Clown Fish

What Is A ClownFish?

The clownfish is a type of fish that lives in salt water habitats. It is also called an Anemonefish. Clownfish are typically very bright, orange fish that have three white stripes, one at the head, middle and tail. If you look really closely, you may notice that there are thin black lines around the white stripes. Also, the tips of their fins have a thin black rounded stripe.

Clownfish can grow to be from 2 to 5 inches long. The males tend to be significantly smaller than the females. However, there are various types of clownfish that range in colours from blue to yellow.

Clownfish live in a "symbiotic" relationship with certain anemones. This means they benefit from living with the sea anemone, and the sea anemone benefits from the presence of the clownfish. They are the only fish that are able to live in sea anemones and not get stung by their tentacles. Clownfish are very active fish and are extremely aggressive. Because they are quite active, the clownfish are thought to be "clowning around". They defend their territory and the sea anemone that they live in. Clownfish eat the leftovers from fish on the anemone and algae. The leftovers include copepods, isopods and zooplankton.

Clownfish have a few ocean predators, but their greatest threat is humans. People who catch clownfish and keep them as pets in aquariums are making a mistake. There are only ten out of more than one thousand types of anemone that are able to host these fish. Many people put the fish in a tank with the wrong anemone. In captivity, the clownfish can live from 3 to 5 years. In the wild, they live 6 to 10 years.

Where do Clownfish Live?

Clownfish live at the bottom of the sea in sheltered reefs or in shallow lagoons, usually in pairs. Clownfish have a special relationship with the anemone and are very important to them. They are a large help to the anemone as they clean the anemone by eating the algae and other food leftovers on them. They also protect the sea anemones by chasing away polyp-eating fish, such as the butterfly fish.

The map below shows where in the world clownfish can be found. They live in the warmer waters of the Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean. They are also found in northwest Australia, southeast Asia, Japan and the Indo-Malaysian region. There are no clownfish in the Caribbean.

What are Some Special Characteristics of the Clownfish?

In a group of clownfish, there is a strict hierarchy of dominance. The largest and most aggressive female is found at the top. Only two clownfish, a male and a female, in a group reproduce through external fertilization. The clownfish are hermaphrodites, meaning that they develop into males first, and when they mature, they become females. Also, as mentioned earlier, more than one clownfish is able to live in a sea anemone. If the female clownfish is removed from the group, such as by death, one of the largest and most dominant males would become a female. The rest of the remaining males will move up a rank on the hierarchy.

Oscar Fish

A very intelligent fish that can recognize its owner, the heavily built Oscar is an all-time favorite among aquarium hobbyists. Originally imported from South America, most Oscars for sale are now tank-bred. A large aquarium of at least 70 gallons is required to house a pair of Oscars.

The Oscar fish has his own ideas on how to decorate what he considers his home (your aquarium!) he will grab any object including small rocks and plants (doesn't care whether they are natural or artificial) and spit them out of the tank if he doesn't like them -a deep sand bottom and few large rocks will save you a lot of headaches.- Oscars have hearty appetites and should only be kept with fish that are the same size or larger; smaller fish soon become a quick snack for the Oscar. Other South American cichlids and large catfish make good tankmates.

Occasionally the Oscar will pretend he's dying and will lay down on the bottom of the aquarium (don't worry oscars are excellent actors) he will wait for small fishes to get closer, those naďve enough to buy his tricks will not live long to tell their story; although some people recommend feeding them live goldfish and guppies I personally do not like the idea as you take a real chance of introducing diseases, instead you can feed them vegetarian cichlid pellet, peas, lettuce (this is important to prevent hith disease) blended beef heart, earthworms and shrimps.

The Siamese Fighting

For hundred of years, the Siamese Fighting Fish or Betta splendens, has been kept and cultivated by people in Thailand (Siam). Today, the Betta is popular throughout the world – though not for the purpose of fish fighting but as a peaceful aquarium resident. Through years of selective breeding, pet store Bettas look vastly different from their original, wild-caught ancestors. Instead of just a few colors, they can now be purchased in an array of hues including red, blue, turquoise, black, white, yellow, and brown.

In addition, their fins have greatly increased in size and are much more elaborate; among the different types of hybrids available are the Veil Tail, Delta Tail, Half Moon, Double Tail, and Crown Tail. Of course, it is only the males that have the long, elegant fins and do all the fighting. Females have much shorter fins and are not as vividly colored as the males. Interestingly, Bettas are air breathers; they use a unique organ called the labyrinth to process the oxygen in the air and they will die if they are unable to reach the waters surface.

The Betta’s native habitat is the warm, still ponds, swamps and rice paddies of Southeast Asia. There, among the leaves and branches of the dense undergrowth, these carnivorous fish hunt for small insects and larvae.

Although the Bettas found in pet stores today have been captive bred, they should be kept in conditions that mimic their ancestor’s natural environment. Therefore, an aquarium (minimum size of 10 gallons) that is decorated with several plants and that has gentle water movement will suit them best. A cover, with a few small openings to allow air circulation, should also be provided to prevent them from jumping out.

Bettas like warmer temperatures so the water in the aquarium should be kept between 76-85 F with a slightly acidic pH of 6.5-7.0. Their diet should consist primarily of meaty foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, freeze-dried tubifex worms, etc. Bettas can grow to 3 inches long and live for up to 3 years if cared for properly. As far as tank mates are concerned, Bettas get along fine with most fishes; but do not keep them with aggressive species or any that are prone to pick at their beautiful fins. Male Bettas can be kept together in the same tank only if they are partitioned off from each other – otherwise you can expect some shredded fins, missing scales and not-so-nice looking fish!

Goldfish

First, goldfish tend to thrive at sub-tropical temperatures, which means about 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. This is not to say that 75-degree water will kill the goldfish. It's just that the lower temperatures are healthier for them. Cooler water holds more oxygen, which larger goldfish require for good health.

Second, goldfish tend to be much more massive than tropical fish. As they grow, they can easily eat more than the tropicals. The latter may end up suffering from malnutrition. At the same time, goldfish also produce far more waste products than the typical tropical fish. Some tropical species require very clean water and goldfish will make this rather difficult to maintain.

Third, temperate water fish (such as goldfish) and tropicals tend to carry different diseases and parasites and tend to be resistant to their specific diseases and parasites. Thus, the mixing of the two can expose each to health problems they are not at all capable of coping with.

The fact is that many species of fish often seem to get along well when they are young. As they mature, however, trouble can start. You might not notice problems immediately because aggressive or predatory behavior may occur at night. For example, your Chinese algae eater becomes both large and aggressive as it grows and could eventually spell serious trouble for your goldfish. Your first clue might be a dead fish, or two.

Getting to Know Your Pet Fish

Most people get themselves involved in aquarium fish keeping without first finding out the basic information to understand about their fish. The article here will share with you what you need to know before you get started with this exciting hobby.

Aquarium ornamental fish, which are sold at pet stores, can either be grouped into freshwater or saltwater fish. In fact we often hear the common term relating all fish as tropical species but in actual fact, this is actually not true because there are coldwater species as well. And every fish that you can find are different from each other in terms of physical appearance like shapes, sizes, colors and sometimes even with the same species, there are also sub-varieties.

So what are the information that you will need to know? As an aquarist, I often make an effort to study about the fish and find out all related topics either from the internet and if that is not detailed enough, then I’ll head over to the library. This is the principle that I follow before making the purchase and bringing the pet home to my aquarium. Here I have compiled a list of questions, which you need to find an answer for it and the purpose is mainly to serve as a guideline.

-What is the living condition in which you fish will survive and adapt to the aquarium water? Hardness level, pH and temperature are the three main important criteria you will need to know.

-What is the biggest size it will grow to? This will determine whether your home aquarium tank is large enough to accommodate your new pet.

-The behavior of that particular species. Is it aggressive, peaceful, docile, shy or timid fish? Will it qualify as community fish or should it be kept only in a single species tank?

-What kind of food will it accept? Is it a herbivorous, omnivorous or carnivorous? Can the diet that include only flakes and dried food sufficient or maybe does it require additional meaty supply? Is the fish picky when it comes to food?

Aquarium

Tank or similar container used for the study and display of living aquatic plants and animals. The same name is used for institutions that exhibit aquatic life. These have been common since Roman times, but the first modern public aquarium was opened in Regent's Park, London, in 1853. A recent development is the oceanarium or seaquarium, a large display of marine life forms.

Freshwater fish The easiest types of fish to care for in an aquarium are coldwater species such as the goldfish (Carassius auratus). More complicated is the keeping of tropical freshwater fish such as the angel fish (Pterophylum species), Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens), and guppy (Lebistes reticulatus). For these a water heater with a controlling thermostat is required and usually a filter and aerator powered by a small electric pump. There is usually a sand or gravel substrate in which ornamental plants are grown to assist in aerating the water.

Marine fish Even more complicated to keep are tropical marine fishes. These usually have to be kept in artificially made sea water, again heated by a thermostatically controlled submersible heater. Since plants will not survive and very soon decompose in sea water, a filtration system is absolutely essential. Most of the marine fish are very delicate and require great care. Examples are clown fish (Amphiprion species), butterfly fish (Chaetodon species), and the Moorish idol

Fishes In Aquarium

Pet Lizards

The Green Iguana

The green iguana is currently the most sold reptile pet in North America. Young iguanas can be bought for under $20, with higher prices for more mature ones.

They are gentle, beautiful, and generally vegitarian which leads many to choose these as their first reptilian pet. If properly cared for, they can make make a wonderful addition to your family.

Unfortunately, these lizards are more difficult to care for than many pet stores lead buyers to believe. Diet and lighting are critical, and there are many diseases that can infect your iguana.

Green Anoles

Green anoles can be great pets for those getting started with reptiles. They are small, easy to care for, and quite easy to feed. The disadvantage as far as pets go is that the anoles usually do not like to be handled.

The grow to lengths of 5-8 inches, with a long, slender tail. They are green in color, but can change to various shades of brown depending on their mood and environment. Males have a pink dewlap that they will inflate from time to time to attract females, and as a terrirorial gesture. Females are typically smaller, often reaching only 5 inches in length.

SAVANNAH MONITOR

These African grassland-dwellers grow to about two feet in length. They are carnivores and like to eat insects, mice, and eggs.

EASTERN BLUETONGUE SKINK

These thick-bodied, stubby-legged skinks are appropriately named. They are usually gentle but use their tongues as a display when threatened. They can live over 20 years.

DIFFERENT PET RAPTILES

DIFFERENT KIND OF PET BIRDS

PARROT's

You can find each and every kind of pet on this website for example; Dog, Cat, Parrot, House etc

PETS

A pet is an animal kept for companionship and enjoyment or a household animal, as opposed to livestock, laboratory animals, working animals or sport animals, which are kept for economic reasons. The most popular pets are noted for their loyal or playful characteristics, for their attractive appearance, or for their song. Pets also generally seem to provide their owners with non-trivial health benefits;^[1] keeping pets has been shown to help relieve stress to those who like having animals around. There is now a medically-approved class of "therapy animals," mostly dogs, who are brought to visit confined humans. Walking a dog can provide both the owner and the dog with exercise, fresh air, and social interaction.

Terminology

Dogs and cats are often considered "small animals", while horses, cattle, sheep, and similar are considered "large animals". "Exotics" include birds, squirrels, and reptiles.

Local restrictions

Many cities and towns have local ordinances limiting the number of pets a person may have, and may also restrict or forbid certain pets (such as fowl or exotics). Certain breeds of dog, such as pit bulls and rottweilers, are banned in some places. Dog/other canid/wolf mixes are also banned in some places.

The cities of Berkeley, California and Boulder, Colorado have passed laws stating that people who have pets do not "own" them; rather, they are the pet's "guardian."

Condominium associations and rental properties often ban animals^{[citation needed]} because of the smells and noise the animals create.

Pet popularity

Around 63 percent of all U.S. households (71.1 million) are pet owners, and more than half of these households have more than one animal ^[3]. The two most popular pets in most Western countries have been cats and dogs. In the United States, a 2007-2008 survey shows that dog-owning households outnumber those owning cats, but that the number of pet cats is higher than dogs.^[4] Combined reptiles are the next popular followed by birds followed by horses.

According to a 2007-2008 Pet Owners Survey^[5]

Animal	Number of U.S. households that own a pet (millions)	Total number of pets owned in the U.S. (millions)
Bird	6.4	16.0
Cat	38.4	88.3
Dog	44.8	74.8
Equine	4.3	13.8
Freshwater fish	14.2	142.0
Saltwater fish	0.8	9.6
Reptile	4.8	13.4
Small animal	6.0	24.3

In Canada the latest survey done by Colin Siren of Ipsos Reid it is estimated that there are 7.9 million cats and 5.9 million dogs in Canada. The survey also shows that 35% of Canadian households have a dog, while 38% have a cat, which is consistent with other surveys conducted around the world.

Overpopulation

Main article: Overpopulation in companion animals

Animal protection advocates call attention to pet overpopulation in the United States. According to the Humane Society of the United States, 3-4 million dogs and cats are euthanized each year in the country and many more are confined to cages in shelters. This situation is created by nonneutered animals (spayed/castrated) reproducing and people intentionally breeding animals. A particularly problematic combination of economic hardship combined with a love of animals contributes to this problem in parts of the rural United States.^[7] In an average year, a fertile cat can produce three litters of kittens, with up to 4 to 6 kittens in each litter. Based on these numbers, one female cat and her offspring could produce up to 420,000 cats over a seven year period if not spayed or castrated. There are also major overpopulation problems with other pet species, such as birds and rabbits. Local humane societies, SPCAs, and other animal protection organizations urge people to neuter their pets and to adopt animals from animal shelters instead of purchasing them from breeders or pet stores.

Moving with pets takes time and planning. Moving with a cat or a dog is not impossible, but many people still choose to give their animals up to animal shelters instead of taking them to a new home. ^[8] This is another big reason for pet overpopulation.

Effects of pets on their caregiver's health

Health benefits

Pets have the ability to stimulate their caregivers, in particular the elderly, giving people someone to take care of, someone to exercise with, and someone to help them heal from a physically or psychologically troubled past.^[11] Having a pet may help people achieve health goals, such as lowered blood pressure, or mental goals, such as decreased stress.^[12] There appears to be strong evidence that having a pet can help a person lead a longer, healthier life. In a study of 92 people hospitalized for coronary ailments, within a year 11 of the 29 without pets had died, compared to only 3 of the 52 who had pets.^[11] A recent study concluded that owning a pet can reduce the risk of a heart attack by 2% and that pets are better than medication in reducing blood pressure.^{[citation needed]} Dogs which are trained to be guide dogs can help people with visual impairments.

Pets in long-term care institutions

Even pet owners residing in a long-term care facility, such as a hospice or nursing home, experience health benefits from pets. Pets for nursing homes are chosen based on the size of the pet, the amount of care that the breed needs, and the population and size of the care institution.^[11] Appropriate pets go through a screening process and, if it is a dog, additional training programs to become a therapy dog.^[13]

Different pets require varying amounts of attention and care; for example, cats have lower maintenance requirements than dogs.^[14]

Health risks

Health risks that are associated with pets include:

• Aggravation of allergies and asthma caused by dander and fur or feathers
• Injuries, maulings and sometimes deaths caused by pet bites and attacks
• Disease and/or parasites due to animal hygiene problems or lack of appropriate treatment (feces and urine)
• Stress caused by behavior of animals
• Fear or distress from animal presence or behavior

Common types

While many people have kept many different species of animals in captivity over the course of human history, only a relative few have been kept long enough to be considerd domesticated. Other types of animals, notably monkeys have never been domesticated but are still commonly sold and kept as pets. There are also inanimate objects that have been kept as "pets", either as a form of game, or humorously.

Domesticated

Domesticated pets are the most common types of pet. They have consistently been kept in captivity over a long enough period of time that they exhibit marked differences in behavior and appearance from their wild relatives.

Mammals

• Horses
• Dogs
• Cats
• Rodents, including hamsters, guinea pigs, fancy mice, gerbils, chinchillas, plains viscachas, and fancy rats
• Rabbits
• Ferrets
• Skunks

Birds

• Budgerigars (parakeets)
• Cockatoos
• Macaws
• Canaries and other finch species
• Doves
• Cockatiels
• Other parrot or conure species
• Peafowls
• Chickens

Wild

Wild animals are often kept as pets. The term wild in this context specifically applies to any species of animal which has not undergone a fundamental change in behavior to facilitate a close co-existence with humans. Some species listed here may have been bred in captivity for a considerable length of time, but are still not recognized as domesticated. Many of these pets, like insects and fish, are kept as a hobby, rather than for companionship

Mammals

• Fennecs
• Hedgehogs
• Monkeys
• Deer
• Otters

Reptiles

• Tortoises
• Lizards
• Iguanas
• Snakes
• Turtles
• Crocodilians, including alligators, crocodiles, caimans, gharials (can usually be kept as pets only when they are young)

Amphibians

• Frogs
• Toads
• Salamanders
• Newts

Fish

• Some of the common freshwater aquarium fishes are Angelfish(freshwater), Barb, Cichlid, Corydoras, Danio, Discus, Goldfish, Gourami, Koi, Live-bearer, Loach, Mbuna, Rainbowfish, Rasbora, Siamese fighting fish, Suckermouth catfish, and Tetra.

For more species of freshwater fishes, please see the list of freshwater aquarium fish species.

• Some of the common marine aquarium fishes are Angelfish(marine), Blenny, Boxfish, Butterflyfish, Chromis, Clownfish, Damsel, Goby, Lionfish, Pufferfish, Seahorse, Tang, Triggerfish, and Wrasse.

For more species of slatwater fishes, please see the list of marine aquarium fish species