Dolphin Facts for Kids

Dolphins have always been a mysterious marine animal that leave us awestruck owing to their beauty and intelligence. Among kids, who generally love animals, there is a deep sense of curiosity and desire to know more about this fascinating animal. Presented below are some Dolphin facts for kids.Dolphin Facts for ChildrenFor kids and students, often Dolphin facts are required for completing their school assignments. So, kids in case you're searching for some interesting Dolphin facts for projects then you've come at the correct place. Get ready to know some amazing dolphin facts for kids.Dolphin Facts for Kids: Fun FactsDolphins are believed to be one of the oldest mammals and they evolved some 60 millions years ago! If you check out a list of aquatic mammals, Dolphins are one of the most developed aquatic mammals. No other marine animal can match the IQ as that of Dolphins who're amazing at communication and understanding their friend's responses. And did you know that there are nearly 32 - 40 types of Dolphins, each fabulous in its own way. The body design and color of Dolphins is always a beauty to watch. The skin of Dolphins is particularly amazing. If you ever got an opportunity to touch a Dolphin (whoa!), you must have found that the skin for majority of Dolphins is very smooth, almost slippery. The killer whale, that we're generally afraid of is, a type of Dolphin. And don't you want to know where do Dolphins live? Well, major Dolphin habitats all across the globe are in continental shelves and shallow seawater. Another interesting Dolphin facts for kids is that Dolphins have the ability to eat nearly 22 kilos of fish per day. Can u imagine? Well, that is, for sure, owing to their huge size. The average size of a Dolphin is nearly 8 feet, that is 2.5 meters and the weight equals between 200 - 300 Kg. However, among the diverse species, the sizes may vary significantly. Here is another interesting Dolphin facts for kids. Kids, do you know which is the smallest Dolphin in the world? No? Well, I'll tell you, the smallest Dolphin in the world is the Maui's Dolphin, that is just 1.2 meters in length and weighs around 40 Kg. And what about the longest and heaviest? The longest Dolphin in the world is the Male Orcas that grows as long as 25 feet (nearly 8 m) and weights 19000 pounds (8618 Kg)!. Well, these are certainly some very interesting facts about Dolphins. Fascinating, isn't it? Bottlenose Dolphin Facts for KidsIf you single out species of Dolphins among top 3, then you can't forget bottlenose Dolphins. If you have seen any one of the most intelligent, charismatic and beautiful creatures, bottlenose Dolphins grace with their presence, some of the world's best aquariums. Some of the interesting facts about bottlenose Dolphins is that they have an unique ability to swim at a speed of nearly 30 Km/hr and they can make 1,000 clicking noises per second!It is these sounds that travel underneath water, encounter object and then bounce back to the Dolphins telling them the presence of dangers or food. They also use this method to communicate to each other. Bottlenose Dolphins were once hunted abundantly for meat, oil and skin. However, nowadays, their numbers have decreased drastically and they face serious threats for extinction. We all should come together to save them.These were some interesting and summarized facts about Dolphins. These are certainly advanced creatures and mankind must make efforts to preserve them. Hopefully, these Dolphin facts for kids must have given kids some idea abou how amazing a creature Dolphin is.

Dog Seizures Symptoms

Watching ones pet dog succumb to a seizure is not a pretty sight at all. Especially so if you do not know what seizures are like. In such a case, you are prevented from being in control and handling the situation because you don't know that what the dog is experiencing, are dog seizures symptoms. And why do you need to know this? Because, seizures are quite common in dogs (as much as you believe otherwise) and therefore it is important to know what dog seizures symptoms are so that you can administer the appropriate treatment and dog care for the same. The following article will help you in that respect.Dog Seizures - Signs and SymptomsLook out for these dog seizures symptoms and you'll know that your dog is having a seizure:Pre-Ictal PhaseThis stage portrays the following symptoms of dog seizures:
Unresponsive ~ Before the onset of a seizure, the dog behavior becomes unresponsive and stops responding to the owners commands.
He might even seem a little schizophrenic.
Biting ~ The dog may begin to give dog bites to people or objects around it. It may even bite itself.
Restless Twitching ~ The dog will become restless and overactive. He might twitch his limbs, run in circles and generally seem all over the place. Ictal PhaseThis stage portrays the following symptoms of seizures in dogs:
Thrashing ~ The dog will go into frantic thrashing and twitching of limbs. He will begin to have convulsions as well.
Paralysis ~ A dog might have a mild paralysis attack in which he will most often fall to the ground. These may last for a few minutes or a considerable amount of time as well.
Ablutions ~ Many dogs will lose control over their bladder, salivary glands and bowels when they have a seizure. As a result of which they might urinate, salivate and defecate as well.
Teeth and Head Actions ~ During a seizure, most dogs will pull their head back and extend their neck outwards. They might even gnash their teeth. Post-Ictal PhaseThis stage portrays the following symptoms:
Hearing and Vision Loss ~ This is a temporary effect that a seizure might have on the dog. He may lose either or both of these senses for sometime.
Increase in Thirst ~ There will excessive thirst in dogs and appetite as well.
Excessive Salivation ~ This is one of the most common dog seizure symptoms and is especially present if the dog had been salivating during or before the seizure, even.
Confusion ~ A dog will seem disoriented after he has experienced a seizure. He might have no control over what he's doing and might run into objects as well. This could last for several hours. Dog Seizures - TreatmentIt is important to know what some of the symptoms and causes of seizures in dogs are so that you can administer proper treatment and take care of your dog's health. Here are some methods that you can employ for proper and effective treatment:
During a seizure, just make sure you stay out of the way and do not touch the dog. He might attack.
Get all the other pets out of the way for the same reason.
Put out a thick mattress so that he does not fall to the floor and hit his head during thrashing.
After the seizure give him plenty of water and food.
Very many types of medication can be used for the seizure like Phenobarbitol, Levetiracetam, Felbamate and Chlorazepate. But make sure that you've consulted your vet before giving anything for the dog's illness.
Find the source of the problem, like was the seizure brought about due to some dog health problem like distemper? Then it is important to treat that first so that it does not go into a relapse.
Surgery is used when the dog has frequent seizures. But this is not a highly proffered choice and so the vet will usually eliminate all other methods before getting into this one.
Regular check ups and follow ups need to be done in order to determine whether the medication is taking proper effect and is not causing any potentially harmful side effects. For this blood tests might have to be conducted.
Make sure that you keep its diet rich and its environment safe.
There are also vaccinations that have become available. These will lower the seizures and help in controlling the factors that lead to a seizure.

Good Dog Food

On an everyday basis we come across studies about how processed food is unhealthy for us and many of us, while still gorging on junk food, make a conscious effort to reduce the intake. But what about when it comes to our pets? While we may go on and on about how our pet dog is like a child to us, we hardly think before filling up their feeding bowls with commercial dog foods which are full of preservatives. Commercial dog food manufacturers though have to pass tests that ensure they have all the nutrients that pet dogs need. So if you want to know how to decide on what qualifies as good dog food before you go shopping for dog food the next time, read this article on what are the good dog food ingredients that you should check for. After all you want the best for your pooch.Choosing Good Dog FoodWhile many dog owners tend to feed their pets vegetarian dog food, one thing that they forget is that while a dog may become used to the food you are giving him, he will never get complete nutrition from it. Dogs are carnivores and need the nutrients that they get from meat in order to be completely healthy. While detractors may point out how the same nutrients can be obtained from vegetarian food, it is not completely enough. Good dog food which is healthy for your pet should be in the ratio of 40% meat, 50% vegetables and 10% carbohydrate. Most packaged foods do not indicate this ratio on the labels which make it difficult for pet owners to pick out good dog food. Check the ingredient list properly to ensure that the dog food you are purchasing has high meat meal protein content. This should be constituent of meat that has been pre-cooked so that when you cook the meal further it does not reduce. Look for chicken meal, lamb meal, or venison meal on the ingredient list and these should be one of the first five ingredients. Avoid any dog food that has meat by-products like beaks of chicken, feet or even bones. Any good dog food for sensitive stomach will avoid these ingredients; actually these would not be part of any dog food manufactured by reputed companies. There are many companies that claim to manufacture the best dog food for sensitive stomach but it is important to first consult a vet before buying any of these products.Most brands of healthy dog food will have 10% of whole grain products like ground rice, flour or barley which are unrefined and have a high fiber content. This will ensure that your pet's digestive system is not affected. Avoid any dog food that contains ground corn or corn meal as they are really bad for dog health. Good dog food for allergies or those that can be fed to dogs to avoid allergic reaction will avoid corn based ingredients like the plague. Many cheap and economical dog food include corn as it adds bulk to the dog food. While it is important to include grain as it is a source of energy for dogs, avoid its use as a filler. Some of the best grains for dogs are barley, oats, millet, quinoa, and brown rice. Avoid dog foods that have preservatives which are chemical based, like BHA, BHT, and Ethoxyquin. Good dog foods will generally have vitamins E and C as preservatives.Many people think that if they can eat something, then it is good enough for their pet dogs too. That may not be completely true. There are many food items like chocolate, grapes, onions, etc. that are harmful for your dog's health and should be avoided as they are foods bad for dogs. The nutrition needs of dogs and humans are very different and therefore, do not follow the same shopping list for your dog and yourself. Some of the best dog food can be purchased at the vet's clinic, feed stores and natural food outlets. Before deciding on good dog food, research your options. Most reputed manufacturers will always provide information about the ingredients in their product. Look out for these manufacturers and select the product with care. If you cannot find a brand of dog food that suits your needs, you can opt for homemade dog food. Feeding your dog, good dog food will ensure that he remains healthy and is not robbed of the nutrients he needs for proper functioning.

Dog Bite Treatment

Dog bite is a problem that you may face, either because of the dog in your neighborhood or even if you own a dog yourself. Though most dogs bite when they are playful and naughty, they may also bite fiercely when they are angry and this of course, will be a serious problem. Dog bites are relatively common in children as there are a number of dog breeds that are not really tolerant with children. Even though the dog may be vaccinated as per schedule, its biting you poses various problems that need to be taken care of in the form of dog bite treatment. Multiple dig bites need special attention and the lack of treatment may lead to the development of a dog bite infection.Treatment for Dog Bite - Puncture WoundsPuncture wounds are those in which the dog's teeth pierce into the skin but no tearing of the skin takes place. Dog bite treatment should be administered as soon as the victim has managed to set himself free of the dog or at least within eight hours of the bite. Lock the dog up in a crate and take the victim as far away as possible from the dog. Start administering dog bite treatment by following basic first aid guidelines. If the victim is bleeding badly, try stopping the bleeding by applying pressure. Once the bleeding stops, clean the area of the bite with an antibacterial or anti-septic solution. Make sure you clean the wound thoroughly of all the dirt. Apply some betadine to the wound site and then cover it up with some antibiotic ointment applied to a sterile gauze.Treatment for Dog Bite - LacerationIn case of laceration wounds, the skin is torn by the penetration of the dog's teeth into the skin. This is a serious type of dog bite wound and needs immediate medical attention. Stitches will be required to cure this type of wound and it usually leaves back a noticeable scar. This types of dog bite wound will also require more time to heal as compared to the puncture wounds.Dog Bite CareIn both the types of dog bites, antibiotics should be administered to prevent dog bite infections that can be caused by the bacteria deposited by the dog's teeth. Allowing the blood to flow for a few minutes after the bite will also help eliminate the bacteria. Make sure the wound is kept covered for its healing to take place normally. The wound many be accompanied by some amount of swelling and pain for which pain killers can be taken. Keep the bite affected area in an elevated position to reduce the swelling. Gather information about the dog's immunization status. If the dog has it vaccinations in place, the victim may just require a tetanus shot, else rabies vaccination needs to be administered. This is essential for the prevention of rabies and sepsis. Read more on rabies symptoms in humans.

Dominant Dog Behavior

Among the various behavioral traits in dogs, dominance is perhaps the most sought trait. While dominance to some extent is good, beyond a certain limit it can turn out to be a serious nuisance. The trait of dominance in dogs is predominantly attributed to two factors - how the dog is raised and its genetics. Before we go any further, you need to make a note of the fact that dominance is not same as aggression. While a dog characterized by dominant dog behavior will show an urge to orchestrate things on his own, an aggressive dog will attack other animals and human beings with no reason whatsoever.Signs of Dominant Dog BehaviorIdentifying a dominant dog is not much difficult, especially if you are well versed with the basic traits that a dominant dog tends to showcase. Such traits can be noticed in a dog at very young age, sometimes as young 2 weeks. Given below are some of the most prominent signs of a dominant dog which will help you to find out whether your pet dog is dominant or not.
The dog will make his way through the door before you, and even shove you aside if needed.
When you attempt to sit on the furniture, the dog will hop onto it before you make your way to it.
He will display utter reluctance to make way for you to move around or sit on the furniture.
When you are sitting or standing, he will put his front feet on you and try to paw you.
Unlike a friendly dog, a dominant dog will deter you from petting on the top of his head or body.
He will display overenthusiastic behavior and jump on you to reach the plate of food before it is kept within his reach.
He will not hesitate to bark at you or growl on you when playing or when you are giving some order.
He will show utter reluctance and refuse to let go of food and toys.
He will frequently attempt to mouth you, while playing as well as while you resting.
The dog will mark the house by urinating inside the house, especially on your belongings. Even though this list of dominant dog behavior traits includes most of the characteristic traits of a dominant pet, there are several other underlying factors which also have to be taken into consideration. In many cases, a dog might show any one of these traits once in a while, but that doesn't qualify for dominant behavior. You will have to observe the behavior of your pet dog for a significant period of time before opting for various measures to correct it.

Types of Sharks

Mention sharks and the mind travels back to the all time hit ‘Jaws’ that had every shark lover asking for more. So what is it that has terrified people about sharks yet mesmerized many to study their behavioral patterns for years? There are various types of sharks that have been prowling the depths of the waters and have captured the attention of people at large. Not all sharks are as harmful to people contrary to popular belief. Two of the largest sharks are almost harmless to humans and it is the sharks that are now becoming a victim rather than the humans themselves. Here are some types of sharks listed below. Common Types of Sharks:Basking Shark:This shark is the second largest fish in the world with a whopping weight of around 4 tons. The basking shark grows up to 10 meters in length and are generally migrating species that are found in the deep waters. These are known to swim with open mouths as they are planktonic feeders and their tightly set gills filter the planktons out of the water. Basking sharks are slow swimmers and is found in warm coastal and cool temperate waters. These are also known to stray ashore. These types of sharks have a conical snout. The gills extend around the top and also the bottom if the head. These generally have small rows of teeth, around 100 per row. These types of sharks are generally bluish-grey to brown in color. Tiger Shark:The tiger sharks are known to spend their days beyond the reef edge to the depths of around 150 meters. They are known to go inshore at certain times of the year. The tiger shark is considered to be extremely dangerous as its powerful body helps it to have sudden bursts of speed. This shark has been given the name because of the darks strips that are present on the back. These are often pronounced when they are young and are known to gradually disappear once they turn into adults. The distinctiveness of the tiger shark is in its features such as the broad nose, the slender tail, wide mouth and barrel chest. The tiger shark is also very rare to spot. Blue Shark:The blue shark is found in the temperate waters and mainly occurs in the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean. Its long slender body and the dark blue color on top is the main reason this blue shark has been given its name. The blue shade varies from side to side, sometimes a deep indigo blue to a cerulean blue. The blue shark mainly feeds on different types of fish and squids. These are also easy to identify as they have large pectoral fins. The length of the blue shark reaches up to 3.8 meters in length. White Shark:The white shark is found in the waters of the continental shelf. These inhabit waters that have a depth of 1280 meters and are also found around oceanic islands. Although the white shark has been named white, it is only the underside, which is white. The upper side of the white shark is sometimes grey, blue or black. This torpedo shaped shark grows up to 6.6 meters in length. Reports have suggested that there might be the presence of white sharks that are even longer in length. Hammerhead Sharks:The hammerhead shark is found in all warm temperate waters. You are bound to bump into these in the surfaces of the open ocean, They are also known to prefer the inshore waters that have a depth that is less than 20 meters. The hammerhead head is also very easy to identify. They have a very distinctive shape of the head that is compressed with a broad and flattened skull. The hammerhead shark is white underneath and has brownish grey to an olive color on the upper side of the body. These are known to grow to at least 4 meters in length.

How Often Should You Wash your Dog

Bringing a pet home is certainly one of the happier moments in life. Especially if the pet is cute, loyal, friendly and energetic like dogs. When kids nag their parents to bring a dog home, parents put forward a typical question, who will take responsibility of washing the dog regularly? Poor kids, obviously, do not feel capable of washing another living thing when they themselves have to take their moms help to bathe them! Even adults are troubled with the question, how often should you wash your dog, because bathing a dog can be a big task, as dogs create greater fuss than babies when they are even taken near the bathtub! However some enthusiastic dog owners feels it's their duty to wash their dog every time it gets even slightly dirty, under the guise of proper dog care. There are others who do not bathe their dogs for months, only because their dogs do not like to be washed! The truth is, the right time to wash a dog differs, it depends on certain factors. The following are these factors that you will need to take into consideration for getting an appropriate solution to the question, how often should you wash your dog.How Often to Wash a DogDog BreedThe answer to the question, how often should you wash your dog, depends mainly on the dog breed. Though most dogs do not like water, it is necessary to wash them frequently, not to make them look extremely clean but to protect them from skin diseases. The washing interval also depends on the coat of the dog. Dogs with coarse or wiry coat, like Schnauzers and Terriers need to bathed every 4-6 weeks. Double coat dogs need to be washed every 4-8 weeks, dogs like Cocker Spaniel and Pekingese fall in double coat category. If you have a smooth coat dog like Chihuahua you will need to wash it only once in 8 weeks. The last category of dogs, the non-shedding dogs like poodles need to be washed every 6-8 weeks.AllergiesDog allergies is another factor that needs to be considered while deciding the washing time for dogs. If the dog is suffering from any kind of dog allergy, it will need to be washed frequently. However it is necessary to consult a vet, to know exactly what the time interval between two baths should be. Another point that you need to take into consideration is human allergies. If any member of your family is allergic to dust, dirt or even to dogs, you will need to wash your pet dog more frequently. People who are allergic to either dust or dogs, should wash their dogs every week. However it is better to consult your vet about it, as some dog breeds can be extremely sensitive to water.WeatherThe dog grooming intervals will obviously change according to weather. Dogs love to roll in snow, but this can lead to certain dog illnesses. What happens is, the undercoat of the dog gets damp, and if it is not dried neatly, and that can lead to moist eczema. So, you will need to wash you dog two to three times, thoroughly, to get rid of any molds that may form under the thick coat. However, if you dry your dog thoroughly whenever it takes a roll in the snow, you will not need to wash it frequently. On the other hand, frequent washing is required in summer, as all dogs are likely to face the problem of tick and flea infestation. Frequently does not mean everyday! Once a fortnight or week is enough.

Neck folding

Turtles are broken down into two groups, according to how they evolved a solution to the problem of withdrawing their neck into their shell (something the ancestral Proganochelys could not do): theCryptodira, which can draw their neck in while contracting it under their spine; and the Pleurodira, which contract their neck to the side
Head

Most turtles that spend most of their life on land have their eyes looking down at objects in front of them. Some aquatic turtles, such as snapping turtles and soft-shelled turtles, have eyes closer to the top of the head. These species of turtles can hide from predators in shallow water where they lie entirely submerged except for their eyes and nostrils. Sea turtles possess glands near their eyes that produce salty tears that rid their body of excess salt taken in from the water they drink.
Turtles are thought to have exceptional night vision due to the unusually large number of rod cellsin their retinas. Turtles have color vision with a wealth of cone subtypes with sensitivities ranging from the near Ultraviolet (UV A) to Red. Some land turtles have very poor pursuit movementabilities, which are normally reserved for predators that hunt quick moving prey, but carnivorous turtles are able to move their heads quickly to snap.
Turtles have a rigid beak. Turtles use their jaws to cut and chew food. Instead of teeth, the upper and lower jaws of the turtle are covered by horny ridges. Carnivorous turtles usually have knife-sharp ridges for slicing through their prey. Herbivorous turtles have serrated-edged ridges that help them cut through tough plants. Turtles use their tongues to swallow food, but they cannot, unlike most reptiles, stick out their tongues to catch food.

Shell
The upper shell of the turtle is called the carapace. The lower shell that encases the belly is called the plastron. The carapace and plastron are joined together on the turtle's sides by bony structures called bridges. The inner layer of a turtle's shell is made up of about 60 bones that includes portions of the backbone and the ribs, meaning the turtle cannot crawl out of its shell. In most turtles, the outer layer of the shell is covered by horny scales called scutes that are part of its outer skin, or epidermis. Scutes are made up of a fibrous protein called keratin that also makes up the scales of other reptiles. These scutes overlap the seams between the shell bones and add strength to the shell. Some turtles do not have horny scutes. For example, the leatherback sea turtle and the soft-shelled turtles have shells covered with leathery skin instead.
The rigid shell means that turtles cannot breathe as other reptiles do, by changing the volume of their chest cavity via expansion and contraction of the ribs. Instead, turtles breathe in two ways. First, they employ buccal pumping, pulling air into their mouth then pushing it into the lungs via oscillations of the floor of the throat. Secondly, by contracting the abdominal muscles that cover the posterior opening of the shell, the internal volume of the shell increases, drawing air into the lungs, allowing these muscles to function in much the same way as the mammalian diaphragm.
The shape of the shell gives helpful clues to how the turtle lives. Most tortoises have a large dome-shaped shell that makes it difficult for predators to crush the shell between their jaws. One of the few exceptions is the African pancake tortoise which has a flat, flexible shell that allows it to hide in rock crevices. Most aquatic turtles have flat, streamlined shells which aid in swimming and diving. American snapping turtles and musk turtles have small, cross-shaped plastrons that give them more efficient leg movement for walking along the bottom of ponds and streams.
The color of a turtle's shell may vary. Shells are commonly colored brown, black, or olive green. In some species, shells may have red, orange, yellow, or grey markings and these markings are often spots, lines, or irregular blotches. One of the most colorful turtles is the eastern Painted Turtle which includes a yellow plastron and a black or olive shell with red markings around the rim.
Tortoises, being land-based, have rather heavy shells. In contrast, aquatic and soft-shelled turtles have lighter shells that help them avoid sinking in water and swim faster with more agility. These lighter shells have large spaces called fontanelles between the shell bones. The shell of a leatherback turtle is extremely light because they lack scutes and contain many fontanelles
Skin and molting

As mentioned above, the outer layer of the shell is part of the skin, each scute (or plate) on the shell corresponding to a single modified scale. The remainder of the skin is composed of skin with much smaller scales, similar to the skin of other reptiles. Turtles and terrapins do not molt their skins all in one go, as snakes do, but continuously, in small pieces. When kept in aquaria, small sheets of dead skin can be seen in the water (often appearing to be a thin piece of plastic) having been sloughed off when the animal deliberately rubs itself against a piece of wood or stone. Tortoises also shed skin, but a lot of dead skin is allowed to accumulate into thick knobs and plates that provide protection to parts of the body outside the shell.
By counting the rings formed by the stack of smaller, older scutes on top of the larger, newer ones, it is possible to estimate the age of a turtle, if you know how many scutes are produced in a year.[6] This method is not very accurate, partly because growth rate is not constant, but also because some of the scutes eventually fall away from the shell.

Anatomy and morphology

The largest chelonian is the great leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), which reaches a shell length of 200 centimetres (6.6 ft) and can reach a weight of over 900 kilograms (2,000 lb). Freshwater turtles are generally smaller, but with the largest species, the Asian softshell turtlePelochelys cantorii, a few individuals have been reported up to 200 centimetres (6.6 ft). This dwarfs even the better-known Alligator Snapping Turtle, the largest chelonian in North America, which attains a shell length of up to 80 centimetres (2.6 ft) and a weight of about 60 kilograms (130 lb). Giant tortoises of the genera Geochelone, Meiolania, and others were relatively widely distributed around the world into prehistoric times, and are known to have existed in North and South America, Australia, and Africa. They became extinct at the same time as the appearance of man, and it is assumed that humans hunted them for food. The only surviving giant tortoises are on theSeychelles and Galápagos Islands and can grow to over 130 centimetres (51 in) in length, and weigh about 300 kilograms (660 lb).[4]
The largest ever chelonian was Archelon ischyros, a Late Cretaceous sea turtle known to have been up to 4.6 metres (15 ft) long.[5]
The smallest turtle is the Speckled Padloper Tortoise of South Africa. It measures no more than 8 centimetres (3.1 in) in length and weighs about 140 grams (4.9 oz). Two other species of small turtles are the American mud turtles and musk turtles that live in an area that ranges from Canada to South America. The shell length of many species in this group is less than 13 centimetres (5.1 in) in length.

online hunting games

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You know that there are a lots of free hunting gameson the Internet and most of the better challenging games will also supply you with anywhere from 20 minutes to 1 hour free demo. We have got a couple You tube videos so you can see the type of hunting action prior to playing or purchasing on of these games. What's more, search the Internet for reviews of these games. Just because they have a nice picture on the box doesn't mean the graphics on the game will match. There are many kinds of the best hunting games such as duck hunting games, deer huntinggames, rabbit hunting games, turkey hunting games, shark hunting games, and other great free flash hunting games and some fun together with addicting skeet shooting games. Each game has its own remarkable thing that attract so much all gamers!
Example for rabbit hunting games, of course there are too many rabbits. And farmers have to hunt them considering the fact that they need to protect the plantations. In order that you can play this game you only need the mouse and some keys to play the game. Let press the backspace key to end the game. In this game you need to shoot as many rabbit as possible in the fastest time. You just only use mouse to shoot them. you have to move your mouse curses on rabbit and shoot. Shoot everything rabbit that moves. Rabbit Hunting is online game type of simple shooter action game. But it must sure that play and gets points. It was The great, one of the east or west Rabbit Hunting is a best games as this pretty and cooling game. I do not know how do you feel about it but I like to shoot rabbit very much. This is one of my favorite shooting game and I play this game many times in a day. I love this game very much. Because it can help me to cancel all stress after hardworking.
If you are a real fans of shooting games, I am sured that you will be addicted with deer hunting game. In reality, Deer hunting is the activity or sport of pursuing deer which began as early as 7,000 BC. There are numerous types of deer all around the world that are hunted. Challenge your hunting skills in this classic hunting game. Earn points to upgrade your gear for better hunting. Realistic shooting with range, weapon accuracy, etc. Trophies for reaching certain goals. Get the highest score for the season.

he Grizzly as a Predator

My first exposure to Grizzlies was in the mid-1970s when my Grandfather homesteaded on a mountain in Northwestern Montana. During one summer night a sow Grizzly and her two cubs killed two of my Grandfather’s sheep. I was amazed that an animal like that would kill my Grandfather’s sheep. As I learned more about them I began to understand that the sow was merely doing what she needed to do to survive.Grizzly bears are powerful predators and must be considered the top-of-the-food-chain wherever they exist. Although they are frequently depicted as being a carnivorous eating machine most of their diet consists of nuts, berries, fruit, leaves, and roots. In certain seasons Grizzlies will be more apt to eat carrion and prey on animals. Bears will focus on easy meals such as winter killed animals in early spring and easy prey such as ground squirrels are sought out in September when they are fat and slow. Grizzlies can frequently be seen digging for them on side hills. They will also feed on moose, caribou and elk calves when the opportunity arises.

Attacks on humans

Template:Verify While a hungry lion may occasionally attack a human that passes near, some (usually male) lions seem to seek out human prey. Some of the more publicized cases include the Tsavo maneaters and the Mfuwe man-eater. In both cases the hunters who killed the lions wrote books detailing the lions' "careers" as man-eaters. In folklore, man-eating lions are sometimes considered demons.
The Mfuwe and Tsavo incidents did bear some similarities. The lions in both the incidents were all larger than normal, lacked manes and seemed to suffer from tooth decay. Some have speculated that they might belong to an unclassified species of lion, or that they may have been sick and could not have easily caught prey.
There have also been recorded attacks on humans by lions in captivity; although tigers in captivity are statistically much more likely to attack humans. Wild lions are also much less likely to attack humans than wild tigers are.
Also, Professor Craig Packer of the University of Minnesota and Tanzanian scientist Dennis Ikanda authored an important paper in "Nature" in 2006 that showed man-eating behavior in rural areas of Tanzania had increased greatly from 1990 through 2005. More than 500 villagers were attacked and many eaten in this time period -- a number far exceeding the more famed "Tsavo" incidents of a century and more earlier. The problem, near Selous National Park in Rufijji Province and in Lindi Province near the Mozambican border. While some of these problems are no doubt caused by the expansion of villagers into bush country, the authors argue that conservation poicy must mitigate the problem because conservation policies contribute directly to human deaths. Cases in Lindi have been documented where lions seize humans form the center of substantial villages.
Author Robert R. Frump also wrote in 2006 that Mozambican refugees crossing Kruger National Park at night in South Africa regularly are attacked and eaten by the lions there. Park officials conceded that man-eating is a problem there. Frump believes thousands may have been killed in the decades after apartheid sealed the park and forced the refugees to cross the park at night. Mozambicans had for neary a century before the border was sealed regularly walked across the park in daytime with little harm. (See www.man-eater.info)
Generally, westerners do not understand the toll that animal-human conflict takes on human lives and crops in Africa. Packer estimates more than 200 Tanzanians are killed each year by lions, crocodiles, elephants, hippos and snakes, and that the numbers could be double that amount. Lions are thought to kill about 70 humans per year at least in Tanzania, Packer and Ikanda note. Packer and Ikanda are among the few conservations who believe western conservation efforts must take account of these matters not just because of ethical concerns about human life but for the long term success of conservation efforts and lion preservations.
The "All-Africa" record of man-eating generally is considered to be not Tsavo but the lesser known incidents in the late 1930's through the late 1940's in what was then Tanganyika (now Tanzania.) George Rushby, game warden and professional hunter, eventually dispatched the pride, which over 3 generations, is thought to have killed and eaten 1,500 to 2,000.
Tsavo and Patterson body counts vary from a pretty firm 28 up to 140. While some authors disparage the actual number, it should be kept in mind that Patterson kept firm records of skilled-labor killed by the lions, not indigenous Africans. The toll could easily have been much higher

What do Crayfish Eat

Crayfish are also known as crawfish or crawdads. There are more than 540 different species of crayfish found all across the world. Crayfish are crustaceans that live in freshwater. In a natural environment, they are found in running water of small streams and rivers. Even though they are aquatic, they can survive in land as well provided their gills remain wet. They look very similar to small sized lobster and are related to them. On an average, the lifespan of crayfish is in between two to three years. When you have decided to have this amazing creature as a pet, then you must have the knowledge of some basic facts including what do crayfish eat.Basic Facts About CrayfishThe color and size of the crayfish varies form one species to another. In general, adult crayfish are deep reddish brown in color while young ones have light tan body color. Some of its species can be found in other colors like green or blue. The size of the crayfish varies from two to six inches in length. In some species, larger sizes can also be found. Their body is covered with a hard shell. Their legs, pincers and other appendages consist of sensory bristles that help them to eat, touch, feel, hear, smell, etc. They breathe through their gills.At home, they should be kept in a fresh water fish tank where the water is well aerated and its temperature is around 65 - 77 degree Fahrenheit. They prefer hard water which is slightly alkaline in nature. If the water is soft or its pH value is low, then they can suffer from calcium deficiency that may affect their reproduction. To make their living more comfortable, you should put some rocks, small PVC pipes and plastic plants in the aquarium. They are nocturnal creature and like to hide themselves during daytime. They will use these places for hiding. Do not keep any other fish or live plants in the aquarium as they will try to eat them up. Do not overcrowd the tank with too many crayfish.What do Crayfish EatCrayfish are omnivorous fish and they eat anything that they can find. They eat vegetables like frozen peas, carrots and even plants like Java Moss that probably nothing else will eat. They also eat shrimp, meat, fish, those insects which accidentally fall into the tank, sinking pellets, table scrap, etc. In their natural habitat, they get plenty of decomposed plant matter such as grass and other plants that are rotten in water. They love to eat these mainly because it is very convenient to rip the soft decayed leaves with their claws. So, if you have rotten lettuce leaves and spinach leaves in your kitchen then you can cut them into small pieces and feed it to the crayfish. It will serve as a special treat for them.Some pet owners buy tiny fish like guppies or minnows from the market and offer them to crayfish. You can also give them provided they are kept in their own separate tank. If they share the tank with other fish, then in a day or two you may find that they have eaten up your favorite small fish in the tank. You can give them dead fish from other tanks at home as foods. The swampy environment of rivers and streams, which is where the crayfish are used to live in, have lots and lots of algae, bacteria and snails and they love to devour on them. So, your pet will eat up all the algae and bacteria that grow in the tank. The major advantage of this food habit is that it will keep the tank water in purified state and prevent its contamination.

Medium Sized Dog Breeds

Some people do not prefer large dogs, as the huge sizes make it difficult to take care of them. Some of them may be averse to smaller dog breeds too, as these animals are too fragile to handle. In such cases, medium sized dogs are always chosen. Such people may have specifications among the medium sized dog breeds too. While, some search for medium sized dogs that do not shed, some others may go for medium sized family dogs. So, a basic idea about medium sized dog breeds can prove beneficial in choosing the best dog for you.Medium Sized DogsIn general, a medium sized dog can be defined as a dog, which is not too big or too small in size. However, there are some standards, according to which a dog breed is categorized as medium sized. As per the Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds, a medium sized dog breed must have a height of 13 to 24 inches at the highest point of their shoulder. Their body weight may range between 35 to 65 pounds. The following are some of the popular and commonly seen medium sized dog breeds.Medium Sized Dogs That do Not ShedAs with any dog breed, some dog lovers prefers those medium sized dog breeds that shed the least. If you are in search of such a dog, then, you have a very wide choice. You may go for Basenji, Airedale terrier, Standard Poodle, Boston terrier, Portuguese water dog, standard schnauzer, Tibetan terrier, Puli, Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, Bedlington terrier, Kerry Blue terrier, etc. Airetale terriers are the largest among the terrier dog breeds and are perfect as guard dogs. They can have a height range of 20 to 24 inches. Kerry blue terriers have long proportionate bodies and short tails. They are very funny in their movements and even sport a beard. Basenji is another medium sized dog that require very less grooming. These dogs have a height that can range between 16 to 18 inches. Normally, they have a body weight of 20 to 25 pounds. Basenji dogs are very intelligent and barks rarely. Both Bedlington and Boston terriers are almost the same in size, but, the latter may sometimes have less body weight. Both are aggressive towards other dogs. The wirehaired pointing griffon is basically a hunting dog with a strong and muscular body. These dogs with mustache do not shed much, but, new hair growth will be possible, only if the existing hair is stripped. For further information about such dogs, read more on medium sized dogs that do not shed.Other Popular Medium Sized DogsNow, you have know about some of the medium sized dogs that shed the least and require less grooming. Some people want medium sized dogs good with children. In such cases, the options include Airetale terrier, Beagle, Bulldog, Aamoyed, Whippet, Cocker Spaniel, Basset Hound, etc. Let us take a look at some of the popular medium sized dog breeds.
Brittany Spaniel is a hunting dog, that can be kept as a medium sized family dog. Their height can be between 17 to 21 inches and they have a body weight that range between 30 to 40 pounds.
Border Collies are very popular and are originally raised for herding sheep and for dog sports. They can grow to a height of 18 to 23 inches and a weight of 30 to 45 pounds.
Boxer dogs are among the top most popular dog breeds with a height of 22 to 24 inches. They are very much energetic and are excellent as pets.
Basset hounds have the characteristic feature of long ears. They are intelligent dogs with an athletic body. Their coat color can be a combination or more than one or two colors, like, black, tan, white, red, etc.
Popular medium sized dog breeds include bulldogs that can be trained easily. These dogs are known for the strong bonding they develop with humans, especially kids.
You may also go for a Beagle, which is perfect as a family pet. They are very active, smart, affectionate and love to play outdoors. But, make sure to keep this dog in fenced areas.
Cocker Spaniels is one of the common choices for medium sized dog breeds. Both the English and American Cocker Spaniels are equally popular and have an average height of around 13 to 18 inches and a body weight of 14 to 24 pounds.

Potato Bug Facts

Potato bug is an umbrella term that encompasses a group of wingless, nocturnal insects. It is also known by the common names - Jerusalem cricket and devil's child. There are more than 35 species of potato bugs, all of which are large sized insects, visible to the naked eyes. During mating, it produces a drumming like song by beating its abdomen in the ground. This is one of the interesting potato bug facts, considering that it lacks sound producing structures and sound hearing parts. Interesting Potato Bug FactsPotato bug is brown in color with black stripes on the back and whitish colored belly. At maturity, it grows to about 3 inch long. The thick legs of potato bug help in burrowing the soil for hunting food and hiding purpose. Despite the name, it is not a pest of potato plant or tubers. Neither it is indigenous to Jerusalem, nor it is a bug or cricket. So, what is a potato bug? Read the following facts about potato bugs, which will help you get your answer: Potato Bug ClassificationAs per entomological taxonomy, potato bug belongs to the family Stenopelmatidae of the orderOrthoptera (having incomplete metamorphosis). All the types of potato bugs are grouped under the genus name Stenopelmatus, whereas species name varies with respect to the particular type. You can identify them from the extraordinary large heads with distinctive black eyes. Potato Bug Life CycleSimilar to true crickets, the metamorphosis of potato bug is not complete. Egg is the first stage in the life cycle of a potato bug. In the fall season, several oval shaped eggs are laid in the soil by the female adult. An egg hatches into a nymph only at the arrival of favorable environmental conditions, preferably in spring. The nymph stage continues for more than 2 years, after which potato bug emerges as an adult. Potato Bug DietAs mentioned already, potato bug is nocturnal in habit and remains active only at night time. Primary diet of this insect is dead organic matter, including decaying vegetative matter and plant parts. The extra long mandibles serve as an adaptation for devouring on organic matter. However, at times of food scarcity, potato bug feeds on other insects.Potato Bug BiteNative to Mexico and western United states, potato bug bite is most prevalent in those areas. 'Is potato bug poisonous' is a common query that bothers many people. In spite of the scary appearance with prominent mandibles, potato bug is not poisonous or venomous. Nevertheless, potato bug bite elicits a painful condition, similar to other insect bites.Potato Bug InfestationPotato bug infestation is common in flower and vegetable gardens, where there is plenty of decaying plant roots and organic material. You can find them in moist soil or under thick vegetation. Very often, they hide in burrows and holes. To be more precise, infestation of potato bug occurs in areas, where there is a food source. Hence, it is rarely visible in and around the house. Potato Bug ControlControlling potato bug is not necessary, as it does little harm to the home. If at all, it causes devastating damage to the garden, you can practice common pest control methods to get rid of potato bugs. If you notice them in house, make sure to keep the rooms and surrounding environment dry. Do not confuse harmless potato bugs with pillbugs (Armadillidium species) or Colorado potato beetles (Leptinotarsaspecies).

Weird Animals that are Real

Fact is stranger than fiction. Cliched but who can say otherwise. While surely creatures like Dementors and the Loch Ness monsters are creatures who have emerged from the darkest recesses of our imagination, there are some weird animals that are real and exist surpassing any possible limits that our fantasies can take us to. In this article, we take a look at the some of these weird animals that are real.Weird Animals of the WorldWith the diverse fauna that the planet earth is home to, it is difficult to make a definite list of all of those weird animals that are real. There are many such animals, some of them now extinct, that can easily qualify for being the basis for monsters of the scariest books and movies. These weird animals and creatures that are listed below are just some animals that caught our attention.Alligator GarA fish that looks like an alligator, the Alligator Gar orAtractosteus spatula is a freshwater fish that is found in North America. The back of the fish is brown in color and the underside is a lighter shade. It has a scales that are shaped like diamonds and an elongated snout. On an average, the Alligator Gar weighs about 200 pounds and is 8 - 10 feet in length. This species of fish has the ability to survive outside water for as longs as two hours.Angora RabbitSure, sheep are bred for wool, but ever heard of a rabbit that a is bred for its hair? Our second animal on the list of weird animals that are real is the Angora rabbit. These are domestic rabbits native to Turkey, which have long hair. They are docile animals that need proper Angora rabbit care, especially when being shorn off their soft hair. The Angora rabbit lives for almost 5 - 7 years and weighs about 2 - 3.5 kilos.AxolotlA Mexican mole salamander, one of the weird animals facts that helps it make to this list is that the larvae of this species does not undergo metamorphosis and therefore, the adults of the species are aquatic and possess gills. Another interesting fact about this salamander species is that it regenerates body parts. These aquatic salamanders, which are also known as the Mexican walking fish, are used in scientific research and are now on the list of animals on the brink of extinction being on the Red List of threatened animal species.Aye-AyeA lemur that is primarily found in Madagascar, the Aye-Aye is the largest nocturnal primate in the world. It has rodent like teeth and a long, thin middle finger, which it uses to tap on wood to find food. Aye-Aye is a near threatened species and looks like a vampire bat. Its habitat are rain forests and deciduous forests. One of the Aye-Aye facts is that these animals are considered to be bad omen and apparently signs of death.Colossal SquidThe largest known invertebrate known to human beings, the Colossal squid is on an average around 12 - 14 meters in size. It is the largest squid species in the world in terms of mass and is also known as the Antarctic or Giant Cranch Squid. It belongs to the genus Mesonychoteuthis. This species of squid has been found in areas like Antarctica, southern South America, southern New Zealand and South Africa.Glass FrogOne of the weird animals that are real, which does not scare the living daylights out of you is the Glass frog, which is native to South America. These frogs are called so because of their transparent abdominal skin, which makes their internal organs visible. These frogs are extremely tiny, measuring only 3 - 7.5 cm. Otherwise, these frogs are green in color. They are known to be cannibalistic in nature, eating their own offspring on occasions.Komodo DragonThe International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has categorized this lizard as vulnerable. TheKomodo dragon habitat is Indonesia, mainly the islands, Komodo, Rinca, Flores and Gili Motang. It is the largest species of the lizard family that is living and weighs about 70 kilos, growing to a length of 2 - 3 meters on an average.Ocean SunfishThe heaviest bony fish in the world, the ocean sunfish or Mola Mola weighs almost 1000 kg on an average. As the image accompanying this article shows, The main body of this fish is laterally flattened and it looks like a fish head with a tail. Their staple food is jellyfish, which they consume in large amount in order to develop their body. They are similar to puffer fish in appearance.Star-nosed MoleA small mole native to North America, this creature is a definite on any list of weird animals that are real. The reason for their name, star nosed moles, are the eleven pink appendages around their snout which functions as a touch receptor that helps the animal in gauging direction.

Oscar Fish Breeding

Belonging to the Amazons, the Oscar fish or the Astronatus Ocellatus is a fairly easy fish to breed when it has a pair. Otherwise, Oscar fish breeding becomes a difficult process. If you want to know more about the Oscar fish, you can read more on Oscar fish behavior. Below are certain steps which you can follow for an easy, hassle free process of Oscar fish breeding.Preparations Before Oscar Fish BreedingStep 1: Careful attention needs to be out into Oscar fish care. Prepare a large fish tank before you get the fish. Oscar fishrequire a large tank due to their large size. Put in clean and clear water, and make a deep sand bottom. You can also place a few large rocks or stones at the bottom of the tank. You may also put in some plants, as it is believed that Oscar fish love to pull out plants planted in the aquarium. You can also put in toys, so as not to let the fish get bored. In fact, since the Oscar fish, which belong to the Cichlids class, are smart, you can actually teach them certain tricks, such as digging up the plant and so on. Oscar fish love to eat smaller fish, hence make sure that the rest of the fish put along with the Oscars are of the same size as the Oscars. The temperature of the water in the aquarium should be around 79 to 86 degrees F. Oscar fish food is not an issue as they take in any food you give them, be it prawns, pellets, earthworms or kitchen scraps, anything. If you meet these conditions, then you will have no problem in breeding Oscar fish.Step 2: Now comes the part to find a mate for your Oscar fish, which a difficult thing. This has to be done through trial and error method, if your Oscar fish is adult in size. But once they form a pair, they stay together forever. Oscar fish life span is a long one. The average Oscar fish lives for nearly 10 to 12 years. One of the most effective way of finding mating pairs for your fish is to buy 6 or 8 young specimen, and allow them to grow up together. While choosing a pair, make sure that you choose from healthy broods. Aggressive behavior towards each other, lip locking, tail slapping are the signs you will notice, when the Oscar fish choose their pair. However, if you find that one of the fish is overly active or that the aggression is one sided, then you should separate the pair, or else you will end up losing one of your fish. Once the pair has been formed, remove them, because as per the Oscar fish breeding habit, they are highly territorial and thus can hurt the other fish whom they see as intruders. Sometimes, the courtship behavior can be violent, in fact it might even result in the death of one of the mates. The kind of water to keep the fish in is important. Preferably you should breed Oscar fish in soft acidic water or maybe harder alkaline water. Avoid going to extremes. Try and keep the condition of the tank as similar to the conditions of the native home of the fish, Central America. It is important that you change the water quite frequently, as it ensures suitable water chemistry and low levels of soluble waste. But do keep in mind not to change more than 20 - 25% of the water at once.Oscar Fish Breeding HabitsThe Oscar fish breeding habits are a bit different from other aquarium fish. During the spawning process, the fish clean up a flat rock, which is kept at the bottom of the tank. This is for the female Oscar to lay her eggs on. Not all eggs are laid at one go. When the female takes a break from laying the eggs, the male Oscar fertilizes them (the eggs). An Oscar fish usually lays 1000 - 2000 eggs. Both parents watch over the eggs by wafting them with their fins and guarding them against any predators. One strange Oscar fish breeding habit is that they take these eggs in their mouth to keep them clean and separate the bad eggs. If the temperature of the tank is maintained, then the eggs hatch in the 36 hours. The small fries do not start swimming till the next 4 days have passed. Till then they live off the egg sac. Unlike the breeds, the baby Oscars are usually larger in size, hence it is easier to feed them. Just crush the regular food, turn off your tank's filter and feed the baby Oscar fish. When it comes to the behavior of the parent Oscars towards their offspring, it depends entirely on the former's personality. They may either never bother about their spawns or they may even make them a part of their own diet. Therefore, it is best that you separate the fry from the parents. But, it is advisable that you don't do this until the parent Oscars have had a few unsuccessful spawning. You will find more information about the Oscar fish on Oscar fish info.

What do Hippos Eat

If you are one of those people who were not aware of the fact that hippos are herbivores, the article... 'What do hippos eat'... will give you the details of the same. Continue reading, for more information about the dietary habits of this animal.
Many people tend to get surprised when they realize that the fierce looking hippopotamus are actually herbivorous in nature. In fact, the hippo is one of the largest animal in the herbivore animals list. Several interesting facts about this animal species continues to elude people, and the dietary habit of these creatures is just one of them. Before we move on to what do hippos eat, let's get some more information about this animal.Hippopotamus: General InformationHippopotamus is a herbivorous mammal native to the continent of Africa. It is generally found in the rivers and lakes of the grassland regions of West Africa and East Central Africa. Hippos are the second largest mammals on the land, next only to the elephants. Standing 5 ft tall and 11 to 17 ft long, an adult hippo can weigh anywhere between 3,000 to 4,000 lbs. Being semi-aquatic animals, they tend to spend most of the time of the day lazing in the water bodies, and come out for feeding only after dusk. Their large size also contributes to their abnormal appetite. Those who know what do hippos eat must be well versed with the voracious eating habits of these creatures. On an average, the lifespan for a hippopotamus ranges between 40 to 50 years, though several individuals are known to make it to 55 with ease. Even though the hippos may generally appear to be quite lazy and docile, these creatures are known to be very aggressive towards humans beings.What does a Hippo Eat?The hippopotamus feeds on a wide variety of vegetation, that grows in Sub-Saharan Africa. Their diet predominantly consists of grass, but they are also known to feed on fruits, leaves, nuts etc. Being semi-aquatic, these creatures also feed on several aquatic plants and reeds that are found in their natural habitat. Though rarely, hippos are also known to feed on small animals and animal carcasses. Hippos prefer spending time lazing in the water or basking on the banks of the river throughout the day. They have the amazing ability of holding their breath and staying under the water for extended periods. It is during this time that they resort to aquatic plants and reeds. They move out of water only during the night time in order to search for food. This is where their voracious feeding habit comes into the picture, as a herd of hippos eats a hundred lbs of vegetation in one go. On an average, they graze for four to five hours every night, and cover approximately a mile or two in this while. Though they prefer to stay close to the water holes, hippos are known to wander as far as six miles from the water hole in search of food.This was brief information about what do hippos eat, along with a passing reference to the general information about this animal species. Found all over Africa at one point of time, the hippo population has been restricted to a few regions in East Africa as of today. The drastic fall in hippopotamus population can be attributed to the large scale hunting and loss of habitat. Hippos have lately featured on the poacher's radar owing to their soft ivory tusks. Human encroachment in their natural habitat has resulted in loss of habitat for these creatures. More importantly, they are also killed for the meat by the locals in this region. This large scale hunting has depleted the number of hippos in this region to a great extent, owing to which this animal has been included in the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) list of vulnerable species.

Coral Banded Shrimp

Coral banded shrimp is a shrimp like decapod, but not true shrimp and is a member of the family, Stenopodidae and the genus, Stenopus. The scientific name of this decapod crustacean is Stenopus hispidus . Commonly, it is also known as banded coral shrimp, banded prawn, banded boxer shrimp and barber-pole shrimp. Apart from the regular banded coral shrimps (Stenopus hispidus), you can find three other types, yellow coral banded (steponus cyanoscelis), blue coral banded (Steponus tenuirostris) and gold coral banded shrimp (Steponus zanzibaricus). Coral banded shrimps are immensely popular among aquarist. What makes these shrimp like invertebrates so attractive is their colorful body. Moreover, they are so easy to maintain and care for that they can be an excellent addition to many marine aquariums. However, the beginner aquarists need to know some basic facts about banded coral shrimp, in order to introduce them to their aquariums.

Coral banded Shrimp Facts

Banded coral shrimp is one of the most widely distributed shrimps in the sea, though it is basically a native to the oceans of Indonesia. Usually, it can be found hanging upside down in the caves and crevices. It normally reaches a size of 5 cm. The female banded coral shrimps are usually larger than their male counterparts. The body of coral banded shrimp is of prickly texture, and its whole body is covered with short spines, which it uses for defense. Banded coral shrimp is colorful, with striking red and white bands all over its body. It also possesses long white antennae and pinchers, which are often held erect. This gives it an appearance of a boxer, who is ready to fight. This is the reason why it is also known as 'banded boxer shrimp'.

Banded coral shrimp has an unusual power of regenerating its arms and claws at the time of molting. As far as temperament or behavior is concerned, it is usually peaceful. Banded coral shrimp is not aggressive, if it does not encounter any other members of its species and smaller shrimps of different species, with the only exception being a mated pair of coral banded shrimp. Banded coral shrimp is territorial, and it can kill and consume other shrimps. It normally goes along finely with aquarium fish, corals and other invertebrates. But, it can pinch the corals and anemones and steal their foods, for which many do not consider it as a very good choice for reef aquariums.

Coral Banded Shrimp Diet

Banded coral shrimp is omnivorous, which means that you can feed it a variety of foods. It would simply devour anything from dry, frozen foods, dead fish and shrimps to pellets and flakes. Sinking pellets is the most convenient food that can be used by aquarists. In addition to these, banded coral shrimp would eat Polychaete worms as well. The ideal method for feeding this invertebrate is to place the food in front of it with the help of a feeding stick.

Coral banded Shrimp Care

If you are considering to keep the banded coral shrimp in your aquarium, then it is better to acquire some basic knowledge about its care and maintenance. As mentioned already, this shrimp like crustacean is very easy to be taken care of. Only a certain things need to be kept in mind in order to keep it healthy. First of all, the aquarium water pH should be usually within the range of 8 to 8.4, in order to keep coral banded shrimp. The ideal temperature is 72 to 80 degree Fahrenheit. The minimum tank size should be about 30 gallon, so that it gets enough space to move around freely.

It is usually recommended that banded coral shrimp should be slowly and gradually acclimated to the environment of marine aquarium. Usually one hour acclimation is enough, so that it can get adjusted to the environment of the aquarium. This invertebrate like many other invertebrates cannot tolerate nitrate and copper levels. As mentioned already, coral banded shrimp is territorial and it can literally attack other members of the same species, small shrimps, worms and other crustaceans like, snails, corals and hermit crabs. It is usually kept singly or as a mated pair. Do not keep it along with lionfish, eels, snappers and triggers. These fishes are large and they can eat up the small banded coral shrimp.

Coral banded shrimp usually does not breed in captivity and even if it does, either the other members of the aquarium consume the larvae, or the larvae get sucked in by the filter system. So, it is quite rare to get success in breeding these invertebrates. Many also do not try to breed them, as banded coral shrimps are so readily available. Coral banded shrimp usually lives for 2 to 3 years. Apart from its attractive look, banded coral shrimp eats away parasites, detritus and other unnecessary objects or debris from the surface of fish. In this way, it helps to keep the fish, as well as the water of the fish tank clean, which can be termed as the most important benefits of keeping coral banded shrimp in a tank.

What do Crayfish Eat

Crayfish are also known as crawfish or crawdads. There are more than 540 different species of crayfish found all across the world. Crayfish are crustaceans that live in freshwater. In a natural environment, they are found in running water of small streams and rivers. Even though they are aquatic, they can survive in land as well provided their gills remain wet. They look very similar to small sized lobster and are related to them. On an average, the lifespan of crayfish is in between two to three years. When you have decided to have this amazing creature as a pet, then you must have the knowledge of some basic facts including what do crayfish eat.

Basic Facts About Crayfish

The color and size of the crayfish varies form one species to another. In general, adult crayfish are deep reddish brown in color while young ones have light tan body color. Some of its species can be found in other colors like green or blue. The size of the crayfish varies from two to six inches in length. In some species, larger sizes can also be found. Their body is covered with a hard shell. Their legs, pincers and other appendages consist of sensory bristles that help them to eat, touch, feel, hear, smell, etc. They breathe through their gills.

At home, they should be kept in a fresh water fish tank where the water is well aerated and its temperature is around 65 - 77 degree Fahrenheit. They prefer hard water which is slightly alkaline in nature. If the water is soft or its pH value is low, then they can suffer from calcium deficiency that may affect their reproduction. To make their living more comfortable, you should put some rocks, small PVC pipes and plastic plants in the aquarium. They are nocturnal creature and like to hide themselves during daytime. They will use these places for hiding. Do not keep any other fish or live plants in the aquarium as they will try to eat them up. Do not overcrowd the tank with too many crayfish.

What do Crayfish Eat

Crayfish are omnivorous fish and they eat anything that they can find. They eat vegetables like frozen peas, carrots and even plants like Java Moss that probably nothing else will eat. They also eat shrimp, meat, fish, those insects which accidentally fall into the tank, sinking pellets, table scrap, etc. In their natural habitat, they get plenty of decomposed plant matter such as grass and other plants that are rotten in water. They love to eat these mainly because it is very convenient to rip the soft decayed leaves with their claws. So, if you have rotten lettuce leaves and spinach leaves in your kitchen then you can cut them into small pieces and feed it to the crayfish. It will serve as a special treat for them.

Some pet owners buy tiny fish like guppies or minnows from the market and offer them to crayfish. You can also give them provided they are kept in their own separate tank. If they share the tank with other fish, then in a day or two you may find that they have eaten up your favorite small fish in the tank. You can give them dead fish from other tanks at home as foods. The swampy environment of rivers and streams, which is where the crayfish are used to live in, have lots and lots of algae, bacteria and snails and they love to devour on them. So, your pet will eat up all the algae and bacteria that grow in the tank. The major advantage of this food habit is that it will keep the tank water in purified state and prevent its contamination.

Parakeet Life Span

Are you thinking of bringing home a parakeet? Before you go to the pet shop to select your feathery friend, let me give you some information about these beautiful birds. Parakeets are members of the parrot family. These birds can be found in Asia, Australia, Africa, Central America and South America. As far as their physical appearance is concerned, these are slightly different from parrots. They are smaller in size and have long, tapered tail feathers. You will be absolutely mesmerized when you look at these playful birds. If you are a bird lover, you will find it hard to take your eyes off a parakeet. Once you bring home a parakeet, make sure that you provide them with good food and a proper environment. Keeping parakeets as pets will give you lots of joy because they are very lively, but make sure that you make them feel at home. The parakeet life span will greatly depend on how you treat your pet. Here's some information on factors that will affect the parakeet life span.

Parakeet Life Expectancy

Wondering about the average life span of a parakeet? Though the average parakeet life span ranges from 5-9 years, it can vary depending on how well the parakeet is cared for. Sometimes parakeet life span might also depend on factors such as genetics. Those parakeets who have adjusted well to their surroundings and are well-fed might even live up to 15 years. Pay attention to parakeet care and your parakeet will live longer. Let me give you some parakeet information on how to prolong your parakeet's life span:

Interaction with Parakeets
The playful parakeet behavior makes them very popular as pets. These birds are highly affectionate and playful, so, make sure you interact with them for at least half an hour daily. They love it when you stroke them and talk to them. Therefore, before you get one home, make sure that you are willing to spend time with your exotic pet. If the birds begin to feel isolated or bored, it will have an adverse impact on the parakeet life span. So, talk to the bird in soft mummers and play. Never let the surroundings be quiet or very loud, it might scare the bird. Also get hold of some bird toys, bird swings and bird cage ladders. You must prepare the cage properly. You must get a big airy bird house with numerous bird perches. The bird will feel claustrophobic if the bird house or cage is small. Make sure you keep both the bird and its cage clean. It would be a good idea to cover the cage on a few sides with a cloth at night. This is to make your pet feels secure at night.

Parakeet Food
Giving good food is a must for prolonging the parakeet life span. Your parakeet needs fresh food and water everyday. For that you can buy nutritious bird pellets. Several brands of healthy pellets are available in the market. So, head out and select the best for your pet. Let me tell you another important parakeet care tip. If you give the same food everyday, your parakeet might start showing a disinterest in eating, so, make sure that doesn't happen. Besides the 1-2 teaspoons of pellets, give them seeds, cottage cheese, peanuts, bean sprouts or mealy worms. You can also give them ½ cup of fruits and vegetables such as mangoes, papaya, zucchini, carrots, green peppers. Make sure that you don't give them any processed dried fruit.

Parakeet Breeding
Let's move on to the aspect of parakeet breeding. The parakeet life cycle comprises of stages such as the laying and hatching of eggs, nestling and molting or shedding of the bird's feather. Molting marks the reaching of adulthood. As far as parakeet breeding is concerned, care must be taken that both parakeets must be adults, preferably older than a year. After mating, the eggs that are fertilized take about 18-20 days to hatch. Then it takes about 4 weeks of care before the chicks are fully feathered and ready to be on their own. Before you think about parakeet breeding, it would be a good idea to get in touch with a veterinarian to check if both parents are healthy enough to breed.

Weirdest Animals on Earth

Everyone of us are intrigued by the weirdest creatures on earth. Be it the carnivorous flowers that exclusively feed on insects or the scary deep ocean fish, they exhibit certain characteristic features different from other species. But how do you define the weirdest animals on earth? Is a sea dragon that resembles a seaweed sounds weird to you or is it the small Philippine tarsier, which have extraordinarily large and bright eyes. Here, we will take a look at some of the strangest animals on earth, which you will find interesting.

Top 10 Weirdest Animals on Earth

Mention some of the most weird animal species and you can find lots of them, each falling in different groups of birds, fish, reptiles, primates and mammals. As we all know, organisms are gifted with certain features, either external or internal, which have something to do with their adaptation in the prevailing environment. Likewise, the weird characters increase the animal's survival rate. Mentioned below are some of the most weird animals along with their distinctive features.

Komondor Dog
Komondor dog is a large dog breed, originated in Hungary. Excellent as a working dog, it is characterized by a long coat that covers the whole body. Seeing from a far distance, it looks like a sheep with a heavy fur. It is independent and dominating in nature. Hence, for keeping as a house pet, a Komondor dog should be trained properly under the guidance of a qualified trainer.

Leafy Seadragon
Classified under Syngnathidae family, the leafy sea dragon is encountered only in Australia's southern waters. As the name signifies, the camouflaging appendages of this sea creature are adapted in such a way that they look virtually like floating seaweed or plant leaves. At maturity, leafy sea dragon is yellowish green in color and grows to about 45 cm in length.

Star-nosed Mole
Identified as one of the ugliest and weirdest animals on earth, the star nosed mole is a mammal with fresh tendrils surrounding the snout area. Virtually a blind mammal, it uses its 22 nasal appendages for hunting food. Once it touches an insect larva or other prospective prey on the ground, it takes milliseconds to check and eat it up. As per scientists, this is the fastest known reaction in the animal kingdom.

Hagfish
The hagfish is another weird creature of the marine environment, that remains embedded in the mud for most of the time. The characteristic attribute of this fish is the skeletal system, which is entirely made up of cartilage. More than 65 species of eel-like hagfish are identified from the warm seawater of both hemispheres. As a defense mechanism, it secretes excess amount of mucus from side glands.

Tapir
With an elongated trunk, tapir looks like pigs, but it is found to be closely related to rhinoceros and horses. The upper lip and extended nose together make up the prehensile trunk. Four species of tapir are identified, all of which are herbivores feeding on plant leaves and fruits. Though it has a long lifespan (about 30 years), this weird mammal is included in the endangered species list.

Pink Fairy Armadillo
Similar to other armadillo types, the pink fairy armadillo has a bony armor like shell covering the head and body. The smallest of all armadillo species, it has a poor developed eyesight. However, long claws and sensitive sense of smell increase the efficiency of food hunting. When frightened or threatened, it covers itself in the sand within a fraction of minutes.

Axolotl
Axolotl is one of the odd looking animals, which many hobbyists rear as an exotic pet. Unlike other salamanders, it does not metamorphose on a regular basis, hence termed as neotenic. The most amazing fact of this mole salamander is the ability to regenerate its body parts, which is absent in most of the animal species. Considering this, scientists use it as a model organism in research studies.

Blobfish
Called it one of the weirdest animals or ugliest looking animals, the blobfish is a unique fish that inhabits the deepest ocean. Consequently, the pressure of the inhabiting area is extremely high. As an adaptation, the flesh of blobfish is gelatinous, with a density slightly lower than water. It floats on surface and swallows food directly. Hardly encountered by marine biologists, there is less information about this weird fish.

Aye-aye
One of the aye-aye facts worth mentioning is the bushy tail bigger than its body size. Although it looks different from other primates, aye-aye is closely related to apes and chimpanzees. Other characteristic attributes of this small primate is large eyes, magnificent ears and slender fingers. The long pointed claws enable it to dangle from one tree branch to another without falling down.

Narwhal
Narwhal is a type of whale, inhabiting the Arctic ocean. The male species differs from the female by a very long tooth (measuring about 8.8 feet) that outgrows from upper left jaw. Its primary food comprises flatfish and other benthic fish. Previously, it was hunted extensively for meat and ivory. Though hunting is greatly reduced in recent times, the population is not increased up to the expected number.

Aren't these weirdest animals on earth interesting to study? In addition to the above names, you can find a long weird animals list, including sucker-footed bat, proboscis monkey, alpaca, frill-necked lizard, yeti crab, red panda, etc. As you see most weird animals are identified from the least hospitable habitats of the oceans. Thus, with the advancement in marine biology, more strange looking animals will be identified in near future.