Suckermouth catfish is the common name for members of the Loricariidae family of catfish. It includes 92 genera and over 680 species, only of a few of which are common in the pet hobby. Also known as a plecostomous or pleco, these fish are common in tropical community fish tanks. They are characterized by their mouths that are used to suction themselves to rocks, wood or the sides of your aquarium....
If you’re a new rabbit owner, or upgrading their enclosure, it’s important to make sure your rabbit’s needs are being met. While many people keep their rabbits outside in larger hutches, it’s perfectly fine for your rabbit to live inside as long as you ensure they are getting enough space. Many popular hutches provide around 7.5 square feet of living space, but that should be considered an absolute minimum. Preferably, your rabbit should be provided with eight square feet or more of uninterrupted floor space in which to exercise and play....
Dog breeds not only come in many different shapes, sizes, coat types, and colors, they also have varying levels of energy, including calm dog breeds. This is great news for those dog lovers looking for a mellow companion that is calm in the house and doesn’t need huge amounts of exercise. Whether a dog will be calm or energetic depends less on its size and more on the original purpose of its breed, and if it has enough appropriate daily enrichment....
LED lights offer many benefits to the aquarium hobbyist. LED lights are cost-effective. The LED light fixtures don’t usually cost more than traditional fluorescent lighting fixtures, but the savings are significantly more because the electric consumption of LED is minimal by comparison. Another benefit is that the “bulbs” last much longer than other systems used for aquarium lighting. Typically you can expect to get 30,000 to 50,000 hours out of an LED fixture....
Characteristics Origin Colors and Markings Tankmates Care Diet and Feeding Gender Differences Breeding Further Research The black neon tetra is an energetic little beauty with a pleasant personality. Put this fish among contrasting plants and a dark background and you will have a vibrant and beautiful aquarium. The black neon tetra has been successfully bred in captivity, and most black neons available for sale for the aquarium trade are captive-bred....
When corals lose their color, it is known as “coral bleaching.” Coral bleaching began receiving attention after it was first observed on coral reefs in the South Pacific in the 1990s. Coral bleaching also occurs in saltwater reef aquariums. What Is It? The skeletal structure of hard corals are normally white, but they have color due to zooxanthellae algae. These tiny plants, which are a type of dinoflagellates (single-celled microscopic organisms that belong to the Protista kingdom), reside within the soft tissues of corals....
Cats will wrestle and play with each other and sometimes even get a little rough, but that can be normal cat behavior. Cats who live together and that normally get along will exhibit non-painful ear biting, grabbing, and chasing as a part of their playful activities. These behaviors develop when a cat is a very young kitten and are understood by other well-socialized cats. Cats who were not well socialized may not know how to communicate with other cats, or sometimes dynamics arise within a multi-cat household that alter how even the most well-socialized cats interact with each other....
Parasitic infestations are common in fish. Fish may have parasites on them all the time, but with a healthy immune system, they are able to keep the problem in check. A stressed fish will cause a drop in immune function, which allows the parasite to flourish. How should you protect your fish against parasitic infestations and what should you do if you suspect one is running wild in your tank?...
How to Prepare How to Teach Your Dog to “Leave It” Problems and Proofing Behavior The “leave it” command is used to prevent your dog from picking things up. It allows you to tell your dog not to touch things that you don’t want it to have, like a child’s toy or a dirty tissue or any one of the hundreds of things dogs try to pick up and chew....
Maintaining water quality in a saltwater aquarium is critical for the health of the fish. Aside from the normal day-to-day upkeep (checking water temperature, feeding animals, overall observations and water top-off), saltwater aquariums and all of their components require periodic maintenance and cleaning in order to function properly. The best schedule for major cleaning chores depends on your system type. While true Berlin live rock and Jaubert/plenum filter systems need little maintenance, wet/dry trickle and canister filters require more frequent attention....
You may have heard of obsessive-compulsive disorder, but did you know cats can have forms of this disorder too? Obsessive-compulsive behaviors in cats may mean your cat has obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, the behaviors may actually be secondary to other health or behavioral issues. What Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder? Commonly abbreviated as OCD, obsessive-compulsive disorder is a behavioral disorder that causes a cat to engage in certain “rituals” for seemingly no good reason....
Whether you have an elderly dog or simply a dog with health issues, you are likely concerned about your dog’s quality of life. You might be asking yourself the question, “should I put my dog down?” When is it the right time to say goodbye to a beloved dog? Deciding to humanely end the life of a suffering pet can be a struggle. In fact, euthanasia might be one of the most difficult choices you will ever have to make for your pet....
What Is Ammonia Poisoning? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Ammonia poisoning is one of the biggest killers of aquarium fish and it can often occur during the setup of a new tank. It can also occur in an established tank when too many fish are added at one time, when a filter fails due to power or mechanical failure, if bacterial colonies die off due to the use of medications, or there’s a sudden change in water conditions....
Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Breed Overview Further Research Frequently Asked Questions The Dalmatian is a sleek and medium-sized shorthaired dog that is affectionate, very athletic, highly intelligent, and energetic. This breed is extremely driven, loyal, and well-suited for work or companionship. The Dalmatian is known for its distinct spots, slim carriage, and tail arched upward. It also has a rich history as a firehouse dog and, of course, its acclaim from the Disney cartoon movie....
Thunderstorm phobia or anxiety in dogs is a fairly common and very real problem for many dogs. Dogs with thunderstorm phobia may become extremely frantic and overwhelmed with fear during storms. Astraphobia is the technical term for this: the fear of thunder and lightning. Owners who see their dogs experiencing this fear usually feel helpless and frustrated. Find out what causes thunderstorm phobia in dogs and learn how to manage it for the sake of your dog and your own peace of mind....
What Is an Eye Injury? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Eye injuries can be tough to avoid during an active dog’s life. Rough play, exploring brushy woodlands, digging, or looking out an open car window are all activities that put dogs’ eyes at risk of irritation or serious injury. Minor abrasions on the surface of the eye aren’t usually a big deal, but any eye damage can become infected and may threaten the dog’s vision....
Eye infections in cats can be uncomfortable and sometimes even painful. If your cat has an eye infection, they may have any number of symptoms. How can you know when your cat may be suffering from an eye infection and what can you do about it? Signs Your Cat Might Have an Eye Infection Not all cats with an eye infection may exhibit the same symptoms. In fact, your cat may only have one or two clinical signs of an infection....
The little budgie bird is one of the most popular pets in the world, ranking just behind dogs and cats, and it’s no wonder. This affectionate, cute bird is small and inexpensive, and if trained properly a budgie can mimic human speech. The origin of its formal name―budgerigar―is a mystery, but by any name, this little bird is a charming companion for most pet owners. Budgies aren’t all fun and games, though, so before you bring one home, make sure you’re not in for any surprises....
What Is Megaesophagus? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Megaesophagus is a condition that can occur in cats of all ages and breeds, either as an acquired disease or a condition they are born with. Siamese and Abyssian cats may be prone to an inherited form of megaesophagus. Cats with megaesophagus can’t swallow their food properly, and the most common symptom they’ll show is regurgitation. Alternatively, they’ll spit up undigested food before it gets to the stomach....
The Pacific Blue Tang became famous with the release of the movie “Finding Nemo”. Nemo’s traveling mate was Dory, a Hippo or Pacific Blue Tang. Ironically, in the wild (and even in an aquarium), the “Dory fish” acts very much like the movie character, seeming to have a short memory span and flitting all over the place. The producers did an excellent job of researching the characteristics of this fish when writing the movie....
