Happy Pets

Lampeyed Panchax; LampeyeAplocheilichthys (formerly Micropanchax) macrophthalmus 30 mm 1 in. Nigeria, Cameroon : forest streams. The body is not cylindrical, but more laterally compressed. Its colour is a delicate blue, with a faint gold line running from the gill cover to the caudal fin. The caudal fin may have a yellow tinge, with red marks at the edge. The eyes are blue. Unlike some Killifishes, this species does well in hard, alkaline water. A shoaling upper water level species, perhaps too small for a community collection. Temperature: 23-26^°C (73-78^°F). Diet: live and dried foods. Breeding: lays eggs over period of days in plants or mops. Eggs hatch in two weeks and fry mature in six months. (more…)

The young of these fishes develop inside the body of the female until they have absorbed the yolk-sac and are then released. Most livebearing fishes are easily sexed : male fishes have the anal fin modified into a rod-like structure called the gonopodium, through which the fertilizing spermatophores are introduced into the female. Gestation is approximately 3o days and broods may number from 20 to 200. It is possible for the females of some species to deliver successive broods without a repeat mating with the male. (more…)

The Nest Box

The nest box should be wooden and have a partition in the middle to keep the eggs from rolling too much. It should be large; this is stressed for two reasons :

1. Both birds incubate the eggs and spend hours together in the box. They need room to move freely and turn the eggs.
2. The nest box will act as “nursery” for the chicks until they are old enough to leave it.

The box should have a 32 inch hole in the center and a perch outside to make access easier. In fact, everything should be done to make the nest box convenient and easily accessible. The female is especially cautious at this time. (more…)

Guppy; Millions Fish Poecilia(formerly Lebistes) reticu/ata Male 28-32 mm 1-1* in; females 65 mm 21 in. Trinidad : various waters. A well-known species. No two males are ever exactly alike; the females are much larger and do not share the males‘ rainbow colours. Genetic experimentation by hobbyists has resulted in many colours and finnage shapes becoming internationally recognized standards. Several specialist groups exist solely for the Guppy fancier. Serious breeders separate the sexes as soon as they are recognizable to prevent unwanted broods. Temperature: 24^°C (75^°F). Diet: all foods. Breeding: very prolific. Females should be given a separate, well-planted tank in which to give birth. (more…)

Pike Top Minnow Belonesox belizanus Male 100 mm 4 in; female 150 mm 6 in. Belize, Guatemala: various waters. A predatory fish which lives up to the reputation of its much larger namesake. The large, tooth-filled mouth and powerful caudal fin bode ill for other fishes in the same tank, full-grown female Guppies being taken with ease. The body is dark blue-green with speckled markings and a spot on the caudal fin base area. Temperature: 24^°C (75^°F). The addition of salt to the water is beneficial. Diet: all foods, but predominantly live foods. Breeding: usual livebearer pattern. (more…)

Fishes in this family are often referred to as ‘labyrinth’ fishes because they have a labyrinthine organ in the head which allows them to breathe atmospheric air if necessary. Another distinguishing feature of this group is the breeding pattern: the majority of the fishes are bubblenest builders. The nests are made of saliva-coated bubbles blown by the male, into which the fertilized eggs are placed following the nuptial embrace beneath the nest. The fry are guarded and kept within the vicinity of the nest by the male. The female is best removed after spawning as the male may attack her. When breeding, care should be taken not to allow any cold draughts of air to pass acrossthe water surface as the fry may become chilled. As it is, a fairly high mortality rate occurs within the first two weeks of life with many species, and the ratio of males to females may be low. (more…)

A number of American and African Cichlids are smaller and less aggressive than the larger Cichlids, and are suitable for the community tank.

Agassiz’s Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma agassizi 70 mm 21 in. Amazon basin : shady streams. The elongated body is brown, with a blue sheen in the male and dark-edged scales. The caudal fin of the male is spear-shaped, with a white outline inside the dark margin. The long- based dorsal fin is edged in red and white. Females are more drab, with a yellow-brown body that has a dark, horizontal line running along the flanks and a slanting, dark line through the eye. The caudal fin is rounded. In general, females of the Apistogramma genus (except for the following species) are similar and difficult to identify. Temperature: 24^°C (75^°F), or slightly higher. Diet: all foods. Breeding: secretive; deposits eggs in caves or upturned flowerpots. (more…)

Male or Female?

If, like the majority of responsible cat owners, you would prefer your cat not to breed, a simple neutering operation will iron out the most significant behavioural differences between male and female felines. With the removal of the organs that pump sex hormones — testosterone in males, and oestrogen in females — into the cat’s body, both sexes will become less likely to roam or spray (particularly males), less temperamental and, most importantly, incapable of adding to an already teeming feline population. (more…)

The operation

Make arrangements with the vet in advance. Castration takes only a few minutes, spaying less than half-an-hour. Today both are performed under general anaesthetic, so the cat should not be fed for twelve hours beforehand, or given water or other fluids for six hours before. Usually the cat will be allowed home the same day and must be kept quiet and indoors for about forty-eight hours.

A female will have a small patch of fur shaved where the incision is made — it will soon grow again — and will have to be taken back about a week later to have her stitches removed. You should not encourage the cat to play energetic games but to rest as much as possible. Keep an eye open for the rare occasion when she might pull out some of her stitches before time. Ring the vet if she does and he will tell you whether to rush her in to him or whether it is really still quite safe. (more…)

Cats have gained a reputation for excessive sexuality, perhaps from the attention that their mating calls attract, but is this reputation in any way deserved? They do not have the drastic battles over sex that occur with rutting stags, for example, nor do they make the extended public display common with dogs - though I remember one occasion when a female dragged her boyfriend in from the rain and straight under the table in the middle of a dinner party. Have you ever seen a tomcat work off his frustration with another in the street like brazen dogs? The gay tom stays definitely in the closet. A cat may jump on a visitor’s lap, but it does not rape her legs! (more…)