Stingrays are a group of sea rays that belong to the family Dasyatidae. There are over 200 species of stingrays found in oceans and seas around the world. They are closely related to sharks and have a flattened body shape with eyes on top and a long, whiplike tail that usually contains one or more … Read more
The plecostomus, often referred to as pleco, the suckermouth catfish, or janitor fish is a popular aquarium fish known for its unique appearance and interesting behaviors; worthy of noting is its algae-eating habits, which make it a favored choice among aquarists for maintaining clean tanks. Understanding the growth rate of plecostomus gives an insight into its diet habitat, and lifespan … Read more
Catfish are omnivores, meaning they can eat just about anything that comes their way. Catfish are a diverse group of fish that feature whiskers and barbels, which help them to seek out food. Catfish eat a variety of foods including vegetables and fruits, meat, earthworms, frogs, insects, fish eggs, and other fish. The habitat of … Read more
The megalodon shark (Carcharocles megalodon) was the largest predator to ever exist, growing over 60 feet long and weighing up to 100 tons. Megalodon roamed the seas millions of years ago during the Miocene and Pliocene epochs, from about 2.6 million years ago. Its massive size and powerful bite made it the apex predator of … Read more
Puffer Fish are very interesting creatures. They have a unique way of reproducing, especially when compared to other sea creatures. Pufferfish are members of the Tetraodontidae family, which includes several familiar fish species. Puffer Fish are the second most toxic fish in the world, after the Golden Poison Frog. Most pufferfish live in seawater, but … Read more
Dropsy is a symptom of underlying disease in fish that results in fluid accumulation, giving the fish a ‘pinecone’ appearance. The scales stick out similar to a pinecone due to a buildup of fluid that causes swelling between the scales and the body. Dropsy itself is not a disease, but rather a symptom of conditions … Read more
Sleep is a vital biological process for all animals, including fish. Although fish live underwater and have very different anatomies compared to land mammals, they still require periods of rest and inactivity that serve restorative functions similar to sleep. While sleep in fish may look different than human sleep, it serves many of the same … Read more
The red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) is a popular aquatic turtle native to the southern United States and northern Mexico. It gets its name from the distinctive red patches around its ears. As pets, these turtles are known for being generally hardy and low-maintenance. However, like any animal, red-eared sliders do require proper care and … Read more
Tiger sharks are one of the largest predatory sharks in the world’s oceans. Reaching lengths over 16 feet and weighing over 1,400 pounds, these formidable hunters are rightfully feared by other animals. Known for having unique black stripes down their sides and an aggressive demeanor, tiger sharks have a reputation as voracious predators. This raises … Read more
Yellow-bellied sliders are a popular aquatic turtle native to the central and eastern United States. They get their name from the distinctive yellow markings on their plastrons (bottom shell). These turtles have several distinct growth phases throughout their lives, going through rapid changes in the first few years until reaching maturity around 5-7 years old. … Read more