Tips for Proper Use of Dog Crates

A kind of soft dog crate.

Crates are wonderful tools for training puppies, preventing young dogs from getting into mischief and for keeping dogs safe while traveling in the car. One advantage of having a crate trained dog you might not have thought of is that a dog that is comfortable being confined in a crate will be more easily managed in a disaster situation. 

1. Use or recommend dog crates for training, NOT as a way of life.  Dog owners should know how and when to transition their dogs out of routine crating. Spending 8 hours plus a day, 5 days a week in a crate, for 10 or more years is not our idea of a good quality of life for a dog and may develop self-injurious behaviors, be quite reactive, excitable and difficult to train, become possessive of objects, or show abnormal behaviors.

2. Avoid recommending or using a crate to manage existing home-alone problem behaviors until it is clear these behaviors are not fear motivated. Sample case: a owner crate a dog to prevent him from being destructive during thunderstorms, but the dog is always trying to break out of the crate. Using a crate to stop a dog from being destructive when alone is risky.  If the destructive behavior is motivated by any sort of fear – separation anxiety, noise phobias, etc., - the dog is going to become more panicked and quite likely injure itself trying to escape from the crate.  We can’t imagine the degree of terror these dogs must feel that they will actually break teeth to get out of the crate.

3. Accustom a dog gradually to not only being confined in a crate, but being confined when alone. Introduce crates properly to make it the most comfortable and secured territory for pets.

Try PetStreetMall.com's tip on choosing right size of dog crate.

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Sinarapan Facts and Trivia of Smallest Fish in the World

The sinarapan (Mistichthys luzonensis) is the world's smallest commercially-harvested fish located only in the Philippines. They are endemic to the Bicol Region, specifically in Lake Buhi, Lake Bato, Bicol River and other bodies of water in Camarines Sur province, east side of the Philippines. Sinarapan describes as the tiny, monster-like anglerfish, Photocorynus spiniceps, found in the Philippines. Sinarapan are a type of goby and they are transparent, except for the black eyes. The fish have an average length of 12.5 millimeters. Males are smaller than females.

Smallest Fish in the World

Evidence of an even smaller fish—a species of marine anglerfish 20 percent smaller than the carp found in Indonesia — is presented by a University of Washington professor of aquatic and fisheries sciences. Researchers dispute the claim of world's smallest fish in Sumatra, the Paedocypris genus—members of the carp family—can be just 7.9mm long at maturity. Paedocypris feed on plankton in pools of extremely acidic water in tropical forest swamps.

Ted Pietsch, a University of Washington professor of aquatic and fisheries sciences, includes information about the tiny specimen, collected in the Philippines, in a review of what's known about reproduction in anglerfishes, so called because they have bioluminescent lures growing from their heads that they wave or cause to blink in order to attract prey to their mouths.

The male is attached to the middle of the back of a 46 mm long female Photocorynus spiniceps because that is how they mate. This mating is called sexual parasitism and in five of the 11 families of anglerfishes, the males are tiny compared to the females and fuse for life to their mates by biting onto the sides, backs or bellies of a female. An attached male — even two, three or up to eight, depending on the family — essentially turns the female into a hermaphrodite, providing her body with everything she needs to reproduce. For the task, the 6.2 mm male, for instance, has testes so huge they nearly fill his entire body cavity, crowding his other internal organs.

Sinarapan has been recorded in the Guiness World Record as the world’s smallest commercial fish. It measures only around 2.1-2.4mm long or smaller than a ten centavo coin.

Threatened for Extinction

Sinarapan is threatened with extinction in Lake Manapao Sanctuary of Buhi, Camarines Sur, the only natural abode where the small abounds. This was part of the results of a recent study completed in September 1996 by researchers of Bicol University College of Fisheries, Tabaco, Albay on the status of the Manapao Sinarapan stock .

Fishermen have reported a decreasing number of Sinarapan. Edible goby species are economically important to many parts of the Philippines where small-scale fisheries are the primary source of income.

The study revealed that Sinarapan in Manapao is subjected to a very high total mortality equivalent to more than 99% per year. This mortality is due to the significant predation by Nile Tilapia coming from the net cages installed in the sanctuary. Studies by Philippines Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources showed that Nile Tilapia prey upon Sinarapan. It was in 1979 when Sinarapan in Lakes Buhi and Bato near-totally disappeared due to over-fishing by motorized Sarap which also destroyed the breeding, feeding and refuge areas of the goby. During Sinarapan's heyday in the 1940's to 1960's, no one seriously thought of the ruinous turn of events the fishery would be in a couple of decades later in 1987, the stock of Sinarapan in Lake Katugday, a 2.65-ha. lakelet located a kilometer northeast of Manapao, was depleted of its fish stocks, including Sinarapan, because of a chemical pesticide applied by a villager who wanted an easy catch of the larger fishes. These are clear lessons of mis- management which should have taught concerned entities to be pro-active, if only they are genuinely concerned.

The Sinarapan Sanctuary Management and Development Council was also organized to help develop policies and implement community-wide programs that would ensure the sustainable population of sinarapan.

Sources:
http://news.mongabay.com/2006/0130-uw.html
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinarapan

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About Jack Dempsey Cichlids

Information about Jack Dempsey cichlid brought to you by PetStreetMall, premier pet supplies store for winter pet needs like heated pet beds & dog beds.

Originally from Yucatan peninsula, Guatemala and Honduras, the Jack Dempsey Cichlid belongs to very beautiful, but aggressive fish. The Jack Dempsey cichlid is named after former heavyweight boxing champion Jack Dempsey, since it is a strong and energetic fish. The scientific name for the Jack Dempsey is Archocentrus octofasciatum. The species forms a part of the genus Cichlasoma in the Cichlidae family.

In Spanish speaking regions, this fish is called Mojarra castarrica or Riquiraqui. In Poland, it is known as Pielegnica niebieskoluska, Germans call it Achtbindenbuntbarsch, and finish speaking aquarists know it as Helmikirjoahven.

Wild Jack Dempsey cichlids can be found in North and Central America where they inhabit a region that stretches from the Papaloapán River in southern Mexico to the Hondurian Ulua River in Central America.

An adult Jack Dempsey cichlid can grow up to 10 inches (25 centimetres) long and must be provided with plenty of space. In the wild, the Jack Dempsey cichlid inhabits densely grown waters.

The Jack Dempsey cichlid will typically reach sexual maturity when it has grown to approximately 7-8 inches (18-20 centimeters).

The female will choose a flat surface and clean it before laying her eggs, another favorite spot will be a large clay flowerpot. The female will tend her babies while dad keeps intruders a safe distance from the developing eggs. The fry hatch in three days at 82 degrees Fahrenheit and are fully mobile four days later. Offer them newly hatched brine shrimp or finely powdered prepared foods for their initial meal.

After a month the fry will be large enough to move into a growing on tank and your breeding pair will start to show signs of wanting to breed again.

In the wild these fish feed on worms, insects, crustaceans and small fish. They will accept most foods greedily but on occasions you may try them with something new and it may take them a while to actually realise that it is food but with patience they will accept it.

The Jack Dempsey cichlid is easy to care for in the aquarium but considered unsuitable for inexperienced aquarists since they might find it difficult to handle its aggressive temperament and counteract violent behaviors.

Avoid standard community aquarium species, since they tend to be peaceful and will become bullied by the Jack Dempsey cichlid.

Avoid keeping more than one Jack Dempsey cichlid in the aquarium, and avoid species that look similar to the Jack Dempsey cichlid since they may be perceived as enemies by the Jack Dempsey cichlid. It is also very important that the aquarium is large enough for the Jack Dempsey cichlid, and decorated in a way that makes it possible for the cichlid to claim a limited region as territory.

About Butterfly

A butterfly is a mainly day-flying insect of the order Lepidoptera, the butterflies and moths. Like other holometabolous insects, the butterfly's life cycle consists of four parts, egg, larva, pupa and adult. Most species are diurnal. Butterflies have large, often brightly coloured wings, and conspicuous, fluttering flight. Butterflies exhibit polymorphism, mimicry and aposematism. Some, like the Monarch, will migrate over long distances. Some butterflies have evolved symbiotic and parasitic relationships with social insects such as ants. Some species are pests because in their larval stages they can damage domestic crops or trees; however, some species are agents of pollination of some plants, and caterpillars of a few butterflies (e.g., Harvesters) eat harmful insects. Culturally, butterflies are a popular motif in the visual and literary arts.

Butterfly facts, trivia and information collected and brought to you by Pet Street Mall, premier online retail store for best selection of quality pet products and needs. 

Complete Facts and Trivia about Butterflies:
There are about 28,000 known Butterfly species throughout the world.

Caterpillar grows to about 27,000 times the size it was when it first emerged from its egg. Because the caterpillar's skin doesn't grow along with it as ours does, it must periodically shed the skin as it becomes too tight. Most caterpillars molt five times before entering the pupa stage.

Caterpillars are boneless, but have over 1000 muscles. These muscles help the caterpillar move very quickly from place to place, and so both aid in finding new food and in escaping from predators. Butterflies are a valuable source of food for various birds, which are as necessary for maintaining the ecological balance.


Butterfly doesn't spin a cocoon. Caterpillars shed their final skin to reveal a pupa. The outer skin of this pupa hardens to form a chrysalis which protects and hides the amazing transformation that is occurring inside. Pupae take on a wide variety of appearances, depending on the species of butterfly. Some hang from beneath leaves or twigs. Others are girdled to the side of a stem much like a worker on a telephone pole. Some are smooth and shiny while others are rough and even spiky. Some are beautifully colored with dots and lines of gold while others are drab and barely noticeable. No matter what the design, the function is the same - to lessen the chances of being eaten by a predator and to increase the likelihood of producing an adult butterfly or moth.

Butterflies range in size from a tiny 1/8 inch to a huge 12 inches. They can fly up to the speed of 12 miles per hour and can only see the colours red, green, and yellow.

Butterfly wings are transparent. The iridescent scales, which overlap like shingles on a roof, give the wings the colors that we see. Contrary to popular belief, many butterflies can be held gently by the wings without harming the butterfly. Butterflies cannot fly if their body temperature is less than 86 degrees.
Both butterflies and moths belong to the order lepidoptera. In Greek, this means scale wing. The name 'Butterfly' was first coined to describe the Yellow Brimstone Butterfly, a variety commonly seen across Europe. It was actually known as 'Butter-colored Fly' and that later became 'Butterfly'.

Butterflies taste with their feet. Their taste sensors are located in the feet, and by standing on their food, they can taste it!
All butterflies have six legs and feet. In some species such as the monarch, the front pair of legs remains tucked up under the body most of the time, and are difficult to see. Pollen gets attached to the legs of the Butterfly and is carried from plant to plant, assisting in fertilization and the propagation of new seeds and plants.

Butterflies don't have mouths that allow them to bite or chew. They, along with most moths have a long straw like structure called a proboscis which they use to drink nectar and juices. When not in use, the proboscis remains coiled like a garden hose. Butterflies use their antennas to smell.

Male butterflies are often attracted to females by the release of a powerful chemical called 'pheromone' from special glands. Some Butterflies lay their eggs on the underside of specific plants, others lay them in mid-flight. Some Butterflies, like the Cabbage White Butterfly, lay their eggs on cabbage leaves - the eggs and the caterpillars that emerge presently are velvety green and blend in well with the cabbage leaves.

Many butterflies migrate in order to avoid adverse environmental conditions (like cold weather). Butterfly migration is not well understood. Some can migrate only short distances but others migrate thousands of miles.

Butterflies have very brief life spans. Some - usually the ones found in the Tropics - can live up to a year, but others live anywhere from a few months to a few weeks to even a few hours.

About Water Striders - Water Walking Insects

The family Gerridae contains insects commonly known as water striders, water bugs, magic bugs, pond skaters, skaters, skimmers, water scooters, water skaters, water skeeters, water skimmers, water skippers or Jesus bugs. There are around 500 known species, commonly placed in around 60 genera. These are predatory insects which rely on surface tension to walk on top of water. They live on the surface of ponds, slow streams, marshes, and other quiet waters. There they hunt for insects and other small invertebrates on top of or directly below surface using their strong forelegs which end with claws. They can move very quickly, up to 1.5 m/s. They paddle forward with the middle pair of their legs, using fore- and hind legs as a rudder. Like all insects, the water striders have a three-part body (head, thorax and abdomen), six jointed legs, and two antennae. It has a long, dark, narrow body. Some water striders have wings, others do not. Most water striders are over 0.2 inch (5 mm) long.

Fun Facts and Trivia about Water Striders:

Water strider, sometimes called Jesus bug or pond skater. Water striders live on the surface of ponds, slow streams, marshes, and other quiet waters.

Aside from a force called surface tension that pulls on the water’s surface creating a very thin stretchy layer on the top, water striders have tiny hairs on their legs that allow them to walk on water without sinking. All six of the water strider’s legs are covered with thousands of microscopic hairs that trap air, making the legs waterproof and thus increasing its legs’ water resistance and its overall buoyancy allowing it to simply float and travel on water surfaces.

The water strider has six legs like all insects. This bug holds its short, front legs up under its head. It moves along on its two middle legs and uses its two back legs to steer. The water strider's body never touches the water!

In the case of the water strider, it has splayed legs and water-repellent hairs all over these legs. This also keeps it from sinking. A water strider cannot swim!

The leg tarsi are covered with fine hairs (hair like setae) that are difficult to wet.

Water striders feed on live and dead insects (insectivorous) and other aquatic organisms. Special vibration sensing hairs on their legs help them find insects rustling in vain, trapped by the surface tension of the water. The front legs of water striders are short, modified for grasping and used strictly for capturing prey. Some are aquatic (water) insects, such as mosquito larvae coming up from the bottom, and others are terrestrial (land) insects, such as butterflies or beetles that accidentally land on the surface. Injured dragonflies are a favorite food, as are worms that fall in the water. Water striders have a sharp mouthpart, called a rostrum, to suck up body juices from prey.

The water strider dose not bite humans.

Water Striders grow 1/4 - 1/2 inch long with narrow body; body covered with hairs and dark brown or black in color.

The short front legs of a water strider are for grabbing prey. The middle legs push the insect forward, and the hind legs steer. The shape of their legs and their light weight keep them from breaking through the surface.

Common Water Striders have very good vision and move quickly on the water.

In breeding season, water striders communicate by sending ripples to each other on the surface of the water. Females lay eggs at the water's edge, usually on plant stems. When eggs hatch, nymphs (baby striders) must grow for over a month before they become adult water striders. Water Striders must always keep moving to so they don't become prey themselves to fish or other predators. These insects do not have wings. They are usually in large groups and prefer the protection of overhanging trees and shade. Common Water Striders can live for many months, and adults can overwinter. They can crawl inside a plant stem when it gets too cold.

Predators of the water strider, like birds and fish, take advantage of the fact that water striders cannot detect motion above or below the water's surface.

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