fish Archives - Yer Pet

Bristleworms in Aquaculture

admin — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 11:38:13 +0000

Bristle Worm and Fire Worm Infestations

Bristleworms are a common nuisance in many saltwater aquaculture systems. These small, segmented worms can quickly become an infestation if not controlled. They feed on live and dead fish, plants, and other organisms, and can cause significant damage to aquaculture systems. In this article, we’ll cover how infestations happen, as well as how to control and eradicate them in aquariums.

Bristleworms and fireworms can be difficult to tell apart if you are unfamiliar with them as both species have a segmented body and bristles along their body. However, bristleworms are generally smaller than fireworms and have shorter bristles and usually have bright orange rings around their bristles. Fireworms are also more aggressive and can deliver a much more painful sting if touched. The sting of a fireworm can cause swelling, redness, and itching, and can last for several days.

Bristleworms are typically introduced to aquariums through live rock, live plants, and substrate. They can also be introduced through the release of contaminated water or food, or through the accidental introduction of bristleworms from another aquarium. As they are small and difficult to spot, they can easily go unnoticed in an aquarium until they become an infestation.

Once a bristleworm infestation has begun, it can be difficult to control. The best way to prevent an infestation is to quarantine new fish, plants, and live rock before adding them to an aquarium. This will ensure that any bristleworms that may have hitchhiked on the new items will not have the opportunity to spread throughout the aquarium.

If an infestation has already occurred, the most effective way to control it is by manually removing the bristleworms from the aquarium. This is best done with the help of a small net or tweezers. Once the worms have been removed, the aquarium should be thoroughly cleaned and inspected for any remaining worms.

Bristleworms can also be controlled by introducing predators such as large fish, crabs, shrimp, and snails into the aquarium. These animals will feed on the bristleworms, helping to keep the population under control.

Finally, there are several chemical treatments available that can be used to eradicate bristleworms. These treatments should be used with caution, as they can be harmful to other aquarium inhabitants. In conclusion, bristleworms can become an infestation in an aquarium if not properly controlled.

The best way to prevent an infestation from occurring is to quarantine new items before adding them to the aquarium. If an infestation has already occurred, manual removal, introducing predators, and chemical treatments can all be used to control the population.

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Longfin Blue Eye Lemon Bristlenose Pleco Breeding

admin — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 07:29:11 +0000

Breeding Long fin Blue Eye Lemon Bristlenose Plecos (Ancistrus sp.) is a challenging but rewarding activity that can bring great joy to any aquarium hobbyist. These unique and beautiful fish are a great addition to any tank and can be bred easily with minimal effort.

The Longfin Blue Eye Lemon Bristlenose Pleco is native to South America, and is relatively undemanding when it comes to aquarium care. They are very hardy, and can tolerate a wide range of water parameters. They prefer warm, slightly acidic water, and can survive in temperatures ranging from 72-82 degrees Fahrenheit.

When it comes to breeding, Longfin Blue Eye Lemon Bristlenose Plecos need some special attention. To ensure successful spawning, the aquarium needs to be set up with low-moderate water flow, plenty of rocks and hiding places, and a large flat surface in the center. The water should be slightly acidic with a pH of 6.5-7.0.

Once the aquarium is set up for breeding, a male and female need to be introduced. The male will then court the female and she will lay her eggs on the flat surface. The male will then fertilize the eggs and guard them until they hatch.

When the fry hatch, they will be very small, and should be fed with crushed flake food or baby brine shrimp. It is important to feed them often, as they will need lots of food to grow. As they grow, they can be fed a variety of foods to ensure they are getting all the proper nutrition.

When it comes to care, Longfin Blue Eye Lemon Bristlenose Plecos require regular water changes to keep the water clean and free of harmful bacteria. They also need to be kept in an aquarium with plenty of hiding places, as they are shy and reclusive fish.

Breeding Long fin Blue Eye Lemon Bristle nose Plecos can be a rewarding and fun activity for any aquarium hobbyist. With the proper care and setup, these unique and beautiful fish can be bred with ease and will provide years of enjoyment.

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The Beta Fish – a Deep Dive

admin — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 05:41:31 +0000

The Beta Fish

Their colorful and flashy colors, affordability, and small size make them an ideal choice for those just getting into aquarium fish. A Betta splendens aquarium fish is today among the most fascinating and beautiful in the world. It is well known that the males of B. splendens are known for having stunning colors and long fins. Their unique color pattern and long flowing fins make them popular among new and established aquarium fish enthusiasts alike. Also known as Siamese Fighting Fish, the Beta fish is one of the first animals that many people choose to keep. Its popularity is mainly due to it being a resistant animal, being easy to care for and for its affordable price and singular beauty. Despite the variety of fresh water fish species, Betta splendens is an extremely popular ornamental fish among hobby aquarists. The species exhibit an interesting behavioral repertoire, particularly where male aggression and territoriality are concerned. Only in Thailand, known for its ornamental fish production, Betta splendens represents 10% of annual fish exports. Most of the lists with the most recommended fish for beginners have the betta fish as an option. But this does not mean that they do not need basic care, such as maintaining proper water parameters. In this article we will cover absolutely everything you need to know about Beta fish.

Knowing the Beta Better

Betta splendens, also known as the Siamese Fighting Fish or Beta, was first described as a species in 1910 by Regan. Wild fish have a brown-green color and both sexes are about 5 – 5.5 cm in size. Domesticated bettas however, can be larger than that, and females are a little smaller than males. Male ornamental fish are produced in wide range of colors and combinations. Females have less bright colors than males. There are two varieties of domestic bettas, the betta bred for fighting and the showy variety. The most recent classification of bettas, performed through phylogenetic evidence, places them in the Osphronemidae family (just as Trichogaster spp. and others gouramis), the Macropodusinae subfamily and the genus Betta. Even though it is a species that has long been commercially kept and widely bred in captivity, there is still a very sparse research literature documenting the optimum for various housing factors in ornamental fish keeping. As a consequence, the hobbyist mostly relies on non-scientific manuals, his/her own experience and that of his peers. This can frustrate a novice hobbyist who will likely abandon the hobby. It can also frustrate a more experienced hobbyist, who, later, will spread myths about that species due to their mismanagement of breeding or whatever. When we talk about establishing scientific standards, we are talking about knowing the ideal conditions to maintain and reproduce the animal in question. This deals directly with species conservation

The lack of scientific knowledge in Betta keeping is accompanied by a wide variety of aquariums (in many sizes and shapes), technical equipment (consisting of different types of filtration, heating and lighting systems), aquarium accessories (live plants, plastic ornaments, rocks, etc.) in both physical and online pet stores. Which ends up confusing the hobbyist even more. Consequently, ornamental lineage fish may be kept in any number of ways, some of which seem quite extreme. For example, a popular way of keeping Betta splendens is in a decorative vase, in which the animal lives in a very small volume of water without any temperature maintenance, filtration system or vegetation. In aquarium and pet stores, it is common to use small aquariums, like the ones mentioned above, to house male fish. That is, the fish are housed individually in transparent glass pots, sometimes the size of a cup. In addition, these containers are placed very close to each other, which causes constant stress on the animals due to visual contact. However, regardless of these issues and the reason why they are kept under these conditions, they directly convey to the hobbyist a false picture of how a Betta can be maintained. This is both due to the fact mentioned above, as well as the fact that this species can live in aquariums called “betta-vases”. Being close and in visual contact with each other makes the fish perform continuous aggressive displays, trying to chase their opponents. The display makes the fish look more “open”, allowing buyers to see its fins and colors, thus making it more attractive to buyers. I cite these examples to address some basic aquarium understandings that have been largely neglected in Beta fish keeping. These understandings include maintaining water quality, providing adequate space and filtration for the species, continued exposure to aggressive patterns, lack of hiding places, and many other factors. In short, the total lack of animal welfare.

Betta Biotope

The Siamese fighting fish is an anabantoid or labyrinth fish, commonly known as gouramies, native to Southeast Asia. Typical fighting fish habitats in Thailand are quiet, freshwater ponds with muddy bottoms or flooded rice paddy fields. Unlike domesticated strains, wild fish are small, inconspicuous, and dull brown or green in color. Their natural habitat is made up of shallow ponds and rice paddy fields with plenty of vegetation. This vegetation provides cover for fish-eating birds, like egrets, herons and kingfishers. Around 55 species of bettas have been described in Indochina. Each one displays one of two different types of egg brooding care (nest building and mouth brooding). Of all the 10 wild-type species found in Thailand, 4 are bubble nest builders and 6 are mouth brooders. B. splendens is the most well-known and the most widespread on the Central Plain. Its habitats are small bodies of water such as those in paddy fields, ponds, lagoons and marshes. These areas are typical slow water habitats with dense emergent vegetation on a clay-mud substrate. The water was characterized by high temperature, low oxygen, high free CO2, low salinity and acidic. Some factors are held responsible for the evolution of the species towards the use of shallow and marginal habitats to live and reproduce. Predation by other fish (usually larger) can be restricted to deeper water. Deeper water nests are notably more vulnerable, far from shore and without cover. Betas may benefit from reduced threat from predators or from interspecific competition by living in habitats with low oxygen availability. Bettas are a member of the Anabantidae family, known for their labyrinth organ, which is a pharyngeal diverticulum that enables consumption of oxygen from the air. Consequently, bettas can survive in water with oxygen levels of as low as 0 – 2 ppm, while other fish die at this concentration. Water temperature increases faster in shallow areas. In situ studies (in the place where the fish live), demonstrate that water temperatures of 30 degrees are favorable for reproduction and development of eggs. Hot water increases the frequency of bubble nest building and the frequency of females spawning. In addition, hot water can shorten egg incubation time and reduce the risk of egg predation. Ultimately, fertilized eggs and beta juveniles in shallow water habitats would have a higher survival rate than those in deeper water.

Flashy Fighters

Fighting Fish is well known for its aggressive behavior (we can already guess from its popular name, Fighting Fish) and for the territorial behavior of the males, which makes it popular for competitive fights in Asian countries. When placed in the same aquarium, male fish often battle until one dies. There are several differences between wild and domestic fish. The main difference is the color patterns, where fighting fish are selected for other characteristics in addition to color, so they usually have colors more similar to wild fish. Wild fighting fish are also much smaller than domestic ones. Traditionally, Thai people love to watch and bet on two combating males, with fights sometimes resulting in death. The market for fighting bloodlines, which has existed since the dawn of recorded history, has not changed much. Breeding fish to obtain the desired characteristics requires knowledge of the lineage of both male and female. Fish bred for fights are selected to have a robust and strong body, featuring thick scales and small fins as protection against opponents’ attacks. In this type of lineage, colors and patterns are not significant. Predisposition to attack vulnerable targets, such as fins and tails, is an extremely valuable ability. On the other hand, in terms of the market, raising males as ornamental fish for sale and export is becoming increasingly profitable. The characteristics that we seek to reproduce and improve for ornamental purposes are the intensity and pattern of color, iridescence of scales, shape and size of the body and fins.

Beta Fish Reproduction and Breeding

They are oviparous fish. They reach sexual maturity at around 6 months. The female lays her eggs in nests made by the male on the surface of the water. The male fish will build a bubble nest above the water, usually near leaves, and will court the female with body wobbles and tail ornamentations. As soon as the female releases eggs into the substrate, the male will fertilize and collect most of them with his mouth, then place them in the bubble nest. After the females finish laying eggs, the males chase the mated females out of the bubble nest areas and provide sole parental care for eggs and larval fish. Nest-keeping is the responsibility of the male; he recovers eggs or fry that have fallen off the nest while still incomplete. The father takes care of the progeny for one to two weeks, and can eat the larvae after this period. The labyrinth organ is also responsible for the production of air bubbles for nest building. Male Bettas build a bubble nest in the center of their territory, which is both a territorial mark and the site of egg deposition by the female. Males will defend territories in the water column near the surface that are centered on a bubble nest. They have very aggressive social displays including spreading their fins, biting and tail beating. The pair must be placed in a jar with proper dimensions in the presence of vegetation. The depth of water used should not exceed 15 cm so that the hatched fry that tend to sink can come up to the surface to breathe. Generally aquarists use the release of tannin and humic acids from leaves such as Terminalia catappa, among others, or from industrial blackwater extracts to darken the water and help keep the eggs healthy. Infusoria, water fleas (Daphnia sp. and Moina sp.) and brine shrimp nauplii are usually offered as first foods for fingerlings before they are gradually adapted to artificial feeding. The choice of artificial feed for the fingerlings (a litter can yield around 500 fry) should be selected for their size, so that they fit in their mouths. Decapsulated brine shrimp cysts have to be ground before mixing with floating material for efficient use as feed. Feeds of different sizes are used at various stages of development to ensure good health and survival of the litter. About two months after hatching, young males become morphologically distinguishable from females. To prevent males from starting to fight, isolate them at around 4 months of age.

Feeding the Beta

Bettas are carnivorous fish with a diet, in their natural habitat, consisting of mosquito larvae and other water insects, which form a source of protein and fat. It is estimated that adult male fish eat about ten to fifteen thousand larvae per year. In the aquarium, they will accept commercial feed without any problem. Live, fresh and frozen foods are acceptable as long as they are of animal origin.

The Perfect Beta Tank

The average lifespan of a beta fish is three years when they are in healthy condition, and they are occasionally able to grow to five years old. If you still have that image of a lone beta, housed in a small aquarium, and without further explanation it died “out of nowhere”. Better review this concept. Instead of living for a few weeks or a few months under these conditions, it could have lived much longer if it had been kept in the right conditions. This includes an aquarium sized according to the needs of the species, among other details that will be covered below. First of all, don’t get attached to the tank’s capacity, but rather to its dimensions. An aquarium for this species does not need to be very tall, but it should be of appropriate length and width. A minimum length of 30cm to 40cm, plus a width of 25cm, will be enough to keep a solitary male. Use and abuse plants and natural ornaments. Your aquarium will be much more beautiful and aesthetically pleasing, and the fish will be more comfortable in natural conditions. One thing we hear a lot is that Betas shouldn’t be kept in tall tanks, or you could drown. This statement is a myth. This will only be possible if you deny access to the surface. Something rather unlikely in an aquarium. Assuming he has tall plants or ornaments that come close to the surface, most likely he will be stationary most of the time. This is because he will rest in this region among the plants, so the height will not influence his breathing process at all. Betta is a fish like any other that generates organic matter through its food and feces. So use a filter! Excess organic matter will make the water polluted, which can lead to illness or even death in the short term. The filter’s function will be to help clean the aquarium, making the environment healthier. But it won’t do any good to have a filtration system and not do its regular maintenance. Weekly, clean the filter, vacuum the substrate, and change the water. Measure the parameters with the help of tests and make sure they are in suitable condition for your fish. Betta fish are without a doubt one of the most popular fish for aquarium enthusiasts. That’s because it offers many benefits for its maintainers, especially for those starting out in this activity. After all, taking care of this adorable friend is simple and economical. They also have vigorous health, which reduces the risk of death. In addition, they are charming and adorable animals with their bright colors and full fins.

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Pros and Cons of Getting an Axolotl

admin — Sun, 20 Nov 2022 18:53:00 +0000

The Axolotl, a species of salamander native to Mexico’s Lake Xochimilco, has become an increasingly popular pet choice in recent years. With its unusual look, playful personality, and relatively easy care requirements, the axolotl offers a unique pet option for those looking for a new companion.

The axolotl is an aquatic creature, measuring up to a foot in length and with a life expectancy of around 10 years. It has a distinctive appearance, with a large head and feathery external gills, and comes in various colors, most commonly black, grey, or albino.

The axolotl is a nocturnal animal and is not typically seen during the day, instead preferring to rest in the depths of its tank. The axolotl is an excellent choice for those looking for a pet that requires minimal maintenance. Its tank should be well-filtered, with a temperature between 15-20 degrees Celsius and an appropriate substrate such as sand or gravel.

As the axolotl is carnivorous, its diet consists of feeder fish, worms, shrimp, and other small aquatic creatures. Now that we’ve covered the basics of the axolotl, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of owning one.

Pros:

1. The axolotl is an incredibly low-maintenance pet, with minimal requirements for its tank and diet. Due to their aquatic nature, the axolotl requires a large tank with a constant water temperature and a filtration system. A good quality substrate such as sand or gravel should be used to provide the axolotl with a comfortable environment, and the tank should be regularly cleaned to ensure good water quality. The axolotl is a carnivorous species, and their diet consists of feeder fish, worms, shrimp, and other small aquatic creatures.

2. The axolotl is an incredibly long-lived creature, with a lifespan of up to 10 years. This means that potential owners can expect to enjoy a long-term companion, and may even witness their pet grow up and mature over the years.

3. Its playful and inquisitive nature makes it a great companion. Axolotls are known for their playful personality and will often interact with their keeper, swimming around the tank and exploring their environment.

4. Axolotls do not require a large tank, making them suitable for those with limited space. Axolotls should be kept in a tank no smaller than 15 gallons, but can happily live in larger tanks too.

5. They are relatively easy to breed, making them a great option for those looking to expand their axolotl family. Breeding axolotls is relatively straightforward, however it is important to remember that not all axolotls will be successful breeders.

6. They are generally disease resistant, making them a hardy pet choice. As long as the axolotl’s environment is well-maintained and their diet is varied, they should be able to fend off many common illnesses.

7. They are a unique and interesting species, sure to draw attention and admiration. With their unusual look and playful nature, axolotls are sure to be the star of the show in any home.

8. They are relatively inexpensive to purchase, and the cost of their tank and food is fairly low. A 15 gallon tank can be purchased for as little as $50, and food is relatively cheap and easy to find.

9. They are active swimmers and can be seen performing exciting tricks and maneuvers in their tank. Axolotls are an active species, and will often swim around their tank with great speed and agility.

10. They are fascinating to watch and observe, as they are rarely seen in the wild. Axolotls are an endangered species in the wild, and so the opportunity to observe them in their natural environment is rare.

Cons:

1. The axolotl is an aquatic creature and therefore needs to be kept in a tank, making it unsuitable for those with limited space. An axolotl’s tank should be at least 15 gallons, and should be kept in a cool, quiet area of the home.

2. They are notoriously sensitive to water quality, and their tank must be carefully maintained to ensure their health and longevity. Axolotls are susceptible to ammonia poisoning, and so regular water changes and cleaning are essential.

3. They have sharp teeth, which can cause damage to their keepers, so they should always be handled carefully. Axolotls should be handled gently, and can be trained to accept handling if done correctly.

4. Axolotls can be quite messy, producing a large amount of waste which needs to be monitored and removed regularly. A good filtration system is essential to keep their tank clean, and the water should be changed regularly.

5. They have been known to be cannibalistic, so multiple axolotls should only be kept in larger tanks. If keeping more than one axolotl, they should be kept in a tank of at least 20 gallons to ensure they have plenty of space to coexist peacefully.

6. They are best kept alone, as they are territorial and can become aggressive towards other species. Axolotls should be kept alone, as they may become aggressive towards other species, even those of their own kind.

7. They are nocturnal animals, so they may not interact with their keeper as much as other pet species. As axolotls are nocturnal, they may not be as interactive with their keeper as daytime species.

8. They can be difficult to feed, as they can be picky eaters and may only accept live food. Axolotls can be fussy eaters and may only accept live food, such as worms and shrimp.

9. They are sensitive to changes in their environment and can easily become stressed if the conditions in their tank are not ideal. It is important to maintain a consistent temperature and water quality, and to avoid sudden changes.

10. They are susceptible to various diseases. As with any pet, it is important to keep an eye out for signs of illness and to seek veterinary advice if necessary.

If you do decide to keep an Axolotl here is an overly simplified list of things you’ll need.

First, you need a tank to keep your axolotl in. The tank should be at least 10 gallons, and should have a lid to keep your axolotl from jumping out. You’ll also need a heater to keep the water at the right temperature, which should be around 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit.

Next, you’ll need a filter to keep the water clean. Axolotls are sensitive to dirty water, so it’s important to have a good filter to keep the water clean and healthy for your axolotl.

You’ll also need a thermometer to check the temperature of the water, and a water conditioner to make sure the water is safe for your axolotl.

Another important supply you’ll need is food. Axolotls are carnivores, which means they eat meat. You can feed your axolotl small pieces of earthworms, brine shrimp, or blood worms.

You’ll also need a place for your axolotl to hide and rest. You can use a small plastic cave or a piece of PVC pipe.

Finally, you’ll need a net to scoop your axolotl out of the tank when it’s time to clean the tank or to handle your axolotl.

In summary, to take care of an axolotl as a pet, you will need a tank, a heater, a filter, a thermometer, a water conditioner, food, a hiding place and a net. With these supplies, you can create a comfortable and healthy environment for your axolotl to live in.

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Pets with fins

admin — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 03:56:15 +0000

Fish have been a popular pet choice for decades. Not only are they beautiful and calming to watch, but they are also relatively low-maintenance and can provide hours of enjoyment. Whether you’re a first-time fish owner or a seasoned aquarist, there are a few things to consider when it comes to keeping fish as pets.

The most important thing to think about when it comes to keeping fish as pets is the size of the tank. The size of the tank will depend on the type of fish, the number of fish, and any other tank inhabitants. Generally speaking, the bigger the tank, the better. A larger tank will allow for more swimming space and provide a more stable environment for your fish. Additionally, a larger tank will require fewer water changes, making it easier to maintain.

Another important factor to consider is the type of fish you’d like to keep. There are many different types of fish available for purchase, from the popular goldfish to more exotic species like seahorses. Each type of fish will require different care, so be sure to do your research before making your selection.

Once you’ve chosen the type of fish you want, you’ll need to make sure that their environment is suitable. This includes the type of substrate, the number of rocks and decorations, and the type of filter you use. Additionally, you will need to ensure that the water is properly balanced in terms of temperature, pH, and oxygen levels.

Finally, you’ll need to think about the diet of your fish. Different types of fish require different types of food, so be sure to check the instructions on the packaging before purchasing. Additionally, you’ll need to make sure that you’re feeding your fish the correct amount of food to maintain a healthy diet.

Keeping fish as pets can be a rewarding experience. Not only are they beautiful and calming to watch, but they provide hours of enjoyment and require minimal effort. With the right research and preparation, you can ensure that your fish will have a happy and healthy life.

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The Benefits of Living With an Animal Friend

admin — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 11:58:14 +0000

When it comes to the mental and physical benefits of owning a pet, the evidence is clear: our furry friends are more than just cute; they are actually beneficial to our overall well-being. From providing unconditional love and companionship to reducing stress and anxiety, the benefits of pet ownership are undeniable.

The first benefit of owning a pet is increased physical activity. Pet owners typically take their pets for walks, hikes, or to the park, which increases the amount of physical activity they get. This physical activity can lead to better overall health and can even reduce the risk of certain diseases.

Studies have also shown that pet ownership can reduce stress and anxiety, which is especially important in these uncertain times. Spending time with our furry friends can be calming and comforting, and can help us relax and de-stress. This is especially beneficial for those with anxiety disorders or depression.

Pets can also provide us with companionship and unconditional love. Dogs, cats, and other animals are often considered part of the family, and they can provide us with the comfort and support we need in difficult times.

In addition to the mental and physical benefits of owning a pet, pets can also provide us with an opportunity to explore and learn about ourselves. Caring for an animal can help us become more responsible and more aware of our own needs and feelings.

Overall, the benefits of pet ownership are clear. Pets can provide us with physical activity, a reduction in stress and anxiety, companionship and unconditional love, and an opportunity to explore and learn about ourselves. So, if you’re looking for a way to improve your mental and physical well-being, consider adding a furry friend to your family.

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