animal science 2-small animal unit d4-animal breeds and basic management

Animal Science 2-Small Animal Science 2-Small AnimalAnimal

Unit D4-Animal Breeds and Unit D4-Animal Breeds and Basic ManagementBasic Management

Essential Standard 10.00Essential Standard 10.00

Select the best fish, Select the best fish, amphibian, and reptile for a amphibian, and reptile for a

given use.given use.

Objective 10.01Objective 10.01

• Discuss the major breeds of fish and Discuss the major breeds of fish and types of amphibians and reptiles.types of amphibians and reptiles.

Species/Breeds of FishSpecies/Breeds of Fish

• Egg laying fishEgg laying fish– KoiKoi– GoldfishGoldfish– BetasBetas– TetrasTetras

– BarbsBarbs– CatfishCatfish– Chinese Algae EaterChinese Algae Eater

HeadstandersHeadstanders

GoldfishGoldfish

• Very popular first fish for many childrenVery popular first fish for many children

• Hardy and easy to keep freshwater fish Hardy and easy to keep freshwater fish that prefers pools or cold water that prefers pools or cold water aquariumsaquariums

• Prefer a temperature range of 32-68˚FPrefer a temperature range of 32-68˚F

• Can live in various types of water as Can live in various types of water as long as water is kept cleanlong as water is kept clean

GoldfishGoldfish

BetasBetas

• Freshwater fish that are very aggressiveFreshwater fish that are very aggressive• Frequently kept alone as a specimen Frequently kept alone as a specimen

fish in a species-only aquariumfish in a species-only aquarium• Males must never be put in the same Males must never be put in the same

aquariumaquarium• One or two females may be put in a One or two females may be put in a

community aquarium but it may affect community aquarium but it may affect their colorationtheir coloration

• Prefer a temperature range of 80˚F ± 3˚Prefer a temperature range of 80˚F ± 3˚

BetasBetas

Male BetaFemale Beta

TetrasTetras

• Easy to medium care ornamental fish Easy to medium care ornamental fish that prefer soft water that is slightly that prefer soft water that is slightly acidicacidic

• A very sociable fish that does well in A very sociable fish that does well in community aquariumscommunity aquariums

• Average 1 ½-3” in lengthAverage 1 ½-3” in length

• One species is the neonOne species is the neon

TetrasTetras

CatfishCatfish

• Grown as ornamentals including the Grown as ornamentals including the upside-down catfish, glass catfish, upside-down catfish, glass catfish, and electric catfishand electric catfish

• Prefer their water temperature to be Prefer their water temperature to be 70-80˚ F70-80˚ F

Chinese Algae EaterChinese Algae Eater

• Soaking loach that grows up to 10” long Soaking loach that grows up to 10” long when the aquarium size permitswhen the aquarium size permits

• Large, fleshy lips that can cling to Large, fleshy lips that can cling to vegetation, rocks or the sides of a glass vegetation, rocks or the sides of a glass aquariumaquarium

• Good community fish and feed off algaeGood community fish and feed off algae

• Prefer a water temperature of 70-80˚FPrefer a water temperature of 70-80˚F

Chinese Algae EaterChinese Algae Eater

Livebearing fishLivebearing fish

• Give birth to live youngGive birth to live young

• Live in shoals or groups of five or Live in shoals or groups of five or moremore– GuppiesGuppies– SwordtailsSwordtails– MolliesMollies– PlatysPlatys

GuppiesGuppies

• Most popularMost popular

• Varieties only differ in shapes of their Varieties only differ in shapes of their fins and tailsfins and tails

• Prefer water temperatures 68-75˚FPrefer water temperatures 68-75˚F

• May average giving birth to 50 May average giving birth to 50 young, but adults may try to eat the young, but adults may try to eat the young fryyoung fry

GuppiesGuppies

SwordtailsSwordtails

• Known for its long Known for its long sword-like caudal finsword-like caudal fin

• Like environment Like environment similar to guppiessimilar to guppies

• Average 3-4 ¾” longAverage 3-4 ¾” long

• Prefer water Prefer water temperatures 68-temperatures 68-70˚F70˚F

MolliesMollies

• Most species are black and differ Most species are black and differ only in the size of their finsonly in the size of their fins

• Prefer water temperatures 72-82˚FPrefer water temperatures 72-82˚F

• Dwell in large groups or schoolsDwell in large groups or schools

• Have problems with large fins (may Have problems with large fins (may grow so large that swimming is grow so large that swimming is difficult)difficult)

MolliesMollies

PlatysPlatys

• Very popularVery popular

• Average only 2 ½” in lengthAverage only 2 ½” in length

• Prefer water temperature 68-77˚FPrefer water temperature 68-77˚F

Saltwater BreedsSaltwater Breeds

• Live in saltwater and require the Live in saltwater and require the addition of sodium chloride (salt) to addition of sodium chloride (salt) to create a marine environmentcreate a marine environment

• Most of these ornamental fish lay Most of these ornamental fish lay eggseggs– AngelfishAngelfish– Butterfly fishButterfly fish– BrassletsBrasslets– Clown fishClown fish– Sergeant MajorSergeant Major

AngelfishAngelfish

• Some can live in freshwaterSome can live in freshwater

• Delicate in appearance, but are very Delicate in appearance, but are very hardyhardy

• Eggs are carried in the parent’s Eggs are carried in the parent’s mouth and placed either in foliage or mouth and placed either in foliage or sand as part of the incubation processsand as part of the incubation process

• Prefer water temperature of 77-86˚FPrefer water temperature of 77-86˚F

AngelfishAngelfish

BrassletsBrasslets

• Small, popular, colorful fish for marine Small, popular, colorful fish for marine aquariumsaquariums

• Royal gamma is the suggested Royal gamma is the suggested brasslet for beginner marine aquaristsbrasslet for beginner marine aquarists

• Mix well with other species, but must Mix well with other species, but must be isolated from their own due to be isolated from their own due to aggressive natureaggressive nature

• Eat a diet of brine shrimpEat a diet of brine shrimp• Prefer water temperatures 79-82˚FPrefer water temperatures 79-82˚F

Clown FishClown Fish

• Orange in color with three white Orange in color with three white bands encircling the bodybands encircling the body

• Each white band & fins are edged in Each white band & fins are edged in blackblack

• Known for their ability to live around Known for their ability to live around the tentacles of the sea anemone in the tentacles of the sea anemone in a mutually beneficial relationship a mutually beneficial relationship known as symbiosisknown as symbiosis

Clown FishClown Fish

Sergeant MajorSergeant Major

• Marine fish that Marine fish that grows to 7” in grows to 7” in lengthlength

• Silver-blue in color Silver-blue in color with a yellow tinge with a yellow tinge on its body and has on its body and has seven vertical dark seven vertical dark bands on each bands on each side.side.

Breeds of AmphibiansBreeds of Amphibians

• NewtsNewts

• SalamandersSalamanders

• FrogsFrogs

• ToadsToads

Newts and SalamandersNewts and Salamanders

• Range in size from a few inches to 5’ Range in size from a few inches to 5’ or moreor more

• Usually have four legs and long tailsUsually have four legs and long tails

Frogs and ToadsFrogs and Toads

• Differ in that frogs make a croaking Differ in that frogs make a croaking noise, have slender, longer bodies, noise, have slender, longer bodies, and moist skin while toads have a and moist skin while toads have a rough skin and dry appearancerough skin and dry appearance

• True frogs include the American True frogs include the American Bullfrog and may grow to 14” longBullfrog and may grow to 14” long

Frogs and ToadsFrogs and Toads

• American Toad is the common toad American Toad is the common toad in the eastern United Statesin the eastern United States

• Green Tree Frog is actually a yellow-Green Tree Frog is actually a yellow-green toad with a yellow stripe green toad with a yellow stripe running from its lower jaw back along running from its lower jaw back along its sidesits sides

Species of ReptilesSpecies of Reptiles

• Boa constrictorsBoa constrictors

• Garter snakesGarter snakes

• Green anoleGreen anole

• SkinksSkinks

• Savannah MonitorSavannah Monitor

• ChameleonChameleon

Boa ConstrictorsBoa Constrictors

• Popular pets Popular pets because they adjust because they adjust well to captivity and well to captivity and tame quicklytame quickly

• May grow 18’ longMay grow 18’ long• Like to feed on Like to feed on

small animals, small animals, birds, fish, and eggsbirds, fish, and eggs

Garter SnakesGarter Snakes

• Adjust well in Adjust well in captivity and can captivity and can be tamedbe tamed

• Easily recognized Easily recognized by stripes running by stripes running the length of their the length of their bodybody

• May reach 2-3’ in May reach 2-3’ in lengthlength

Green AnoleGreen Anole

• An iguana that is An iguana that is often found in pet often found in pet storesstores

• Reaches a length of Reaches a length of 8” and feeds on 8” and feeds on insectsinsects

• Changes color from Changes color from various shades of various shades of gray to browngray to brown

SkinksSkinks

• Very tame and make excellent petsVery tame and make excellent pets

• Secretive and do best with leaves to Secretive and do best with leaves to burrow underburrow under

• May reach 2’ in lengthMay reach 2’ in length

Savannah MonitorSavannah Monitor

• A lizard that can be used as a petA lizard that can be used as a pet

• May reach sizes up to 6’ or more and May reach sizes up to 6’ or more and become hard to handlebecome hard to handle

Common ChameleonCommon Chameleon

• A true chameleon that reaches about A true chameleon that reaches about 10” in length10” in length

• Can change their colors rapidly to Can change their colors rapidly to adapt to their surroundingsadapt to their surroundings

TerminologyTerminology

• Ornamental fish-Ornamental fish-– Kept for their appearance (bright colors Kept for their appearance (bright colors

and fancy fins)and fancy fins)– Personal appeal to peoplePersonal appeal to people– Not usually used for foodNot usually used for food


• Tropical fishTropical fish– Popular fish for aquariums that come Popular fish for aquariums that come

from the warmer regions of the worldfrom the warmer regions of the world


• Marine fishMarine fish– Fish that are kept in salt water Fish that are kept in salt water

aquariumsaquariums– Often more colorful than freshwater Often more colorful than freshwater

varietiesvarieties


• Freshwater fishFreshwater fish– Fish that are kept in a freshwater tankFish that are kept in a freshwater tank– Often the most popular fish for petsOften the most popular fish for pets


• Community fishCommunity fish– Fish that do well in an aquarium with Fish that do well in an aquarium with

other fish speciesother fish species– Examples include: Tetras, barbs, Examples include: Tetras, barbs,

catfish, Mollies, Platys, and Swordtailscatfish, Mollies, Platys, and Swordtails


• Species fishSpecies fish– Do best in an aquarium with fish of the Do best in an aquarium with fish of the

same speciessame species– Examples: Blind Cave Fish, Piranhas, Examples: Blind Cave Fish, Piranhas,

Red-Tailed Shark, Schomburgk’s Leaf Red-Tailed Shark, Schomburgk’s Leaf Fish, Spiny eels, Killifish (one pair alone Fish, Spiny eels, Killifish (one pair alone in an aquarium), Betas (alone in an in an aquarium), Betas (alone in an aquarium)aquarium)


• GonopodiumGonopodium– Modification of anal fin into a tube-Modification of anal fin into a tube-

shaped organ in male live-bearers that shaped organ in male live-bearers that provides passage for sperm packets to provides passage for sperm packets to enter the oviduct of the femaleenter the oviduct of the female


• Live bearerLive bearer– Fish that give birth to live youngFish that give birth to live young– Examples: guppies, Mollies, Platys, and Examples: guppies, Mollies, Platys, and

SwordtailsSwordtails


• Egg layersEgg layers– Fish that expel eggs from the female to Fish that expel eggs from the female to

be fertilized by the malebe fertilized by the male– Examples: tetras, barbs, catfish, Examples: tetras, barbs, catfish,

goldfishgoldfish


• ShoalsShoals– Small colonies of fishSmall colonies of fish– Some species prefer to live Some species prefer to live

in shoalsin shoals•Examples: African refin, Examples: African refin,

catfish, tetrascatfish, tetras


• SpawningSpawning– The reproduction ritual where eggs are The reproduction ritual where eggs are

deposited and fertilized by egg laying deposited and fertilized by egg laying species of fishspecies of fish


• ScalesScales– Thin, bony plates that develop from and Thin, bony plates that develop from and

are embedded in dermisare embedded in dermis– Overlap each other and provide Overlap each other and provide

protectionprotection– Exposed part of the scale is covered Exposed part of the scale is covered

with a thin layer of epidermis that with a thin layer of epidermis that produces a slimy mucous which protects produces a slimy mucous which protects the fish from water borne bacteriathe fish from water borne bacteria

Water/Salt RequirementsWater/Salt Requirements

• Fish must maintain proper levels of Fish must maintain proper levels of salt and water in their bodies.salt and water in their bodies.

• Water flows from areas of weak salt Water flows from areas of weak salt solution to areas of strong salt solution to areas of strong salt solution by osmosis.solution by osmosis.

Water/Salt RequirementsWater/Salt Requirements

• Freshwater fish do not need to drink Freshwater fish do not need to drink water because their body water because their body concentration is higher than the waterconcentration is higher than the water

• Saltwater fish have a lower Saltwater fish have a lower concentration of salt in their bodies concentration of salt in their bodies than in the water. Therefore, they than in the water. Therefore, they must drink water to keep from must drink water to keep from dehydrating.dehydrating.

Feeding HabitsFeeding Habits

• Bottom feeders (dwellers) are fish Bottom feeders (dwellers) are fish that inhabit the lower level of the that inhabit the lower level of the aquarium and feed off the bottom.aquarium and feed off the bottom.

• Their mouth may be turned down or Their mouth may be turned down or underslung and they may have barbs underslung and they may have barbs to help them locate food.to help them locate food.

• Example: barbsExample: barbs


• Middle feeders (middle-water fish) Middle feeders (middle-water fish) primarily occupy the middle layer of primarily occupy the middle layer of the aquarium and usually have small the aquarium and usually have small mouths that are straight forward mouths that are straight forward because they are eating feed that is because they are eating feed that is straight in front of them.straight in front of them.


• Top feeders usually eat from the Top feeders usually eat from the surface and occupy the upper levels surface and occupy the upper levels of the aquarium. of the aquarium.

• Often, their mouths will be turned Often, their mouths will be turned upward and they will have long upward and they will have long streamlined bodies designed for streamlined bodies designed for rapid movement to help them catch rapid movement to help them catch insects.insects.


• Some fish, like goldfish, do not show Some fish, like goldfish, do not show a preference for the level of the a preference for the level of the aquarium.aquarium.

Physiology of RespirationPhysiology of Respiration

• Fish use organs called gills to Fish use organs called gills to breathe.breathe.

• Water is drawn through the mouth by Water is drawn through the mouth by constant opening and closing of the constant opening and closing of the mouth.mouth.

• This forces water into the pharynx This forces water into the pharynx and out through gills.and out through gills.


• Dissolved oxygen in water is taken Dissolved oxygen in water is taken into the blood and COinto the blood and CO22 is released is released into the water from the gills.into the water from the gills.


• A few species of fish come to the A few species of fish come to the surface and gulp air into their mouth. surface and gulp air into their mouth. They are able to use atmospheric They are able to use atmospheric oxygen because part of their oxygen because part of their intestines allow for intake of oxygen. intestines allow for intake of oxygen. The air is then swallowed into the The air is then swallowed into the digestive system and taken into the digestive system and taken into the blood.blood.

Physiology of MovementPhysiology of Movement

• Fins-a moveable structure that allow Fins-a moveable structure that allow the fish to swim and maintain the fish to swim and maintain balance.balance.– Most bony fish have rayed fins that Most bony fish have rayed fins that

consist of webs of skin supported by consist of webs of skin supported by bone or cartilage rods called rays.bone or cartilage rods called rays.

– Rays can be sharp, soft, or spiny.Rays can be sharp, soft, or spiny.– Fins are very flexible.Fins are very flexible.

Physiology of MovementPhysiology of Movement

• Most fish have at least one fin along Most fish have at least one fin along their back (dorsal), one underside near their back (dorsal), one underside near the tail (anal), and one tail fin (caudal).the tail (anal), and one tail fin (caudal).– Some have a small fleshy fin located Some have a small fleshy fin located

between the dorsal and caudal called an between the dorsal and caudal called an adipose fin.adipose fin.

– Fish also have a pair of fins located behind Fish also have a pair of fins located behind the head called the pectoral and the pelvic the head called the pectoral and the pelvic located behind them.located behind them.

Physiology of AmphibiansPhysiology of Amphibians

• Cold blooded animals that have thin, Cold blooded animals that have thin, moist skin that allows them to moist skin that allows them to breathe through the skin by osmosis.breathe through the skin by osmosis.

• Amphibians usually live in moist Amphibians usually live in moist environments, but location usually environments, but location usually depends on their skin thickness.depends on their skin thickness.

• Amphibians do not have scales.Amphibians do not have scales.

• Amphibians crush their prey and Amphibians crush their prey and swallow it whole because they do not swallow it whole because they do not have teeth.have teeth.

• They also live part of their life in They also live part of their life in water. Adult amphibians spend part water. Adult amphibians spend part or all of their life on land.or all of their life on land.

Physiology of AmphibiansPhysiology of Amphibians

Physiology of ReptilesPhysiology of Reptiles

• Reptiles are cold blooded vertebrates Reptiles are cold blooded vertebrates that have dry, scaly skin and lungs that have dry, scaly skin and lungs for breathing.for breathing.

• Reptiles have bony skeleton scales or Reptiles have bony skeleton scales or horny plates that cover their body.horny plates that cover their body.

• Reptiles include crocodiles, lizards, Reptiles include crocodiles, lizards, snakes, turtles, tortoises, etc.snakes, turtles, tortoises, etc.

Physiology of ReptilesPhysiology of Reptiles

• Some give birth by laying eggs Some give birth by laying eggs (oviparous), others retain the eggs in (oviparous), others retain the eggs in their body until they hatch and give their body until they hatch and give birth to young (ovoviviparous), and in birth to young (ovoviviparous), and in others their young develop in a others their young develop in a placental sac and are born live placental sac and are born live (viviparous).(viviparous).

Objective 10.02Objective 10.02

• Use care techniques that improve Use care techniques that improve the well-being of fish, amphibians the well-being of fish, amphibians and reptiles.and reptiles.

Purchasing an AquariumPurchasing an Aquarium

• Decide on tank type (glass or plastic)Decide on tank type (glass or plastic)– Plastic is cheaper, but glass is easier to Plastic is cheaper, but glass is easier to

clean.clean.– Framed tanks are more expensive than Framed tanks are more expensive than

all glass and offer more support to the all glass and offer more support to the glass.glass.

• Tank sizeTank size– Size depends on the amount you want Size depends on the amount you want

to invest and the type (species) of fish.to invest and the type (species) of fish.– Ranges from a simple Beta or goldfish Ranges from a simple Beta or goldfish

bowl with a 1 gallon capacity to 10, 30, bowl with a 1 gallon capacity to 10, 30, 50, or 100+ gallons.50, or 100+ gallons.

– Thickness of glass ranges from ¼” for Thickness of glass ranges from ¼” for small aquariums to 3/8” for larger small aquariums to 3/8” for larger aquariums.aquariums.



Stocking Rate for AquariumsStocking Rate for Aquariums

1 inch of fish requires a MINIMUM of:1 inch of fish requires a MINIMUM of:

Tropical fish Tropical fish aquariumaquarium

10 in10 in22 of surface area of surface area

Cold water Cold water aquariumaquarium

30 in30 in22 of surface area of surface area

Marine aquariumMarine aquarium 48 in48 in22 of surface area of surface area

• For example:For example:– An aquarium that is 24” long by 10” wide An aquarium that is 24” long by 10” wide

has 240 inhas 240 in2 2 of surface area.of surface area.– The tank would hold 24” of tropical fish, The tank would hold 24” of tropical fish,

8” of cold water fish, or 5” of marine fish.8” of cold water fish, or 5” of marine fish.– One could have eight swordtails 3” long One could have eight swordtails 3” long

in a tropical aquarium, two goldfish 4” in a tropical aquarium, two goldfish 4” long in a coldwater aquarium, or two long in a coldwater aquarium, or two Brasslets 2.5” long in a marine aquarium.Brasslets 2.5” long in a marine aquarium.


• ShapeShape– Depends on personal preference and Depends on personal preference and

species of fish you are raising.species of fish you are raising.– The most common shape is rectangular, The most common shape is rectangular,

but square, spherical, etc are also but square, spherical, etc are also common.common.


• SpeciesSpecies– Type of fish purchasingType of fish purchasing– Freshwater vs. saltwaterFreshwater vs. saltwater


Aquarium EquipmentAquarium Equipment

• Power filter with an electric motorPower filter with an electric motor

• Filtration systems remove uneaten Filtration systems remove uneaten food materials, dissolved materials, food materials, dissolved materials, solid waste and neutralize harmful solid waste and neutralize harmful substances.substances.

Types of Filtration SystemsTypes of Filtration Systems

• MechanicalMechanical– Removal of waste by using various kinds Removal of waste by using various kinds

of filtration devicesof filtration devices– Modern systems use an external filter Modern systems use an external filter

boxbox


• ChemicalChemical– Removal of dissolved material by using a Removal of dissolved material by using a

chemical processchemical process– The use of activated charcoal to soak up The use of activated charcoal to soak up

dissolved minerals and chemicals is the dissolved minerals and chemicals is the most common chemical removal process.most common chemical removal process.

– Activated charcoal is often part of the Activated charcoal is often part of the filter system and must be changed at filter system and must be changed at regular intervals.regular intervals.


• BiologicalBiological– Use bacteria to feed on toxic substances Use bacteria to feed on toxic substances

such as ammonia excreted from fish such as ammonia excreted from fish during respiration or as a result of during respiration or as a result of decaying waste and food material.decaying waste and food material.

– Waste is changed from a harmful Waste is changed from a harmful substance to a harmless one (nitrogen)substance to a harmless one (nitrogen)

– Dissolved oxygen in the water is also Dissolved oxygen in the water is also replenished.replenished.


• Air Pumps for aerationAir Pumps for aeration– Water is circulated from the bottom of Water is circulated from the bottom of

the tank to the surface where aeration the tank to the surface where aeration can take place.can take place.

– Compressed air (oxygen) is pumped Compressed air (oxygen) is pumped through airstones (fused, porous glass) through airstones (fused, porous glass) to break the airflow into minute bubbles.to break the airflow into minute bubbles.

• Air Pumps Cont’dAir Pumps Cont’d– As the compressed air goes into the As the compressed air goes into the

water, it disperses carbon dioxide water, it disperses carbon dioxide (aeration)(aeration)

– Air bubbles rising from the bottom aid in Air bubbles rising from the bottom aid in equalizing the water temperature equalizing the water temperature throughout and circulating the water to throughout and circulating the water to the top where aeration can take place.the top where aeration can take place.



• HydrometerHydrometer– For measuring salt contentFor measuring salt content– GFCI electrical outlet preferredGFCI electrical outlet preferred


• Heater/ThermostatHeater/Thermostat– Needed to maintain Needed to maintain

water temperature water temperature for tropical for tropical aquariumsaquariums

– Must be the right Must be the right size (approximately size (approximately 10 watts of power 10 watts of power for each 1 ½ gallons for each 1 ½ gallons of waterof water


• ThermometerThermometer– Liquid crystal Liquid crystal

thermometers that are thermometers that are adhesive strips that adhesive strips that stick to the outside of stick to the outside of the aquarium are the aquarium are popularpopular


• Other materialsOther materials– Water container (for exchanging water)Water container (for exchanging water)– Gravel or sandGravel or sand– PlantsPlants– Decorative stonesDecorative stones– Hood with starter for fluorescent lightsHood with starter for fluorescent lights– Dip netsDip nets– Decorative materialsDecorative materials

Aquarium MaintenanceAquarium Maintenance

• Remove temporary hardness of Remove temporary hardness of water by boiling and allowing to sit water by boiling and allowing to sit prior to its use in the aquariumprior to its use in the aquarium

• Eliminate chlorine by aerating it for Eliminate chlorine by aerating it for 12-24 hours prior to use or allowing it 12-24 hours prior to use or allowing it to sit for 48 hours so the chlorine will to sit for 48 hours so the chlorine will evaporate.evaporate.

• Daily MaintenanceDaily Maintenance– Check heater, temperature, aeration, Check heater, temperature, aeration,

and filtrationand filtration– Remove dead fishRemove dead fish– Observe for any unusual behaviorObserve for any unusual behavior


• Weekly MaintenanceWeekly Maintenance– Check water level and pH and add water Check water level and pH and add water

and chemicals as appropriateand chemicals as appropriate


• Monthly MaintenanceMonthly Maintenance– 1/4 to 1/5 of the water needs to be 1/4 to 1/5 of the water needs to be

changed every three to four weeks to changed every three to four weeks to provide fish a stress free environment provide fish a stress free environment and prolong the life of the filtersand prolong the life of the filters

– Siphon off any dead material from Siphon off any dead material from bottom of the aquarium.bottom of the aquarium.

– Tend to plants and remove algae.Tend to plants and remove algae.


• Factors that contribute to increased Factors that contribute to increased ammonia and nitrates in the tankammonia and nitrates in the tank– Increase in waste material and uneaten Increase in waste material and uneaten

food on the bottom (Don’t overfeed)food on the bottom (Don’t overfeed)– Dirty filters and failure to change water Dirty filters and failure to change water

monthlymonthly– Overpopulation of fishOverpopulation of fish


Feeding FishFeeding Fish

• Vary feed to prevent boredom—fish Vary feed to prevent boredom—fish really like live food, but freeze-dried really like live food, but freeze-dried and frozen food is a good alternativeand frozen food is a good alternative

• Feed fish 2 to 3 times per dayFeed fish 2 to 3 times per day

• Feed only enough for the fish to eat in Feed only enough for the fish to eat in 3-5 minutes.3-5 minutes.

• Live foods like brine shrimp, Live foods like brine shrimp, earthworms, wood lice, and worms are earthworms, wood lice, and worms are treats to fish.treats to fish.

Feeding FishFeeding Fish

• Commercially prepared flake foods Commercially prepared flake foods are ideal for small fish up to 4-5” long. are ideal for small fish up to 4-5” long. Vitamins and nutrients are provided Vitamins and nutrients are provided in amounts needed by the fish.in amounts needed by the fish.

• Commercially prepared pellets work Commercially prepared pellets work well for larger fish. The type depends well for larger fish. The type depends on the eating habit of the fish being on the eating habit of the fish being kept.kept.

Reptile and Amphibian Reptile and Amphibian HabitatsHabitats

• Vast differences between species, Vast differences between species, but the goal should always be to but the goal should always be to duplicate the natural environment of duplicate the natural environment of the pet.the pet.

• Aquariums usually make the best Aquariums usually make the best containers.containers.

• Semi-aquatic aquariums may be Semi-aquatic aquariums may be made by using plexi-glass to partition made by using plexi-glass to partition the aquarium in halfthe aquarium in half

• Vivariums should be designed to give Vivariums should be designed to give the reptile an environment close to the reptile an environment close to its actual habitat.its actual habitat.

• Reptiles are ectotherms. They do Reptiles are ectotherms. They do not generate body heat and must not generate body heat and must rely completely on the temperature rely completely on the temperature of their environement.of their environement.


• Reptiles need ultraviolet (UV) rays for Reptiles need ultraviolet (UV) rays for calcium metabolism, formation of calcium metabolism, formation of pigment, and vitamin D synthesis.pigment, and vitamin D synthesis.– Reptiles need sunlight.Reptiles need sunlight.– Fluorescent lights will provide UV rays Fluorescent lights will provide UV rays

as long as there is not glass between as long as there is not glass between the light and the reptile. Glass filters the light and the reptile. Glass filters the UV rays out.the UV rays out.


animal science 2-small animal unit d4-animal breeds and basic management

Documents

best fish

colorful fish

sociable fish

specimen fish

soft water

lengthprefer water temperature

longprefer water temperatures

tailsprefer water temperatures