How To Guide

Want to add a bit of pizzazz to your fish tank with a poisonous fish? The lionfish is very beautiful, but is also know for being a very poisonous one as well. However, this does not have to stop you from having one in your aquarium. All you have to do is learn more about the fish and you will have a nice treat to watch in your aquarium.

Origin of the Lionfish

Lionfish are home in the tropical water of Indo-Pacific and the Red Sea mainly living in the rocky areas and reefs.

Types of Lionfish

There are several species of Lionfish with the most common for aquariums being the Black Lionfish, Antennata Lionfish, Devil Lionfish, Russell’s Lionfish, Dwarf Fuzzy Lionfish, Radiated lion, Volitans lion, Fu Man Chu lionfish, and Dwarf Zebra Lionfish.

Size

• Black Lionfish – 16 inches
• Antennata Lionfish – 8 inches
• Devil Lionfish – 7 to 8 inches
• Russell’s Lionfish – 10 to 12 inches
• Dwarf Fuzzy Lionfish – 7 to 8 inches
• Dwarf Zebra Lionfish – 6 to 8 inches
• Radiated lion – 9

… Read More

Dragonets are very colorful fish to add to your marine aquarium not to be mistaken for blennies or gobies. These beautiful fish are bottom feeders and often starve to death if they are cared for properly.

Your Fish and Origin

Dragonets are home in the Indo-West Pacific and hang out most of the time near the bottom, enjoying sandy or rocky bottoms.

Types of Dragonets

There are several different dragonets but in most cases, only four are seen in aquariums, which include the spotted mandarin, scooter blenny, red scooter blenny, and the mandarinfish. Even though these fish may have the name blenny attached, they are not blennies by any means.

Size

Even though the below list has the fish growing to 5 inches or less, some species have been know to grow as large as 12 inches.

• Spotted mandarin – 4 inches
• Scooter blenny – 3 inches
• Red scooter blenny – 5 inches
• Mandarinfish – 2 ½ inches

Colors

• Spotted mandarin – various patterns with main colors being black, orange, green, and blue
• Scooter blenny –

… Read More

Cockatiels often referred to as Weiro and Quarrion are very popular house pets. For those looking to add a bird to their home, the cockatiel may just be one of the best options as they adapt quite well to living in captivity. Many consider these birds small parrots but are actually the member of the Nymphicus. As a family pet, they are quite affectionate and will learn tricks to keep their owners amused.

Your bird and origin

The Cockatiels origin is the grasslands and open savannahs of Australia.

Colors

The bird comes in a wide array of colors including:

• Gray – body is gray with white spots on the wings, some may have yellow faces with orange cheeks.
• Silver – A lighter gray with a yellow face and orange cheeks along with red eyes, pink bill and feet
• Pearl – spotted yellow or white on wings and back and in some cases on the chest
• Lutino – white with a small amount of yellow on the face and orange cheeks along with red eyes, pink bill and feet
• Dark

… Read More

Many people love the idea of keeping doves as pets but they often do not know how to care for them properly. These birds along with pigeons have been domesticated for many years and can be awesome pets. Doves are very quite birds offering a gentle voice and are pretty easy to care for in most cases. They can be active but that does not mean they will need your full attention.

Your bird and origin

There are different varieties some originating in the United States and others from Australia. The Diamond Dove, which is often the most popular Dove for pets, originated in Australia. Ringneck Doves are the ones mentioned in the Bible and as far as anyone can tell, they originate from northeast Africa and Arabia.

Size

In most cases coves on average are seven to eight inches long with a tail around four inches long.

Types of Doves

The most popular Doves for pets are the Diamond Doves and Ringneck Doves.

Colors

Diamond Doves have a variety of mutated colors, which include brilliant, brown, cinnamon, pied,… Read More

Finches are a very popular bird to have as a pet. They are easy to care for and provide hours of entertainment. Finches are great pets for those that want to learn how to care for them properly and in most cases have a calm family environment. In many cases, homes with small children are not a great idea for homes for finches.

Your bird and origin

The origin of the finch varies according to the type of finch. Most originated in the Southern Hemisphere. However, other origins include the Hawaiian Islands, Australia, and Galapagos Islands as well as other countries.

Types of Finches

Finches come in a variety of types, which include the Gouldian Finch, Pintail Whydah, Red headed Parrot Finch, Society Finch, Spice Finch, Strawberry Finch, and Zebra Finch.

Size

The size of finches really depends of the type or species commonly between five to eight inches long.

• Gouldian Finches – 5 ½ inches with females just a tad smaller.
• Pintail Whydah – overall length is 6 inches in a non-breeding male and females are 5 inches

… Read More

Lovebirds are great pets with awesome personalities that offering a bonding with their owners you rarely see with birds. If you have adult lovebirds, you may want to watch their aggressive nature as they may nip once in awhile. If you can raise the babies by hand, you will have better natured birds.

Your bird and origin

The majority of lovebirds came from Africa and Madagascar.

Species of lovebirds

There are nine different species of Lovebirds, which includes the Peach Faced, Abyssinian, Blue Masked, Black Masked, Dutch Blue, Fischer’s and Lutino.

Size

Peach Faced – 6 to 7 inches in length

Abyssinian – 6 to 6 ½ inches in length

Blue Masked – 6 inches in length

Black Masked – 6 inches in length

Dutch Blue – 6 to 7 inches in length

Fischer’s – 5 ¾ inches in length

Lutino – 6 to 7 inches in length

Colors

Peach Faced – has a rose/pink color on their eyes, cheeks, throat, and upper breast with the head being a bit redder. The feathers on the upper tail and rump are… Read More

When you hear the word parrot, you may not actually realize that parrots is a broad term that covers more than 372 species. In general, parrots are very popular as house pets, are very colorful, and add a bit of unique atmosphere to any home, especially if you have a parrot that loves to talk. In this article, we will delve into parrots and leave the other birds in the category for another time.

Your bird and origin

The true origin of the parrot has not been discovered but all parrots come from warm tropical regions such as the Southern Hemisphere with most from South America and Australia.

Types of parrots

Even though there are several different species of parrots the ones most often seen as house pets include Senegal Parrots, Eclectus Parrots, Amazon Parrots, Quaker Parrots, Green Parrots, and African Gray Parrots

Colors

Most people when they think of a parrot they think of a green bird, however, this is a misconception.

Senegal Parrots – gray heads with green wings and chest. The belly has a v shaped patch… Read More

The Angelfish is very popular due to their beautiful colors and their elongated triangular dorsal and anal fins. The most common Angelfish for aquariums are the freshwater angelfish from the cichlid species. These are great fish to add color and even a bit of excitement to your tank. In most cases, these fish are quite calm and slow moving putting on a great show, however, they usually become a bit excited during feeding and spawning times.

Your Fish and origin

Angelfish or at least freshwater ones originated in the Amazon region of South America.

Types of Angelfish

Within the angelfish classification, you will find several types.

Black – all black

Blushing – while with gold markings

Black Lace – black with wide white stripes

Blue Blushing – soft gray

Gold – light yellow but as they mature, the color turns to gold

Kole – white with black markings

Pearly gold – shiny gold

Silver – black vertical markings and heads that are tawny

Smokey – silver on front half – dark gray or sometimes black on the back… Read More

The Bala Shark also known as the shark minnow, silver shark, and the tricolor shark, is a favorite among aquarium owners. Do not worry it is not a real shark, it received its name due to its large finds and torpedo shaped body. Adding a Bala Shark to your aquarium is a great idea if you want a fish that is pretty easy in the maintenance department. They are tough and do not need much care.

Your fish and origin

The Bala Shark originated in the Makong and Chao Phraya River Basins, Borneo, Sumatra, and the Malay Peninsula.

Size

The Bala Shark grows to be around 14 to 16 inches long.

Colors

The Bala Shark has a silver body with black margins on the pelvic fins, anal fins, caudal fins, and dorsal fins.

Living environment

In the wild, the Bala Shark lives in large and medium sized lakes and rivers. This fish is considered endangered and is practically extinct in many areas of its origin.

For aquariums, the Bala Shark will need at least an aquarium that is 4 to… Read More

The Bearded Dragon is a very popular lizard that is finding its way into more and more homes. This lizard is an adept climber and loves rocky areas. They have large triangular heads with flat bodies that has pointed ridges on the sides. They eat both plants and insects.

Your lizard and origin

The Bearded Dragon originated in the rocky and arid regions of Australia.

Types of Bearded Dragon

There are eight different species of breaded dragons but from the eight, six are the most common for pets. These include the Western Bearded Dragon, the Inland Bearded Dragon, the Mitchell’s Bearded Dragon, Dwarf Bearded Dragon, Lawson’s Bearded Dragon, Rankin’s Bearded Dragon, Banded Bearded Dragon, Small Scaled Bearded Dragon, and the Nullabor Bearded Dragon.

Colors

Colors of bearded dragons is a large variety which include brown, reddish/brown, gray, red, yellow, orange, and white. They not only come in an array of colors but also can make a few changes in their color to help shade their color from predators or to regulate the temperature of their bodies.

Sizes

Western Bearded… Read More

The Boa snake has 28 different species within the family but only nine of these are often seen in homes as pets. Before deciding to take a Boa as a pet, you must realize the strength and size these snakes will reach at adulthood. In most cases, Boa’s are pretty docile, but can be a hand full. Adequate housing is also very important, as these snakes will if they escape look for small prey to eat even small cats. In general, boas are brown, grey or cream base color that has brown or reddish-brown saddles that are more pronounced near the tail.

Your snake and origin

The origin of the Boa is mainly from Central America, South America, and a few from the Caribbean Islands.

Types of Boa’s

As mentioned above, there are nine most common Boa’s kept as pets which include Boa Imperator, Red Tailed Boa, Dumeril’s Boa, Madagascan Ground Boa, Madagascan Tree Boa, Kenyan Sand Boa, Brazilian Rainbow Boa, Emerald Tree Boa, and Rosy Boa.

Colors

Boa Imperator – has a darker tail normally dark brown or… Read More

Box turtles can be awesome pets but you will need to know how to care for your turtle if you want him or her to live a long healthy life. One thing you must remember if you would like to add a box turtle is that you should never take one from the wild, as they are becoming less and less populated and many states have laws taking box turtles from the wild to serve as pets.

Your turtle and origin

The majority of box turtles are North American Box Turtles but you can also find a few Asian Box Turtles as pets as well. You can tell their origin by their name.

Types of box turtles

The most common types of North American Box Turtles as pets include Eastern Box Turtle, Three Toed Box Turtle, Gulf Coast Box Turtle, and Ornate Box Turtle. The Asian Box Turtles include Indochinese Box Turtle, Chinese Box Turtle, Chinese Three Striped Box Turtle, and the Malayan box turtle.

Colors

Eastern Box Turtle - dark brown to black in color… Read More

The iguana is the most popular lizard of all to have as a pet. These lizards are pretty easy to care for and do bond a bit with their owners. Males do have a tendency to be a bit aggressive, but nothing an owner cannot handle if they learn the proper care and housing an iguana needs to live a happy and healthy life.

Your reptile and origin

The Iguana originated in Central, South America, and the Caribbean.

Types of iguana’s

Green Iguanas, Blue Iguanas, Red Iguanas, and Desert Iguanas are the most popular seen as house pets.

Colors

Green Iguanas – green of course but has the ability to change from brilliant green to a pale blue gray

Blue Iguanas – blue with the ability to change from blue to darker blue

Red Iguanas – orange to orange/red head

Desert Iguanas - green to brown to yellow

Size

Green Iguanas – 5 to 6 feet

Blue Iguanas – 5 feet or more

Red Iguanas – 5 feet or more

Desert Iguanas – 5 to 6… Read More

When it comes to snakes as pets, you will find more individuals own a ball python that other pythons or even other snakes. The main reason is the snake is the smallest of the pythons but is larger than most common snakes as well as coming in a variety of colors.

Your snake and origin

The Ball Python originated in Africa mainly in west and central Africa.

Colors

All the different colors available with ball pythons are known as morphs. A few of the colors include cinnamon pastel, caramel, black granite, yellow ghost, BumbleBee, Blue Eyed Leucistic, Albino, Piebald, Pastel Congo, and Halloween.

Size

Ball Pythons reach three to five feet by adulthood with females being a bit larger and heavier.

Living environment

An adult python will need a 30-gallon aquarium with a secure lid, as they will venture out if possible. The base of the tank should be covered with Astroturf or old newspapers. Never use such items such pellets, bark, gravel, sand, or alfalfa for the base. Ball pythons need a hide box that is large enough… Read More

The Monitor Lizard is often chosen for a household pet for many different reasons; the main reason is the love of these unique reptiles. Just one thing to remember if you decide to bring one home is that they normally grow much larger in captivity than they do in the wild. They are very easy when it comes to care, as they are pretty lazy.

Your reptile and origin

Monitor lizards originated in Africa and in most cases especially when talking about the Savannah Monitors, Sub-Saharan Africa in an area from Senegal to Sudan and north of the Congo River.

Types of Monitor Lizards

There are several different types of monitor lizards including the Komodo Dragon and the Crocodile Monitor; however, the most popular household pets include the Nile Monitor and the Savannah Monitor also known as the Bosc’s Monitor and the Cape Monitor.

Colors

Savannah Monitor – olive brown with little or no markings

Nile Monitor – dark brown/black with yellow bands

Size

Savannah Monitor – up to 5 feet

Nile Monitor – up to 6 feet

Living… Read More

The American Paint Horse is a combination breed offering characteristics of western stock but with the colorings of a pinto’s white and dark coat colors. The horse was developed via thoroughbred and Quarter Horse bloodlines.

The American Paint Horse origin and history

Due to the American Paint Horse’s development, the horse has ancestors that are both Quarter Horses and Thoroughbred. The horse originated in the United States. By 1965, the American Paint Horse Association was founded.

Characteristics

Every American Paint Horse has a combination of white along with another color spectrum. The common colors include white spots, with other colors such as black, brown, bay, sorrel, and chestnut. Other colors have also been noted even though they are not as common, which includes pearl, cremello, palomino, buckskin, and champagne along with shades of roan or grullo. Some may even have a faint gray color to the white spots. The only patterns for a true American Paint Horse include splash, frame, sabino, solid, tovero, and tobiano. The horses are also known for their blue eyes, pink skin on nostrils and lips,… Read More

The American Quarter Horse received its name its ability to sprint short distances for races of a quarter mile or less with speeds up to 55 miles per hour. The horse is not only known for its racing ability but its performances in horse shows, rodeos, and working on a ranch.

The American Quarter Horse origin and history

The beginning of the American Quarter Horse all began with colonists breeding their thoroughbred horses with native horses like the Chickasaw horse, which was developed from horses with descendants from Spain, which all began with the Arabian, Barb, and Iberian. The first official American Quarter Horse was foaled in 1843, which was the beginning of the Quarter Horse with the first one Steel Dust.

Characteristics

You can easily spot an American Quarter Horse by its well muscled body with a broad chest and rounded hindquarters that are of course quite powerful. The head is short with a straight profile. There are two major body types found with the quarter horse, which are stock and racing. The stock horse is shorter and a… Read More

The Appaloosa is a horse that many want to own seen in movies and used in the old west for all kinds of ranch work as well as being known for its western riding disciplines.

The Appaloosa’s origin and history

This may be hard to believe but the story of the Appaloosa can be traced as far back as 18,000 BC from cave paintings found at Lascaux and Perche-Merle in France. It is believed the Spanish obtained these spotted horses through various trading venues and of course from there made their way throughout the world.

Characteristics

The Appaloosa is a horse with very distinct characteristics in not only their coloring but four easily identifiable characteristics, which include mottled skin, coat pattern, striped hooves, and white sclera.

The mottled skin is a pink color but has dark areas of pigmented skin, which resembles speckled patterns from the pigmented and non-pigmented skin. The coat pattern is very unique with blanket patterns on the hips, loin and hips, back and hips, body and hips, or the entire body, which includes markings that cover… Read More

The Arabian Horse is an elegant looking horse that will offer a great ride for the owner that wants to hold a prestigious appeal while horseback riding. This horse due to its origin has a close-knit bond with humans, which is a huge plus if you are in search of a great family horse.

The Arabian Horse origin and history

The Arabian horse originated on the Arabian Peninsula and dates back to 4,500 years. The horse was used in the desert climate but the owners often brought the horses into the tents with them to provide them shelter from the brutal elements, thus their close bond.

Characteristics

Characteristics of the Arabian horse begin with the head shape and the high tail carriage. The head is short with flaring nostrils, arched neck and long legs are the main characteristics that give this horse its regal appeal. The colors recognized by the Arabian Horse Association include roan, black, gray, chestnut, and bay.

Diet

The Arabian horse eats the diet as all horses and will enjoy grazing more than anything else will. Cold… Read More

If you have ever watched commercial years ago, you will remember the Budweiser Clydesdales, so you already have an idea of just how beautiful these horses truly are.

The Clydesdale Horse origin and history

The Clydesdale was developed in Scotland during the 18^th and 19^th century in the area known as the Lanarkshire district where the River Clyde runs through. The first Clydesdale arrived to North America via Scottish settlers in Canada. By 1880, these horses were seen in the United States. The sad news is this horse breed is considered an at risk breed with less than 500 horses registered in the country.

Characteristics

The Clydesdale is short backed with a broad chest and a well-sprung barrel. The head has a flat profile and large eyes. They are tall and leggy standing over 16HH and weigh over 1600 pounds. The Clydesdale can be brown, black, bay, and chestnut with solid or roan markings. All have white stockings on the legs and solid colors many times with white blazes. The most unique characteristic of the Clydesdale are their large frying… Read More