The Guppy Breeding Tank

The Guppy Breeding Tank

                After about 20 days or so, the female(s) should be moved to a bare-bottomed breeder tank of 2.5 gallons to 5 gallons in size in order to receive the fry. While the gestation period is often about 28 days, it can range from 21 to roughly 40. This is dependent on a number of factors such as temperature and genetics

There are different ways to set this breeding tank up; however the most important aspect is that the water be at least 50% of her original tank water to avoid any physical stress. Usually, one makes sure there are many hiding places for the fry when they are born, using plants, etc. Another way of setting up the breeding area is to obtain some netting from a fabric store and drape it deeply into the tank, secured at the edges of the tank so that the female cannot make it's way outside of it. The holes in this netting should be large enough for the fry to swim through to the bottom of the tank. Yet another option is to assume the female is not cannibalistic and leave no space for the fry to hide. Thus, they do not scatter for safety, and the female does not prey on them. I do not recommend the latter for your first drop. Many females are cannibalistic.

A popular device called a plastic breeder box, sold at many pet stores, is about the right size for a bagel. A slotted bottom (try to choose the kind with a V-Shape for fry safety) provides an area for the fry to fall through. Breeder boxThe problems with this are: You do not know when to put the female into the box except while she is presently dropping; putting her in it too soon may cause premature birth/abortion; she will be unduly stressed; most healthy fry attempt to swim toward the surface of the water, and a trapped female will often grab the fry; fry may be hurt/hang in the slots. This item is best used for emergencies when a drop comes unexpectedly.

A female that is heavy with fry may become rather still, due to a cumbersome body, and more stationary yet, if she is moved to a strange tank. You may see her vent dilate with close observation just before the birth. You can usually tell when the female has finished birthing since she will stop dropping fry at the rate she has and will appear about as thin as you would want her to be.

She should be removed after birthing, and watch for any possible stress. Birthing is difficult for some females, and sometimes their bodies stop functioning normally. They may hover and become still and then lose the strength to swim. There is not much you can do in such a situation except do your best with the fry that were born. 

Bubble Eye Goldfish

Bubble Eye Goldfish

                          The bubble eye goldfish is identified by the eye bladders situated beneath each eye. These large, fluid-filled sacs can be cumbersome, and so this breed is a slow swimming fish. They should be housed without sharp ornaments and plants as these may puncture the eye bladders. These will grow back, but should be tended to carefully as damaged eye bladders may be prone to infection. The eyes are located above these sacs and point upward, which causes sight impairment in this breed. Bubble eyes have double tails and no dorsal fin. The body shape is narrower when viewed from above than fantail and ranchu breeds. They can grow to between 6 and 8 inches in length.

Pearl spot becomes Kerala's state fish

Pearl spot becomes Kerala's state fish.

PEARL SPOT

From being just a lip smacking item in Kerala cuisine, Karimeen or Pearl spot has become the official State fish.   2010-11 is being observed as ‘The Year of Karimeen.’ to  boost the production of Karimeen (Etroplus suratensis). A bottom dweller that inhabits the fresh and brackish water habitats throughout Kerala, pearl spot is a delicacy that tops the menu at the restaurants and is extremely popular among foreign tourists and local population alike.

The Kuttanad region in Alappuzha district is considered the home of this fish species. It is a popular item in the menu served during camping and house boats and very often the boat crew procure the fish straight from men and women who collect it using gillnets from the waters.

It is cooked in various styles. Fried, cooked in spicy and tangy coconut gravy or slowly grilled in charcoal with spices, pearl spot is tasty and hence pricey as well, which is well beyond the reach of ordinary people. The signature dish of Kerala could well be the  delicacy, ‘Karimeen Pollichathu”, fish  sauteed with masala and cooked over low fire in coconut milk, wrapped in plantain leaves. Kerala produces 2,000 tonnes of Karimeen at present and efforts are on to step up its production to 5,000 tonnes in a year. Though the plight of the state animal, elephant and the state bird, hornbill is far from satisfactory, we can earnestly hope that Karimeen, the state fish of Kerala, thrives and flourishes in Kerala waters, bringing laurels and precious foreign exchange in the process.

PEARLSPOT OR KARIMEEN FISH

GREEN CHROMIDE (KERALA KARIMEEN)

                         The green chromide (Etroplus suratensis) is a species of cichlid fish from freshwater and brackish water in southern India and Sri Lanka. It is also known as the pearlspot orkarimeen (കരിമീന്‍‌) in Malayalam and koral in Bengali. Green chromide can be a perfect fish for Pissiculture. In India, it is found throughout Kerala, especially in Kerala Backwaters around Alleppey ,(Alappuzha), and in western flowing rivers in Karnataka, and backwaters of Andhra Pradesh. It feeds on algae, plant material and insects.

The fish, known locally in Kerala as Karimeen, is considered a delicacy. Some of the prominent dishes are the Karemeen Fry, Karemeen Molly and Karemeen Pollichathu. This fish is fairly expensive and is available throughout the year. It is caught mainly using gillnets. It commonly reaches 20 centimetres (7.9 in) in length, and the maximum length is twice that. In 2010 state fisheries minister of Kerala declared Karimeen as the official fish of Kerala state. Year 2010-'11 was observed as 'The Year of the Karimeen". Karemeen Polichathu is commonly wrapped in banana leaves.

CAT CARE TIPS

CAT CARE TIPS

Cats make delightful pets, even though they are very independent. But before buying or adopting a cat, you must ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you want a male or female cat? Generally females are cautious, gentle, and quiet but unless you have your cat spayed, you will have to contend with heat cycles. Males are larger and more outgoing, though unneutered males tend to spray urine to mark their territory, roam, and are prone to fights with other cats.
• Do you want a long- or short-haired cat? Long-haired cats are glamorous, but it will be someone's job to keep it that way. Long-haired cats shed a great deal and tend to gethairballs more frequently.
• Do you want a purebred or mixed-breed cat? If you want a purebred cat, make sure you buy it only from a reputable breeding establishment and know what you're looking for before you actually buy.
• Do you want a kitten or a cat? Kittens are cute but they require more time and patience. Older cats require more socialization but generally are easier to care for.