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Tropical fish are beautiful, and that’s a fact! They are ideal pets if you don’t have a lot of spare time as they don’t need walking and don’t scratch the furniture. But there are some tropical fish facts and tips you should know before buying your first aquarium.

Tropical Fish Fact One
The majority of people of start off with a very small aquarium not realizing they will soon become hooked. Before too long they are back to the pet shop buying another one the next size up.

Tip: Don’t buy the smallest aquarium you can find - you may well be wasting your time and money although the pet shop owner will love you.

Tropical Fish Fact Two
Tropical fish are categorized by their nature. Like humans, some are loners and will bite the head off anyone that comes too close, some like only their own species and don’t mix too well with others, and some are friendly, outgoing, and love spending time with anyone who comes their way.

Tip: Check if the tropical fish you are buying are non-community fish, semi-aggressive or community fish.

Tropical Fish Fact Three
There are certain types of tropical fish you should buy when introducing them to a new tank. You must be sure to buy hardy fish as the levels of ammonia and nitrate in your tank will fluctuate before evening out over time, and not all tropicals can survive these changes.

Tip: Make sure you know your stuff before buying your first fish. If the shop owner is not an expert, search reference books and Internet forums for the best types of hardy tropical starter fish.

Tropical Fish Fact Four
Some dainty, delicate and fragile looking tropical fish can grow extremely large very fast! This will mean a further trip back to the pet shop where the owner will greet you rubbing his hands in glee.

Tip: Find out exactly how large your potential purchase will grow before you purchase it.

Tropical Fish Fact Five
Aquariums need equipment such as filters, pumps and heaters. Filtration systems help to keep the fine ecological balance necessary in your aquarium for the fish to thrive. They are readily available in three different types.

Tip: Don’t purchase your filtration system before you know which fish are going into your aquarium. Choose from either a chemical, mechanical or biological filter after discussing with an expert which would be the best for your particular tank.

There is nothing more soothing after a stressful day than relaxing and losing yourself in the graceful, colorful and calming world of beautiful tropical fish, and armed with these few tropical fish facts and tips this colorful world could soon be a part of your life.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/5-quick-tropical-fish-facts-430516.html

About the Author:
For more information on tropical fish for beginners try visiting http://www.yourhomeaquarium.com where you will find lots of tropical fish tips, advice and resources

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Cats are the members of the Felidae family of canivorous
mammals. Lion, tiger, leopard, jaguar, African wild cat are
the members of the cat family. Their closest relatives are
civets, hyenas and mongooses. However, what we generally
recognize as cat is the domestic or the house cat.

The association between cats and humans dates back to
between 7000 to 4000 years ago. From being dragged into
satanic ritual beliefs, Halloween and unlucky black cat
tags to being cute, caring and loyal companions, cats have
seen it all. Cats have also been associated with bad omens,
death and witchcraft. On the other hand there have been
cultures like Vikings who worshipped the Goddess Freya, the
goddess of fertility, who was closely associated to cats.

only the specific food which they get used to. Whatever they are, they are
some of the most popular pet around the world. So much so
that they outnumber dogs as pets in USA.

Cat appears in the Vietnamese and Chinese Zodiac systems.
They are highly respected in Islam since it is believed that
Prophet Mohammed approved domestication of cat. Feeding a
cat is regarded as a great deed in Islam. Ancient Egyptians
hailed cats as embodiment of their Goddess Bast. In many of
the pyramids, mummified cats were found in the thousands.
This signifies the importance of cat for the ancient
Egyptians.

Today, there are dozens of breeds of cat that are
domesticated. As for your cat vocabulary, a group of cat is
clowder, male cat is tom, female cat is queen and the cute
little baby cat is called kitten.

An average cat weighs between 2.5 to 7 kgs. And live for 15
to 20 years. However, you can ensure a longer life for your
pet cat by getting it spayed or neutered and getting all the
necessary vaccinations done.

Cats are extremely intelligent. They communicate
effectively through purring, hissing and gestures. Thanks to
the 32 muscles in their ear, they have a sharp sense of
hearing. Cats can conserve their energy by sleeping for long
durations. Cats mostly land on their feet. They have a very
good sense of balance and have great flexibility. They use
their tail to regulate the angular momentum during their
flight in a fall. They walk on their toes. They can also
manipulate their walk in such a way that they make minimum
sound and leave negligible tracks.

Cats have very superior eyesight and senses which are
matched by no other animal. They have very good nocturnal
eyesight. They have a field of view of 200 degrees. Their
whiskers assist them in navigation. Surprisingly cats cannot
taste sugary food because they have faulty sweet receptors.

Cats are fussy eaters. They are known to eat grass, leaves,
shrubs and houseplants but they’ll eat only the specific
food which they get used to. Whatever they are, they are
some of the most popular pet around the world. So much so
that they outnumber dogs as pets in USA.

About The Author

Vremde Kattan is the delegate and administrator of strange cats, inc.
which is a premier resource for information on cats.
For questions or comments, go to: http://www.strangecats.com strange cats, inc.
which is a premier resource for information on cats.

This Article was provided by CatNews.org

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Birds are among the most common animals that people have as pets. They are quite easy to take care of and fun to have around. Among the countless birds in existence, parrots are perhaps one of the most loved birds. Yet did you know that there are about 360 known species of parrots today? If you are considering purchasing a parrot for a pet, you should know some things about them in order for you to choose the right kind.

Though parrots may be relatively easier to take care of, you still have to know the amount of commitment that you would need for a specific type of bird so as to get one that would suit your lifestyle. In general, larger parrots require more attention. As such, if you work at home or your work hours allow you to spend more time at home, then you might want to get larger parrots such as macaws,

If, on the other hand, your lifestyle is such that you need to spend long hours away from home, then you should lean towards the smaller parrots. This is because they are more independent and can be left alone for longer periods. Of course, you wouldn’t want your parrot to be lonely when you are away so you might want to consider getting a buddy for your smaller parrot.

If you do decide to get two or more small parrots, you have to be able to train them to like each other. Otherwise, you may have to get separate cages for them, defeating the purpose. Of course, if you insist on leaving them together in the same cage when they don’t like each other, you would probably come to the results of bird fights – feathers all over the place.

Aside from the amount of time that you have to invest on your parrot, you also have to consider the finances involved. Birds in general are not expensive to take care of. However, there is still a marked difference between feeding larger parrots and smaller parrots. In addition to that, larger birds would definitely make a larger mess. Again, we go back to the time factor but this time around, it is all about cleaning up the cages and making sure that they have fresh food and water.

More than the parrot size, you may want to consider the physical looks of the bird as well. Parrots can live up to about 60 years if taken care of properly. Now you wouldn’t want to have a pet that you don’t like looking at, would you? It may seem petty but if you end up with a parrot which you don’t like physically, then you will probably not take care of it as well. That is why you should consider this aspect at the outset.

You would also want to look into the purchase price of the different kinds of parrots. Prices vary from pet shop to pet shop and according to your location as well. You should also realize that the more exotic the species is, the more expensive the bird would be.

The bottom line is doing extensive research, deciding on what you want, and making a commitment to your decision.

About The Author

Alex Cameron is a parrot lover and has a site dedicated to informing the public all about parrots. To know more about these wonderful birds, visit http://www.petparrots101.com/

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Believe it or not—but pet insurance is the most claimed-for type of insurance, more so than homeowners or auto insurance. Even so, the whole idea is pretty new to American pet owners. Less than 1 percent of 163 million cats and dogs in the United States are covered by a health insurance policy. In the United Kingdom and other European countries, 20-50 percent of the pet population has coverage.

Consumer Reports Isn’t Always Right

Many pet owners wonder if investing in pet insurance is “worth it.” An as alternative, some people advise to simply open a separate savings account for your pet’s medical expenses. That way, if you don’t end up needing the money for expensive vet bills you could spend it on something else—like a vacation to Hawaii.

For example, an article published in 2003 by Consumer Reports says, “The most important thing you need to know about pet insurance is that it is a form of enforced savings that almost never covers the entire bill. You can accomplish the same thing by paying the same monthly premium to your savings account.”

I have to disagree that it can accomplish, “the same thing.”

Yes, the purpose of any insurance is to cover future unknown risks. But you’ll never know which is the better option until after the fact.

Although saving money is always a good idea, how long will it take you to save $3000, $5000, $7000? What if you’re faced with a medical emergency and you don’t have enough money saved up yet? I can guarantee that your pet isn’t going to wait to get sick or injured!

$5000-$7000 is NOT an over-exaggeration of the kind of expenses you might encounter if your pet needs to visit a veterinary specialist or develops a chronic medical condition like diabetes, seizures, or thyroid disease.

Just Punch the Numbers

If you saved $50 a month it would take a little less than 10 years to save $7000 depending on the interest rate for your savings account. Depending on the pet insurance policy you choose, from the first day your policy is effective and for the same $50 a month you could receive $7,000-$14,000 per incident or even $100,000 for multiple lifetime incidents.

Even if by some miracle you have an extra $7,000 laying around to immediately fund your pet’s savings account, your savings will be dwindled down to near zero once your pet experiences one serious medical incident. Then what?

Avoid Benefit Schedules

There are many factors to consider when evaluating the different types of pet insurance policies available. But one of the most important is whether or not the company uses a benefit schedule to reimburse claims.

What this means is, regardless of the total cost of treatment, the policy will only pay up to a set figure (not a percentage) per condition.

You’re much better off looking for a policy that covers a certain percentage of the claim (usually 80% or higher) based on the actual cost of the procedure and where you live. This takes into account the higher fees you’re more likely to encounter at an emergency or specialty clinic and you never have to worry about inflation.

Many pet parents have discovered (to their disappointment) that the benefit schedules currently being offered by pet insurance companies have not been adjusted to take into account the recent inflation associated with veterinary expenses.

The fact is, your pet will likely require costly medical care at some point in its life. What would you do if your pet needed sudden medical attention, such as a trip to the emergency clinic, or was diagnosed with a chronic condition such as diabetes?

Both of these could easily cost $2500 or more. Would this cost cause you financial hardship? If you answered yes, then pet insurance would probably be worth it to you.

Some people believe that pet insurance is just another way for insurance companies to get rich. However, any kind of insurance is something that you have–but hope you never need to use. You just never know when you’re going to need it. I’ve seen pet insurance save the lives of pets who otherwise would have been euthanized because of expensive medical bills.

You can’t put a price on that.

© Amanda K. Jones, LVT

Amanda Jones is a consumer watchdog for the pet care industry and has worked as a licensed veterinary technician for the past eight years. Her latest report, “The Five Worst Pet Products I’ve Ever Seen” probably won’t attract many corporate sponsors, but will certainly make pet owners think twice about using these popular products. For more information please visit www.amandakjones.com

Article Source: Animal Pets and Friends Articles and Website Directory

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Are you having trouble finding your fish in the fish tank due to cloudy water? There can be several different reasons for cloudy water in a fish tank, so let’s take a look at the most common ones. These are debris from new substrate, bacterial bloom, chemical imbalance, or even floating algae.

Most new rocks and decorations will cause cloudy water. If this is the case then your debris should settle and go away on it’s own in a couple of days. Before adding the next decorations or rocks it best to soak them in separate water to get all the loose dirt off before addingthem to your tank.

Another problem that can come from new fish tanks is a bacterial bloom. This can cause the water to have a haze and look rather gray. This can come from overfeeding the fish or dying plants.

A sure sign of a bacteria bloom is when your water is milky and has a very bad odor. Not all bacteria are bad but some bacteria blooms can be deadly to your fish. When the nutrient levels get extremely high the bacteria go ballistic and multiply rapidly.

Be sure to remove all dead or dying plants if you have a bacteria problem. If you are changing fifteen percent of your water and using a siphon to clean debris, this type of haze will not cause the fish harm. But it is essential that you get in under control quickly.

Another thing to look at is whether or not your fish are being overfed. This can also cause the water to get cloudy. Just check the bottom of the tank for leftover food - that would be a sure sign of overfeeding.

Fixing fish tank problems like cloudy water from algae can be a pain because it will be thick and green. One of the best ways to cut down on the amount of algae in a tank is by adding algae eating fish. Keeping your lights on for long periods will encourage algae growth as well as sunlight shining on the tank so make sure to watch the amount of lighting your tank gets to help prevent algae growth.

If none of the above helps you with fixing your cloudy water problems, you should follow with a test kit. The test kit will be used to check the ammonia and nitrate levels of your fish tank water. Once you have checked the levels, the reading for a normal level for both the nitrate and ammonia is zero. If you have something other than zero then your water quality is bad.

What causes cloudy water in fish tanks with open or semi-open style tanks? Many times these style of tanks could possibly have a stopped up filter causing debris to cloud up your water.

If you are still not sure what is causing the cloudy water in your fish tank, don’t panic. As long as your water doesn’t seem extremely bad and your fish are acting fine, give it a little time. Sometimes if bacteria is the cause the bacteria will kill itself.

This is definitely not advice for all cases. If you are concerned about your fish you should probably remove them until you get your problem under control. It is extremely helpful to have a quarantine tank just for occasions such as these. Regular maintenance will also help you enjoy your fish tank without concern.

Cris Stanford is the publisher of http://www.saltwater-aquarium-secrets.com where you’ll find money saving advice, expert tips and answer to questions like What causes cloudy water in fish tanks?

Article Source: Animal Pets and Friends Articles and Website Directory

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Quantifying cat compatibility is like counting kittens at play. The biggest difference, though, is that while both are difficult, describing your cat’s personality is actually possible. I have painstakingly crafted thirty-two cat personality types to put words to your pet’s actions. On top of that, I have matched them together to make for cooperative cat relationships. On these two endeavors rests the answer about your cat’s approach to life. With eight major personality descriptors and sixteen personalities per gender, your cat is bound to fall into a mold that sounds just about right. Each action enlarges our understanding of your cat. A little bit of mouse-chasing or casual sunbathing tells all. As you read, you’ll be able to find out how it is that the Feline Fatale, the Scratching Post, and the Catnap can all live under the same roof. (After all, a beauty queen, fighting machine, and narcoleptic kitty don’t sound like the ideal cat community!) Laugh, smile, and sigh along with me as I tell you about your cat. Helping make cats compatible can be tough, but it can be done. Each cat personality description lists the personalities closest to compatibility with your cat. Take note and watch for avenues of friendship to open. It’s a hard task to keep your cat happy-you know that better than us-but keep your cat’s style in mind and make a match that works!

http://www.cats-tell.com
http://www.cats-tell.com/index.php/personality
http://www.cats-tell.com/index.php/personality/test
Article Source: Animal Pets and Friends Articles and Website Directory

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About the Author:

Norm Goldman is editor of www.sketchandtravel.com and http://www.sketchandtravel.com . Norm and his artist wife Lily are a unique couple in that they meld words with art focusing on romantic and wedding destinations. You can read more about them on their site, sketchandtravel.com Norm and Lily are always open to receive invitations to romantic destinations in the New England states and Florida.

Article Source: http://www.iSnare.com

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Dogs have always been fantastic companions, but they’re also great for your health. Were you aware that owning a dog provides owners with a number of positive health benefits? Keep reading to learn how your dog can help lower your blood cholesterol levels, maintain mental wellness, reduce the number of your visits to the doctor and increase recovery times after illness.

1) A Healthy Body: Both Cambridge University and the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) have published studies that showed pet owners have fewer visits to the doctor than non-owners and a generally superior sense of health. In addition, Medicare conducted a study of its elderly users that showed those who were dog owners visited the doctor less than their non-dog-owning counterparts.

2) A Strong Heart: Studies have shown that dog owners, as a whole, have lower cholesterol rates and blood pressure than non-owners. Both cholesterol and blood pressure are crucial to your cardiovascular health and can drastically affect your risk - positively or negatively - for heart disease and stroke.

One study from the New York State University used high-pressure stockbrokers as its subjects and showed that not only did stroking a pet reduce their blood pressure, but that reduction continued even when the animal wasn’t there. Their conclusion? Pet ownership can lead to a sustained lower blood pressure.

In another study by the Baker Institute of Australia, pet owners were shown to have lower cholesterol levels and lower levels of triglycerides – a type of blood fat – in their blood than non-owners. Again, high levels of triglycerides and cholesterol can lead to heart disease and stroke.

3) A Healthy Mind: People who own dogs have also been shown to have better mental health than their non-dog-owning counterparts. A steady companion provides unconditional love, affection, a stabilizing presence, and a sense of responsibility that can be crucial to mental well-being.

In fact, another study by UCLA found that of 1800 AIDS patients, those who did not own a pet were more than twice as likely to cite symptoms of depression. A study by the University of Pennsylvania showed that Animal Assisted Therapy can help with ADHD symptoms, Alzheimer’s, and developmental disabilities. Dogs are also used with a number of mental health patients to ward off depression and episodic bouts.

4) A Speedy Recovery: One study at the City Hospital in New York reported that pet ownership so drastically affected survival rates that it surpassed the presence of friends or family in terms of impact.

There’s a reason many hospitals and nursing homes allow pet visitation along with special animal therapy programs – it’s been proven that patients will respond more easily to treatment and have a higher survival rate when therapeutically engaged with an animal.

Of course, an animal is more than a crutch or a form of therapy – it’s also a wonderful and loving friend that requests little more than a little attention and meals. If you’re looking for a companion, though, consider the health benefits and joy that a dog can offer into the life of someone who simply needs a reliable friend.

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If choosing dog is such a straight forward process, and it is, how come so many puppies find their way into adoption centres every year? Well one reason is that people choose the wrong dog breed.

Don’t let your puppy become a statistic. Make it your goal to choose a puppy suited to your family and circumstances. Think about your previous experience of owning a dog and the amount of time you have for training, grooming and exercising. Look at your health including possible allergies, your financial resources and the amount of space in your house and yard. Most of all work out how much time you have for a dog.

Of all the different factors in choosing a the right dog breed, among the most important is the relationship you want with your dog. Some breeds by nature are rather aloof and elegant, others are independent and energetic while others are dependent or submissive. If you want to do specialized training, consider breeds known for courage and trainability. If you want an affectionate pet, choose a breed that typically likes to be close to its people.

To ensure that your puppy fits in with your lifestyle begin by asking yourself these questions:

a) How much time can I spend with my dog, a social creature who craves companionship? - If your time is limited don’t get a breed which can become dependent on their owners.

b) How much exercise can I give my dog? - If you hate exercise, buy a small dog happy with a short walk. If you like to walk the mountains all day long get a dog breed which likes a lot of exercise.

c) How much grooming can I do? - If you hate grooming, buy a short-haired dog.

d) How much training can I give? - If you have limited time, choose a breed known for ease of training.

e) How much room do I have? - If you live in a small apartment don’t get a large dog!

f) What characteristics do I want in my dog? - Think of words like independent, energetic, submissive, affectionate, protective, quiet, funny or sociable. Try to match them to the characteristics of your family members. Your dog will fit in much better if you do.

Finding The Right Dog Breed

Once you have answered these questions it is time to go out and find the right dog breed for you. The internet is a great place to start. Just go to your favourite search engine and type in something like “dog breed information” or “dog breeds” and you will find some excellent sites giving detailed information about each breed.

Note the characteristics of the different breeds. What is best for your situation: large or small, male or female, purebred or mix? Short coat or shaggy coat? A dog needing lots or little exercise? A lot or little daily grooming? Think through your choices in detail and compare this information to your requirements and make a short list.

Next ask people you trust about the dog breeds you are interested in. Ask friends, family members and co-workers for suggestions of dog breeds they think would be good for you and your family. Ask them to be honest about the good points and bad points of the breeds they suggest. Visit dog training schools and breeders and ask about the dogs your think may be suitable. Follow up on and meet the breeds you feel are a good match.

Finally make every effort when choosing a puppy to make your final choice of a dog breed a family decision. Your dog will be part of the family, and each member needs to feel a sense of ownership for the dog and a willingness to help in its care.

So there you have it a short guide to choosing a puppy that will fit into your family perfectly and bring years of fun and happiness.

Richard Cussons is a dog lover with a passion for helping people with their dogs. You can find out more about dog breeds, training and care at his site www.all-about-puppies.com/

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

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