Aquatic Species | Incredible Aquatic Species

I Smell Something Fishy

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The threat of global warming is depleting the oceans of the world, and as civilization expands through forests and other places that were once wildlife habitats, the way of life for many animals is disappearing.

This list of marine mammals is a small one, with many in danger of disappearing completely. To look up more endangered animals and ways that you can help in the fight to save them, search at Canada 411.

Bottle-nose Dolphin: These mammals are friendly ocean creatures who are sweet and sociable. Many Bottle-nose dolphins are hunted off the coasts of Japan, and killed or injured by the motor blades of boats.

California Sea Lion: These adorable sea lions are featured in many pictures because of their sweet faces and cute expressions. Many sea lions will be hunted for blubber and are injured by oil spills and boat motor blades.

Killer Whale: These mammals became famous after movies like Free Willy. They’re hunted for their skin and poached heavily despite attempts at increasing the species by providing safe locations like Sea World. These giants don’t do well in captivity.

Humpback whales: These giant mammals are also victims of poaching and are hunted for their meat and their tough skin. Many mothers end up separated from young babies and the young die without their mother.

The Marine Animal Conservation Society works closely with the National Marine Fisheries to start breeding programs, stop poaching and find safe environments for these gorgeous creatures to repopulate natural habitats.

Benefits of Having Pet Fish

Contemplating having a pet but not sure what sort of pet to choose? Consider getting a pet fish or two. There are many advantages and benefits of having pet fish that make them a convenient pet for families and those who live alone. Here is a look at some of the benefits of having pet fish.

One of the biggest advantages of having pet fish is that they are fairly easy to take care of. Fish do not have a litter box you have to change and they do not have to be taken outdoors. You simply have to keep their tank or bowl clean and feed them. This is perfect for the busy family or someone who works a hectic schedule and is not home often.

Pet fish are also a good choice for those who suffer from pet allergies. Many people find themselves suffering from being allergic to dogs or cats and therefore assume they cannot own a pet. Fish are a great alternative especially for children.

Owning pet fish is also a good way to teach kids how to be responsible for a pet. If you are thinking about getting a larger pet such as a dog or cat, first consider getting your child a fish and see how they do with it. It is the perfect opportunity for them to learn to take care of their own pet.

Lastly, pet fish are an inexpensive pet to have. While there are some types of fish that are exotic and rare making them more expensive, there are several types of fish that are very inexpensive to buy and take care of.

Four Common Ocean Fish

There are many different and unusual fish found in the ocean but there are several types that are more commonly found than others. Here is a look at fish commonly found in the ocean.

The wahoo is a type of fish that is usually found in warmer oceans and belongs to the same family as the tuna fish. Many people are not aware but the wahoo are very fast fish and can swim up to 47 miles per hour! Wahoo fish also have extremely large teeth that are perfect for eating things such as reef fish, small tuna fish as well as squid. Wahoo fish can also grow to be extremely large weighing in at over a hundred pounds and can grow to be over six foot long!

Snapper fish are also found in the ocean. Snapper fish are a great source of food and considered highly valuable. Many people enjoy eating fresh snapper. There are several different type of snapper fish with some such as the red snapper that are not considered safe to eat. Some snapper fish live in reef areas while others live in very deep areas of the ocean.

A popular fish that many people love to look at is the angelfish. Most angelfish live next to the coral reef. There are 75 types of angelfish that are considered saltwater and one type that is freshwater. You cannot eat the angelfish.

The goatfish are bottom dwellers and are usually found in groups. They are very odd looking with whiskers under their chin that they use to look for food on the bottom of the ocean to eat. Their diet consists of a lot of shrimp, crab, and other fish. The goatfish is safe to eat and many people enjoy catching them either by net, a line and hook or even with a spear.

Recommended Freshwater Fish for Pets

While there are thousands of different types of fish there are a few types of freshwater fish that come hightly recommended for those who are contemplating getting one as a pet. While some fish may look pretty they may be difficult to take care of or require extra attention that other types of freshwater fish do not. Here is a look at recommended freshwater fish for pets.

Swordtails are an excellent choice for almost any freshwater aquarium. These pretty fish can grow up to around four inches and are usually peaceful fish with the exception of male swordfish which can be quite aggressive with each other. While swordfish breed easily it is recommended once the baby fish are born that the mother be moved to a separate place as some have been known to try to eat their own young.

One of the most commonly known freshwater fish are the neon tetras. These are schooling fish so you can easily group together five or more fish. These fish are known for their iridescent glow on their scales that makes it appear as though they are glowing in the tank.

Platies are also a good choice for those who want freshwater fish as pets. These pets are related to the swordtails and they come in a number of different colors. These fish are also schooling fish and do well in smaller numbers such as four or five. You will want to provide a number of different plants in the aquarium if you want these fish to breed.

Freshwater Fish Not Recommended as Pets

Some freshwater fish such as the neon tetras make excellent pets and are a great addition for any aquarium. However, there are some freshwater fish that do not make good pets and are not recommended for home aquariums. Here is a look at freshwater fish not recommended as pets.

If you are looking for the traditional type of tank, goldfish are not recommended. Goldfish have previously been a favorite especially for those who have never owned a fish before. The problem is is that goldfish can grow extremely large in size and therefore are not a good choice for the usual type of tank found in most homes.

Mollies are another type of freshwater fish that are not recommended due to the fact that they are very difficult to keep alive. This is especially important if you are considering getting your child a pet fish and want one that is more likely to stick around. Mollies are very sensitive to their water conditions which attributes to many of them dying early on. They can make good fish but they are really a better choice for someone with more experience or someone who has a lot of time to devote to their fish.

Bettas, or as they are known to some, Siamese fighting fish are also not recommended. While they are beautiful fish, they do not do well with others in a community fish tank and are usually only recommended to be by themselves.

Catfish are also not recommended freshwater fish for a pet. While catfish are very small at first, they can grow to be extremely large thus making them difficult to take care of and not good for a home tank.

Typical Pet Fish Myths

There are many assumptions and myths about owning fish that can lead some pet owners confused. While fish make excellent pets, just as any other type of pet they require their own special care and attention. Here is a look at some typical pet fish myths that commonly mislead people.

One of the most common pet fish myths is that if you have a smaller tank you do not have as much work to do. This could not be less true. Just as with larger fish tanks smaller tanks require a good deal of attention and care. Smaller fish tanks often require more care because once something occurs such as disease or certain types of algae growing there is not as much time to deal with them.

Another typical pet fish myth is that if you have more fish your tank is better off. This is also false. You never want to risk overcrowding your fish tank as it can easily lead to big trouble. As humans, we all need our own personal space to move around and the same thing applies to fish. Having too many fish in a tank can also lead to even bigger issues such as not enough oxygen to go around.

Lastly, many people assume that taking care of fish will be easy compared to other, larger pets such as dogs. While it is true that fish do not require to be walked or taken out they have their own specific needs to be taken care of. It is important to watch the levels of the tank, keep it clean and ensure that the fish are fed correctly.

Why Fish Make Good First Pets

For those who are thinking about getting a pet and are not sure what sort of pet to get as a first pet owner consider getting a fish as a pet. There are several reasons as to why fish make good first pets. Here is a look at some of those reasons.

One reason fish make good first pets is due to the fact that they are usually inexpensive. Adopting a dog or cat or purchasing a pure bred can be very costly. There are also other things to think about such as future vet bills and getting a dog or cat spayed or neutered. With fish you do not have to worry about all of these costs. While there are more expensive fish to purchase if you like, many of the fish and their necessities are very affordable.

Another reason fish make excellent first pets is because you can purchase more than one at first so they have companion. If you get dog or cat, unless you are ready to take on a big challenge, chances are you just want to have one at first. With fish as long as you get the right kind you can have a whole little community.

Fish are also excellent first pets for those who are not sure if they have pet allergies or not. Some pet owners are not aware they are allergic to cats or dogs until after they have gotten their new pet and then they are stuck with the sad reality of having to find their pet a new home. Fish are the perfect pet to start with since there is no hair or fur to worry about. You can still have all the joys of owning a pet without having to worry about having a bad reaction.

Freshwater Fish Safe to Eat

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Want to add a lean addition to your diet that is healthy and good for you? Consider all the different types of freshwater fish there to choose from and add some to your diet! There are many benefits of adding freshwater fish to your diet. Not only are there different types to choose from with each having its own flavor but there are also a number of ways you can cook the fish as well. Here is a look at some freshwater fish safe to eat.

Bluegill fish or as they are known to some as brim or copper nose are considered freshwater fish safe to eat. These fish are low in mercury and are a popular fish often caught by fishermen. These fish are known for nibbling on bait and then spitting it out, playing hard to get. They have a nice flavor that many enjoy.

Most people are familiar with the freshwater fish the catfish. Catfish are safe to eat and also low in mercury. These fish are known for their popular whiskers and can grow to be quite large. Many restaurants serve catfish, usually fried. It is also quite easy to make at home and a very popular choice.

Tilapia is another well known freshwater fish that is also good for eating. This fish is very popular due to the fact that it is fairly inexpensive to buy and has a nice taste many enjoy and is an excellent source of protein. You can grill this fish or fry it depending upon your own tastes.

Trout are also freshwater fish that are considered safe to eat. There are different varieties of trout growing to be different sizes. The lake trout can grow to be extremely large and up to over 60 pounds! Trout make an excellent meal and are also low in mercury.

Do Goldfish Make Good Pets?

Mid 19th Century glass freshwater aquarium, co...

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As one of the most popular fish on the market, many people assume that the goldfish is the best pet fish to have. But do goldfish make good pets? Here is a look at some of the positives and negatives to owning a goldfish.

The biggest positive to making a goldfish a pet is the fact that you will never have to worry about vet bills or having to take it outside just to do its business. Goldfish are fairly easy to take care of compared to dogs or cats. They do not require yearly vet visits which saves you both time and money. Goldfish also do not require a lot of attention. They are probably the ideal pet for someone who is very busy with work or going to school.

While goldfish are convenient pets, that are fairly easy to take care of, there are some negatives as well. Unlike dogs and cats you cannot hold or pet a goldfish. One of the reasons many people choose to get a pet is for companionship. With goldfish you just do not get the same type of interaction that you would with a cat or dog. You can sit and talk to a goldfish but that is about it.

Another thing to consider when deciding on whether or not a goldfish is the right type of pet for you is if you have the time to take care of it. While it is true you do not have to take a goldfish outside or groom it you do have to ensure its living quarters are kept clean. You will have to take time out to clean its tank or bowl.

All in all, so long as you do not mind minimal interaction and you love the ease of having and taking care of a goldfish, they may be the perfect pet for you.

Guide to Shopping for Pets

Shopping for pets does not have to be time consuming and depending upon what you are shopping for it can actually be fun. If you have a brand new pet or are considering getting one for yourself but are not sure where to get all the supplies you need for it here is a guide to shopping for pets.

Grocery stores are a good place to look if you need basic supplies for your pet or pets. They usually have necessities for most commonly found pets such as dogs, cats, fish or birds. Here is you will find items such as food, cat litter and other things needed for pets. While it may not be a large selection to choose from it i