Siamese fighting fish (Fighter Fish)

The Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens), also known as the "betta fish" or just "betta", is one of the most popular species of freshwater aquarium fish. It is native to the rice paddies of Thailand and Cambodia and called pla-kad or trey krem ("Fighting Fish") in its native [Thai/Khmer].

The Betta fish is a relatively inexpensive way to enter the aquatic species ownership realm. Because these fish are descendants of the wild betta fish which live in oxygen-poor environments, Siamese fighting fish are capable of living in smaller containers than most aquarium fish, without the filters and aerators that other aquarium fish require. The name Betta (or betta) is pronounced /ˈbɛtə/.^[1] The name Betta is not to be confused with the Greek letter beta. Instead, the name of the genus is derived from ikan bettah, taken from a local dialect of Thailand.^[2]

B. splendens usually grow to an overall length of about 6.0 centimetres (2.4 in), though some varieties reach 8.0 centimetres (3.1 in) in length. In recent years^[when?] breeders have been able to create "Giant Bettas" that exceed 8.0 centimetres (3.1 in) due to the manipulation of a mutant gene^{[verification needed][citation needed]}. Although bettas are known for their brilliant colors and large, flowing fins, the natural coloration of B. splendens is a dull green and brown, and the fins of wild specimens are relatively short. However, brilliantly colored and longer finned varieties (i.e. Veiltail; Delta; Superdelta; and Halfmoon) have been developed through selective breeding.

The betta is a member of the gourami family (family Osphronemidae) of order Perciformes, but was formerly classified among the Anabantidae. Although there are nearly 50 other types of bettas, B. splendens is the most popular species among aquarium hobbyists, particularly in the United States.

Goldfish

Goldfish (Carassius auratus) are small ornamental freshwater fish that are commonly kept as pets. Goldfish were one of the earliest breed of fish to be domesticated and are still one of the most commonly kept fish in aquariums and outdoor water gardens.

Goldfish were originally domesticated from the Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio), a dark greyish brown carp native to Asia. It was first bred for color in China over 1,000 years ago. Due to selective breeding, goldfish have been developed into many distinct breeds and are now found in various colors, color patterns, forms and sizes far different from those of the original domesticated carp

Varieties

The Common, Comet, and Shubunkin varieties of goldfish are similar to wild carp (except for colour). They are hardy and can grow to a large size. Other more fancy varieties have been developed.

The main fancy varieties are:

Black Moor, Bubble eye, Butterfly tail, Calico, Celestial eye, Fantail, Lionchu, Lionhead, Oranda, Panda Moor, Pearlscale, Pompom, Ranchu, Ryukin, Telescope eye, and Veiltail.

Rare fancy varieties include:

Tosakin or curly fantail, Jikin or peacock tail, Shukin, Tamasaba or sabao, Meteor goldfish, Egg-fish goldfish, Curled-gill goldfish or reversed-gill goldfish, Mirror-scale goldfish.

Breeding

Goldfish lay eggs. They produce adhesive eggs that attach to aquatic vegetation. The eggs hatch within 48 to 72 hours, releasing fry large enough to be described as appearing like “an eyelash with two eyeballs”. Within a week or so, the fry begin to look more like a goldfish in shape, although it can take as much as a year before they develop a mature goldfish color; until then they are a metallic brown like their wild ancestors. In their first weeks of existence, the fry grow remarkably fast - an adaptation born of the high risk of getting devoured by the adult goldfish (or other fish and insects) in their environment.

Some scientists believe goldfish only grow to sexual maturity if given enough water and the right nutrition. However, if kept well, they may breed indoors, but not in a small fishbowl. Breeding usually happens after a significant change in temperature, often in spring. Eggs should then be separated into another tank, as the parents will likely eat any of their young that they happen upon. Dense plants such as Cabomba or Elodea or a spawning mop are used to catch the eggs.

Most goldfish can and will breed if left to themselves, particularly in pond settings. Males chase the females around, bumping and nudging them in order to prompt the females to release their eggs, which the males then fertilize. Due to the strange shapes of some extreme modern bred goldfish, certain types can no longer breed among themselves. In these cases, a method of artificial breeding is used called hand stripping. This method keeps the breed going, but can be dangerous and harmful to the fish if not done correctly.^{[citation needed]}

Like other common aquarium fish, such as the guppy, goldfish and other carp are sometimes added to stagnant bodies of water in order to reduce the mosquito populations in some parts of the world, especially to prevent the spread of West Nile Virus, which relies on mosquitoes to migrate. However, the introduction of goldfish has often had negative consequences for local ecosystems.As a result, goldfish are considered a pest in many countries, including the USA

Common Goldfish

Curly fantail




Bubble eye

Butterfly tail goldfish




Egg-fish goldfish




Lion Head Goldfish


RED cap Goldfish

Yorkshire Terrier

Nicknames	Yorkie
Country of origin	England
Traits
Classification & standards FCI Group 3:Terriers Section 4:Toy Terriers #86 AKC Toy Group ANKC Group 1 (Toys) CKC Group V, Toys KC (UK) Toy Group NZKC Toy Group UKC Companion Breeds

The Yorkshire Terrier is a small dog breed of Terrier type, developed in the 1800s in the historical area of Yorkshire in England. The defining features of the breed are its small size and its silky blue and tan coat. The breed is nicknamed Yorkie and is placed in the Toy Terrier section of the Terrier Group by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale and in the Toy Group or Companion Group by other kennel clubs, although all agree that the breed is a terrier. A winning showdog and a popular companion dog, the Yorkshire Terrier has also been part of the development of other breeds, such as the Australian Silky Terrier.

General appearance

The Yorkshire Terrier is a small dog, weighing 3.2 kg (7 lbs) or fewer, with a glossy, long silky coat that hangs straight from a part that runs along the middle of the head, back, and tail. The coat is dark on the back with a tan chest and tan on the head and legs.^[1] Small erect ears are covered with short, deep tan colored fur. The tail was traditionally docked but today the Yorkshire Terrier often has a long tail, held a little above the level of the back, with long, dark fur parted down the middle. Like most dogs bred to be pets rather than working dogs, breed standards contain detailed descriptions of precise colors and placement of markings, as well as body proportions and structure. Most importantly, according to the Standard, a Yorkshire Terrier should have a general look of self confidence, "conveying an important air

Character

The ideal Yorkshire Terrier character or "personality" is described with a "carriage very upright" and "conveying an important air". Though small, the Yorkshire Terrier is intelligent and active, and should not show the soft temperament seen in lapdogs.

Boxer (dog)

Other names	German Boxer Deutscher Boxer
Country of origin	Germany
Traits Weight Male 65–75 lb (29–34 kg) Female 50–60 lb (23–27 kg) Height Male 22-25 ins. (56-63 cms.) Female 21-23.5 ins. (53-60 cms.) Coat short, shiny, smooth, close-lying Color fawn or brindle, black mask, with or without white markings Litter size average 6-8 Life span average 10-12 years
Classification & standards FCI Group 2 Section 2 #144 standard AKC Working standard ANKC Group 6 (Utility) standard CKC Group 3 - Working standard KC (UK) Working standard NZKC Utility standard UKC Guardian standard

The character of the Boxer is of the greatest importance and demands the most solicitous attention. He is renowned from olden times for his great love and faithfulness to his master and household. He is harmless in the family, but distrustful of strangers, bright and friendly of temperament at play, but brave and determined when aroused. His intelligence and willing tractability, his modesty and cleanliness make him a highly desirable family dog and cheerful companion. He is the soul of honesty and loyalty, and is never false or treacherous even in his old age.
Boxers are known particularly for their solitary nature, which can lead them to not being trustful of strangers and other dogs. They get along well with children and the individuals they're habituated with, and trusting of, but can be quite suspicious or uncomfortable surrounded by any animals or humans they don't know.

Developed in Germany, the Boxer is a breed of stocky, medium-sized, short-haired dog. The coat is smooth and fawn or brindled, with or without white markings. Boxers are brachycephalic (they have broad, short skulls), and have a square muzzle, mandibular prognathism (an underbite), very strong jaws and a powerful bite ideal for hanging on to large prey. The Boxer was bred from the English Bulldog and the now extinct Bullenbeisser and is part of the Molosser group.

Boxers were first exhibited in a dog show for St. Bernards at Munich in 1895, the first Boxer club being founded the next year. Based on 2008 American Kennel Club statistics, Boxers are the sixth most popular breed of dog in the United States for the second year in a row—moving up in 2007 from the seventh spot, which they'd held since 2002—with 33,548 new dog registrations during the year.