous, self-
absorbed, naturally poised and awesomely
beautiful.*

 *From The Night Torn Mad with Footsteps, Ecco Press

Ernest Hemingway

A ship captain gifted the young Ernest Hemingway with his first cat, a six-toed Maine coon named Snowball. Thus began Hemingway’s lifelong reverence for cats, and he soon filled his house in Key West with Snowball’s descendants, many of them also sporting extra digits.  These cats, called polydactyls, have a genetic trait that causes them to develop six or more toes on their front paws and occasionally, extra toes on the back paws. These distinctive felines have become so entwined in Hemingway’s legacy that polydactyls are sometimes referred to as Hemingway cats.

Throughout his life in Key West, Hemingway’s cats accompanied him at the typewriter, the library, even the dinner table. There’s even a book dedicated to Hemingway and his cat companions.

Hemingway had a provision in his will to provide for the cats on the grounds of his home. Today, between 40 and 60 cats, many of them polydactyls, roam freely on the grounds of the Ernest Hemingway House and Museum in Key West. The cats give a comfy touch to the surroundings as visitors stroll through the study and the patio where “Papa” worked on his manuscripts.

 The USDA almost banished the cats in 2003, claiming that Hemingway House needed to secure an exhibitor license and keep the polydactyl kitties in cages. The battle between the government and Hemingway House ended several years later when the museum erected an enclosure fence to keep the cats from straying.
 

  

William Burroughs

Counterculture author William Burroughs wrote some of the most controversial books of his time, but he was a real softie when it came to his cats. He was in his 70s when he wrote The Cat Inside,, an ode to his feline companions. He lived out his life in rural Kansas with his beloved cats keeping him company.

Article Copyright 2011, 2012 Jade Blackmore

This article originally appeared on Yeepet.com

 

Breed Overview: Affenpinschers : Playful Toy Dogs/Terriers

Overview

Affenpinschers , known as “monkey terriers” are scrappy, wiry-haired canines, first bred in Germany. These energetic dogs have a quizzical, monkey-like face and a somewhat stubborn demeanor. Agile and quick to learn, they can be trained easily by a patient owner or handler. Affens are fun, curious dogs, but they can be a handful when agitated. One of the oldest toy dog breeds, Affies usually have a black coat, though some variations include silver, red and a black/tan combination.

The Affenpinscher’s ancestry can be traced back to around 1600. “Ratters”, dogs kept in stores and farms to kill rats, were larger versions of today’s Affens. First bred as smaller dogs in the 18^th century, homeowners used them as watchdogs and mouse catchers. Derived from the German Pinscher and mini-Schnauzer around 1750, artistic renderings of these dogs appear in many paintings of the time.


Personality

Affens combine intelligence with spunk. They’re friendly and aren’t afraid to approach people or other animals, including big, aggressive dogs. He’s brave and fiercely protective of his owner and surroundings. Due to their curious, active nature, they’re not recommended for households with young children, unless the owner exhibits strong “pack leadership” and lets the dog know its boundaries at an early age. Affens are pretty athletic and not just in the usual; chasing a ball around the yard  way. They love to do tricks, leaping to play with toys and  even walking on their hind legs

Grooming

A naturally fastidious dog, an Affen keeps himself clean and don’t require much grooming. An occasional grooming touch-up is all he really needs. His medium coat rarely sheds. You can use a slicker brush and greyhound comb to do maintenance grooming on his shaggy coat.  An occasional visit to the dog groomer to get his ears cropped and tail docked will keep your Affen looking good.


 Your Affenpinscher Puppy

Purchase your puppy from a licensed breeder who will give you a health certificate. Some states have extra legal requirements. In California, a vet must sign off on a health certificate stating a dog has received immunizations before being sold.

Take your Affen pup to the vet to get shots for infectious hepatitis, parvovirus and distemper. Pups should get rabies shots when they are four months or older. Start your pup on a regular meal schedule, feeding him at the same time each day with the same type of food. If you suddenly change your pup’s schedule he might refuse to eat, become anxious or get diarrhea. Feed a new pup four meals a day until he’s six months old and two meals until he’s a year old; after that one meal a day will suffice.

Take your new Affenpincsher for rides in the family car. Walk him at a dog park so he can meet other dogs and their owners.  You can also take him to a playground or shopping mall to acclimate him to the outside world. Crate train an Affenpinscher puppy by using a small airline kennel with bedding and a water dish. Keep him in the crate when you’re at work or at night.  Once accustomed to the crate, he’ll run right to it at bedtime.


Health

Hot, humid climates causes a lackluster coat and make an Affenpinscher uncomfortable; moderate or cool climates are best. Extreme heat causes respiratory problems in some Affens. Some dogs have bones that fracture easily or can develop a slipped stifle (dislocated knee). Like other toy breeds, they are prone to hip dysplasia. Patent ductus arteriosus, a congenital heart disease that occurs more often in female dogs, is a more serious risk.


For more info on Affenpinschers, go to The Affenpinscher Club of America