Facts about Hairless Sphynx Cat

Sphynx cats are one of the rare cat breeds that are popular because of their strange and bizarre looks. Interested to know about them? If yes, then this fact sheet is surely going to leave you amazed!

What comes to your mind when you think of a cat? A small, furry feline species that has been domesticated by humans. This might be true for most types of cats, but it is not so in case of Sphynx cats. This breed is quite different from other cats and are found rarely. Due to this fact, they have become quite popular among cat owners. These cats are said to have elements of best qualities of cats and dogs which make them a wonderful pet to live with. Wondering what makes this breed so different from other cats? Then go through the facts listed below.

Interesting Sphynx Cat Facts

History
The most striking feature of Sphynx cat is that it has very less or no fur. That is why, it is generally referred to as a 'hairless cat'. The first breeding session of these cats began in the year 1966 in Canada. A domestic Shorthair cat had given birth to hairless kittens, which were then selectively bred to produce next generation of hairless cats. These cats were called "Canadian Sphynx" or "The Canadian Hairless". As time passed by, people began referring to them as "Sphynx" which was then considered as their official name. So, every Sphynx is a descendant of the same domestic short-haired cat.

Characteristics
Sphynx is a muscular cat with a barrel-shaped chest, round belly, and medium body length. It has a flat forehead with a wedge-shaped skull. Cheekbones are extremely prominent on the long skull. A whisker zone can be prominently observed on its face. It has big oval-shaped eyes that extend upwards towards its ears. Its eye color can range from blue, green to hazel. Ears are large with a wide base and a narrow tip. Back legs are longer than front legs with thick oval-shaped paws. It has a thick, flexible tail which tapers towards the end.

This cat species is found in various colors and patterns like cream, chocolate, white, black, cinnamon, spotted, patched, etc. Its color depends on the pigment of the skin. If left in the sun for a long duration, its color tends to darken. Even though the cat is considered hairless, it still has a very fine coat of fur. The skin of body, face, and legs is wrinkled as compared to remaining parts of the body. The whisker zone might be distinct but it lacks their presence.

Behavior
This breed of cats is very friendly and fun-loving. It loves to bond with people and is affectionate towards them. Apart from being social, it loves to be the center of attention. Its loving, playful, and lively personality makes it a great companion for children. Not only with humans, this cat can also get along very well with other cats and cat-friendly animals. A comfortable warm place is something this cat looks out for sleeping. So you should not be surprised if you find your pet cat sleeping under your bed covers!

Habitat
For a Sphynx, the best place to live is indoors. The reason why this breed needs an indoor living arrangement is that, their body is not capable of surviving adverse environmental conditions. Due to absence of fur, a Sphynx does not enjoy cold conditions and avoids sleeping on cold surfaces. Outdoor arrangements can be made, but the area must be enclosed from all sides including the roof. To prevent them from boredom, adventure activities must be arranged to keep them busy and happy.

Grooming
It can be easily thought that this cat would not require grooming as it lacks fur. However, this is not true. Rather, it needs grooming almost every week. Oil secreted by the body is generally absorbed by body fur, but as this cat lacks fur, all the body oil secreted starts building up. Therefore, cleaning the cat once a week is sufficient to keep it well-groomed. Apart from this, wax buildup in the ear must also be removed regularly. A bath can be given once a month to keep it nice and clean.

Health
Anesthetic agents can be quite dangerous for this species. A cat suffering from kidney or liver problems is more susceptible to have this problem. A heredity condition known as Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) may develop in some cats. Therefore, it is advisable to get a pet cat from a breeder that undertakes regular examination of the disease in cats. Kittens are susceptible to respiratory infections during initial weeks of life. Cancer of the skin can also be a problem, if the cat is exposed to long periods of sunlight. Immunization is necessary and can be done in a similar way like other cats.

Common Misconceptions about Animals

There are animals, and then there are humans. Often thought of as slow movers on the evolutionary ladder, animals are not as stupid as we think they are. Let us burst the human bubble of superiority.

Once upon a time, in the deep jungle, there lived a creature called human being. He lived in the midst of nature, along with his furry jungle friends. He lived in sync with his surroundings and had a complete understanding of his co-inhabitants as well. Everything was perfectly harmonious, until our human became a person.

Now armed with his highly developed brain, he started considering himself superior, especially in comparison to the other animals. As he began marauding nature, his 'super intelligence' caused him to believe that he is above all. He distanced himself from his natural abode, away from his animal friends.

Currently, our person lives in his buzzing world, a little devoid of his natural instincts. Having lost all memories of his jungle life, he now considers other animals inferior, capable of doing some very dopey things. Want proof? Here goes...

Misconceptions about Animals

A startling number of people among us believe that we are genetically related to monkeys. Considering how much we know about ourselves, the following myths about animals should not take us by surprise. And before we begin, we are closest to gorillas and chimpanzees, not monkeys.

Myth 1: As Blind as a Bat!
Or maybe not! Bats are not blind per se, although they do rely heavily on their sense of hearing. They have a system where they emit ultrasonic sounds to produce echoes that help them locate their prey, even in the dark. In fact, some bats are known to possess excellent daylight vision.

Myth 2: Bulls See Red
The poor creatures are blind to the color red. It is the movement of the cloth that the bull takes offense to, certainly not the color. So why does a matador only use red? Maybe it goes well with his fancy gold costume, or better, let's just ask the Spaniards.

Myth 3: These Charmed Snakes
Before you slam the snake community for their terrible taste in music, spare a thought for their hapless condition. Snakes are deaf, so the swaying is definitely not inspired by the music. They are tuned in to vibrations all around them, so it is either that, or the movement of the instrument that makes them sway.

Myth 4: Something's Fishy
Is it a fish? Is it an amphibian? No, it's a whale, and it's a mammal! A marine mammal, to be precise. They have a nose on top of their heads, and they rise to the surface at specific intervals to breathe. They are descendants of regular mammals that lived on land. It was 50 million years ago that the whales shifted their residence to the sea, and have been happily living there ever since.

Myth 5: Hide me, Quick!
For all those who thought an ostrich was trying to escape an attack by burying his head in the ground, shame on you! There is a belief that an ostrich buries its head in the sand because if it can't see the predator, it means that the predator cannot see him. The truth is, as he buries his head in the ground, he could simply be exploring it. The ostrich may have a pea-sized brain, but humans don't.

Myth 6: This Pole, That Pole
To begin with, Arctic is in the North, and Antarctica in the South. Polar bears are found in the Arctic, penguins live in Antarctica. They never, ever exchange poles. Repeat these lines ten times a day.

Myth 7: Now You See Me; Now You Don't
Chameleons are very good at blending in, but when they change color, that's not what they have in mind. A chameleon changes colors according to variations in mood, for instance when it feels angry or threatened, or even when it is at peace. It's more like having a conversation, except we humans don't understand the language.

Myth 8: Who Stole My Water?
I hate to ruin this one, but camels do not store water in their humps. They have their tummies for it. The hump actually stores fat, which gives them energy for their long journeys, but still, it's not the same as water.

Myth 9: 'Ear Me Out!
Earwigs do not have a predilection for residing in human ears, and this is the complete truth. While it is true that they love dark, damp places, human ears don't catch their fancy. But if you insist on further assurance, there is a bone in your ear that will stop any insect from getting inside. Happy?

Myth 10: Sorry, Garfield; Sorry, Odie
Our favorite domestic pets are also victims of human naïvety. We have always tried to attach some kind of explanation to every little thing about cats and dogs that strikes us as an oddity. Cats are often labeled sinister and unfriendly, whereas every dog is assumed to be Lassie. And we all know the list is endless.

It is time we stop being so pompous about our sharp rise on the evolutionary scale. These smart animals have fooled us into believing things that are an insult to our so-called intelligence. Wake up and listen to the laughter echoing throughout the animal kingdom!

Cystitis in Cats: Can It Be Treated?

Cystitis is a common bladder ailment that troubles the feline world. Many feline parents often worry about cystitis in cats and ask if it can be treated. Let us have a look at feline cystitis and go through some of the possible treatments for this common ailment.

Cats are delicate creatures who think they own the world. Felines tend to have many health problems due to their weak digestive as well as urinary system. One of the common health problems many cat owners complain their cat(s) suffers from is the problem of urinating. The cat tends to stop using the litter box and has accidents around the house. Sometimes, the cat passes just a few drops of urine and appears to be in a lot of pain. At times, you may also observe a few drops or clots of blood and in some extreme health cases, the urine passed is red in color. This indicates that your cat is suffering from urinary tract obstructions and needs medical attention. Cystitis is a common health complaint that veterinarians come across. Feline cystitis is associated with other health conditions like feline urological syndrome, feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), and feline idiopathic cystitis. This condition needs medical attention and if not treated soon, it may put the cat's life at risk. Let us go into the details of feline cystitis and its causes, symptoms and treatment in this Buzzle article.

What is Feline Cystitis?
Cystitis in cats is also called 'crystals' as tiny crystals or sand-like particles are formed within the urine. This condition occurs due to inflammation of the bladder. This condition affects both male and female cats, but is more common in females. Cystitis in male cats often turns out to be a very dangerous condition. The exact cause of cystitis is unknown. In case of dogs and humans, it is often thought that the condition occurs due to a bacterial infection. However, in case of cats, there are no bacteria present in their urine. Thus, the condition is termed as idiopathic in nature.

It has been observed that if cats are spayed or neutered too early, they may have higher counts of crystals in their urine. Litter boxes that are not cleaned daily also cause increase in bacterial count in the cat's systems. In some cases, dry food also tends to aggravate the condition. However, these factors do not lead to cystitis, but worsen the condition of a cat suffering from cystitis.

How do You Suspect if Your Cat has Cystitis?
If your cat acts unusual when urinating, it means there is definitely something wrong with its health. Apart from this, you need to spot other symptoms of cystitis. These symptoms include frequent urination. However, the animal will be able to pass just a few drops of urine. Your cat may discard the litter box and urinate on cold surfaces like sink, bathroom floor, etc. This is because, the condition is very irritating and they find a cold, hard surface comforting when passing urine. The urine passed will have a foul odor and have a thicker consistency. You may also observe drops of blood or clots in the urine. The cat becomes irritable and licks his/her genitals continuously. You will also hear your cat cry or meow in pain when passing urine.

Can Cystitis Be Treated?
As a pet owner when you hear about cystitis, the question 'can it be treated?' will pop up in your mind instantly. This condition can be treated successfully, especially when prompt medical treatment is given. In order to treat your cat, the vet may carry out urinalysis tests. Based on the results, he may prescribe antibiotics to treat urinary tract infection in the cat. In most cases, the cat begins to feel better within a week or so. The vet may even have to insert a syringe through the abdomen into the bladder and draw urine, in case of severe bladder obstruction. This procedure is carried out only in case of an emergency. The vet may also feed the cat more fluids, to flush out the urinary system. In case of urethra blockage or bladder stones, the vet may have to try catheterization or surgery (perineal urethrostomy) to unblock the obstruction.

Apart from this, you need to give your cat more fluids in the diet. The aim is to reduce the urine pH below 6.5. If the pH is more than 6.5, there are chances of crystal formation in urine. If your cat eats dry food, you need to moisten it or start giving it wet food. Encourage your cat to drink more water.

Cystitis in cats can be treated under correct medical guidance. This condition is known to recur, therefore make sure your cat takes in plenty of fluids in his/her diet. If you observe anything peculiar or out of ordinary in your cat, make sure you seek medical attention. This condition can turn into a serious health complication, when not treated at the earliest. Keep in mind, a healthy cat is equal to a happy owner.

Black Moor Goldfish

Black moor goldfish, as the name suggests, is a variant of goldfish and very popular as a pet. Here are some tips about the care and maintenance of this little fish, if you happen to bring it home as a pet.

The black moor goldfish originated in China, where it is popularly known as dragon eye, owing to its characteristic protruding eyes. It belongs to the telescope-eye variety of fancy goldfish, which are known for huge eyes jutting out of their heads! This fish is very friendly by nature and easy to maintain, making it one of the most loved aquarium residents all over the world.

Facts about Black Moor
Eyes: Black moors are not born with such huge eyes; they develop this unique characteristic as they mature. The other feature to note is the eyes of this fish move sideways, and not upwards.
Color: Almost always black, the fish may change their color to black, tinged with bronze as they age, and some may even undergo a transformation to rusty-orange on the undersides of their bellies if the water temperature rises.
Scales: They have metallic scales with a velvety appearance, which decreases with age.
Fins: The depth of their body is almost 2/3rd of its length. This goldfish are endowed with long, flowing, and delicate fins. The caudal fin is forked and rounded, and the pelvic, pectoral, and anal fins are long and paired. The dorsal fin is half the size of the depth of the body.
Eyesight: Despite such big eyes, the fish has very poor eyesight. Its eyes are very delicate features, and you need to take extra care to see that they do not get damaged.
Life Expectancy: Under favorable circumstances, they can have a life expectancy of 25 years, and grow up to 10 inches in length.
Physical Conditions: The fish is quite hardy despite a delicate body, and can survive in tough conditions. Even though it does not prefer very cold water, it can survive the winter months without too much hassle. If the water temperature rises, there are chances the fish may gradually change color to a grayish-orange, although this may not always happen.
Reproduction: They generally breed after a noticeable rise in temperature, at the onset of spring. Males grow small lumps over their gills and pectoral fins, with which they nudge females and stimulate them to release eggs. Apart from the breeding season, it is not easy to distinguish between the sexes. Generally, males are smaller in appearance than females with a slender body.
These goldfish are very gregarious, and will thrive in schools with other black moors. But due to poorly developed vision, it is advisable not to keep them with any other type of fish. When they cohabit with other types of fish, it has been found that they do not receive proper nutrition, as the other fish devour all the food and the black moors do not get to feed on anything because they can't see much and are not very agile swimmers!

Care and Maintenance

Tank Size
A 10 gallon tank, or bigger, is suitable, the water temperature should be maintained around 60 to 70°F.
Monitor the pH level and maintain it at 7.
Standard lighting fixtures used for aquariums and available at pet stores can be used to provide light.
Do not put delicate plants in the aquarium. The fish like to dig and may even uproot the plants and feed on them. Either decorate the aquarium with fake plants, or grow plants with sturdy root systems that will be difficult to uproot. But if you use fake plants, or any other aquarium decorations, make sure they have no sharp edges to them, because black moors have very delicate eyes. Silk plants and small, smooth decorations are ideal.
These goldfish produce ammonia as a by-product, and excess of it can cause ammonia poisoning. Hence the tank must be cleaned on a regular basis to keep the fish from getting killed due to ammonia toxicity.
These goldfish are also quite messy and will dirty the tank often. With a penchant for digging, they can also disturb the gravel lining at the bottom of the tank, and stir up any settled debris. The water must be cleaned and filtered regularly to maintain the water quality and keep infections at bay.
Feeding
Feed your pets with sinking food pellets. Floating food pellets should be avoided, as the fish find it difficult to hunt for food if it is floating around in the tank, because of poor eyesight.
Pet stores stock the usual goldfish diet, so you can buy it to feed the black moors as well. You can also introduce the fish to tiny pieces of oranges, cucumbers, zucchini, blanched lettuce and spinach, peeled grapes and shelled peas. Sludge worms, bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp can also be fed to these goldfish.
They are voracious eaters, so be extra careful not to overfeed them, and do not feed foods that are too acidic or high in protein and sugar content too often because they are not tolerated well. Vary the diet now and then, your fish would be happy to munch on a variety of foods!
Diseases and Preventive Measures

Like other types of goldfish, black moors are also prone to infections caused by parasites and worms. Some of these diseases can also lead to secondary bacterial and fungal infections in the fish.
Infections caused by flukes or flatworms cause torn fins and split gills which slowly lose color. Fish may also have trouble breathing. Preventive measures include treating the fish with Fluke Tabs for at least a couple of weeks, and giving the fish a bath with potassium permanganate added to the water.
Anchor worms and fish lice can also cause infections which can result in skin inflammation and redness, and the most obvious sign is the fish trying to rub itself on nearby objects to get rid of the itch. Potassium permanganate, and a formalin plus salt dip are usually recommended to treat this malaise.
One of the most common diseases is the ich, caused by a parasitic protozoan. The illness is characterized by rapid and shallow breathing, isolation, loss of appetite, and the fish exhibit lethargy and rest at the bottom of the tank. White spots all over the body indicate the presence of the parasite. The infection can be chemically treated like other ailments by using a potassium permanganate or a formalin dip. Other methods of prevention are treating the water with chlorine (tap water is usually used), to rid the water of parasites. The fish may die if ich is not treated at an early stage.
Most of this can be prevented by using correct filtration techniques and keeping the tank clean at all times, and replacing it with fresh clean water at regular intervals. If an infection is suspected or diagnosed, quarantine the infected fish to stop further spread of the disease.
Black moors make an excellent pet, do not require too much maintenance, and are intelligent enough to recognize human voices if they dwell with people for several months. If you keep this fish in a tank long enough, you can train it and might one day get it to accept food from your hands! Just be careful not to touch or pick up the fish, because handling a fish can harm its slimy coating, exposing it to parasitic infections. With a clean, aerated tank, and regular feedings, you can keep a velvety black moor goldfish as a pet for years to come.

Leaving Your Dog Home Alone

If you are leaving your dog home alone for long periods of time, you may need to consider your options.
The most you can usually leave your dog home alone is around eight hours, or a normal workday. Any longer than that, and you’ll need to figure out something to do so your dog can go outside and have some puppy play time. Dogs are social animals, after all, and leaving them alone for long periods of time can have devastating effects. Even though they sleep most of the day, they need some interaction with other living things, as well as potty breaks, throughout the day to keep them happy.

Ask A Friend

If you have a friend who is home during the day, and who likes spending time with dogs, this may be your best bet. Of course, you would want to compensate your friend in some way, but having someone you know come into your house to let your puppy out can be cheaper than hiring someone you don’t know. It can also be safer, as you will know and trust the person entering your house. If you have a friend who is home during the day but who can’t make it to your place, or if your friend cannot leave his or her home overnight to stay with your dog, there might be an option to drop the dog off at your friend’s house and leave it there for as long as you need. If your friend is available and willing to take your dog into his or her home for a period of time, you will absolutely want to compensate him or her in some way. However, this can be a great situation, as it allows your friend to stay in the comfort of his or her home , and it gives your dog a change of scenery. Dogs especially like to switch it up; they don’t like to stay in the same place for too long. By giving them a new place to go, you will give your dogs a way to channelize some more energy.

Doggy Daycare

Doggy daycare is a great option for those who do not have a friend or family member available. When you take your dog to a daycare, you pay a fee for the day, and you can sometimes add some services such as grooming, long walks, playtime, agility training, or special treats. Each of these add-ons generally costs more, but can be extremely fun for your pet. You set up a time with the daycare to drop the dog off and pick it up. After that, you can trust in the daycare to take care of your pet while you are away. Many daycare places will also keep your pet overnight if you need them to. It’s always a good idea to take a look through the daycare before dropping your dog off to be sure that everything is sanitary and that the people working there are good with dogs.

Dog Walker

If daycare isn’t an option, you can hire a dog walker. Hiring a dog walker is ideal for people who cannot get to a daycare facility, or for people who aren’t gone for that long during the day but who just want their pet to have some extra attention during the day. When hiring a dog walker, it’s best to go through an agency. Be sure to ask them if they do background checks on their employees, and make sure you know who has copies of your keys. You should also be able to ask them for a report on what your pet did while the dog walker was there.

Flowerhorn Fish

From the drains of Singapore to the homes of the finest fish enthusiasts, the flowerhorn fish breed has had an interesting journey so far. Here is a lowdown on a fish that found its five seconds of fame all thanks to the supposed presence of its divine properties!
 it's easy to understand the frenzy it sparked off in Singapore a few years ago. This gorgeous creature with the trademark bulging forehead and vivid hues had fish fanatics the world over paying insane amount of money to own one. And why not? Thought to bring the owner good fortune and prosperity, the flowerhorn fish managed to create a splash in the aquatic world. We have a few flowerhorn fish facts lined up for your delectation.

Flowerhorn Fish Facts

The Good

It all began with the Malaysians and their inclination for these bulky-headed fish, known as Karoi or warships. The flowerhorn fish found a place in the hearts of the Taiwanese, who considered them harbingers of prosperity. Soon enough, a feng shui connect was established. The nuchal hump, or protruding forehead resembled the forehead of the Chinese God of longevity. Some of the fish's body parts matched other divine creatures, elevating its importance. The black markings on the sides sometimes look like Chinese alphabets. Its brightly colored appearance made it an attractive and coveted fish. Aggressive at first, these fish form a deep bond with their owners over a period as they get tamed, especially when the owners feed them with their hands. Its red eyes were known to cast the evil spirits away.

The Geeky

The flowerhorn cichlid finds its ancestors in the red devil cichlids (Amphilophus labiatus) and trimac cichlids (Amphilophus trimaculatus), from Central America along with the hybrid blood parrot cichlid from Taiwan. These fish were bred together in Malaysia, giving us the flowerhorn cichlid. Also called the Luo Han flowerhorn, they arrived in America during the nineties. They grow up to 12 inches and will keep you company for 10 to 12 years. Considering their size, they must be kept in a 20 to 30 gallon tank, in waters with a pH level of 7.4 to 8.0 and a temperature of 80-85°F. Their diet includes fleshy and live bloodworms, mealworms, small fish, earthworms, minced meat and shrimp. Their vegetarian delights are spinach, peas and lettuce.

The "Not So Good"

How would you like to have an aquatic pet that is not very different from humans? Well, the flowerhorn fish, being a product of human effort, has managed to pick up a few human qualities. For starters, it is an aggressive fish, and very territorial. Keeping more than one in a tank is not recommended, but if you insist, do separate them with a sturdy glass partition and give them time to start tolerating each other. This applies to two fish belonging to the opposite sex as well (Mars and Venus, anyone?). The aggressiveness scales new heights, as a flowerhorn can also injure itself if the tank accessories are too rough on the edges. It sometimes likes to launch itself, head first on to the glass walls, which explains the presence of several disfigured single fish in captivity. Be very careful while feeding it as it sometimes likes to bite the hand that feeds it. Among other human qualities, they also happen to have a ravenous appetite for food and reproduction as well.

The Outrageous

Controversy cannot keep its hands off a fish that is termed "a hybrid of hybrids". Much noise has been made about how fish breeds have been modified to increase their attractiveness quotient. While the ecologists continued their protests, the breeding community made hay as the popularity of the flowerhorn fish soared. It was during this period that the breeders worked overtime to support the burgeoning demand, leading to a drop in the "quality". The so-called good-looking fish earned returns and the unattractive and disfigured ones were saddled with the store owners. Not knowing what to do with the leftovers, they were thoughtlessly dumped in the drains of Singapore and Malaysia. These little horrors ran riot with their unrestrained breeding and demolished the local flora and fauna. Many local aquatic species became extinct, with the flowerhorns eating or killing whatever came their way.

All the controversies in the world have not been able to convince the flowerhorn fish fanatics into keeping other pets. When the ethical aspect of breeding creatures in labs is raised, there are silent whispers about how humans have done worse elsewhere. Whether you choose to love this fish or loathe it, there are several people around the world who have derived immense joy, companionship, and not to mention, prosperity from it.

Dwarf Gourami Care

The dwarf gourami, belonging to the labyrinth fish clan, has Indian origins. Swim through this write-up to garner information on dwarf gourami and the degree of care required.

The Dwarf gourami is a splendid water dweller, having an interesting visual appeal with bright colors adorning their bodies. The fish is classified as a labyrinth fish. It means that they must have an access to air for breathing. Dwarf gourami, however cannot stay off water for a prolonged period. This is due to the fact that the fish needs the body moist, to absorb oxygen. The labyrinth organ, a lung-like super-fold is not an inherent bodily feature. The development however, progresses steadily. Nevertheless, most labyrinth fish breathe through their gills and it is only when they grow old, that the development of the labyrinth organ takes place. The dwarf gourami has an Indian origin and predominantly hails from water bodies, Ganges, Yamuna and Brahmaputra.

The dwarf gourami, in potamological nomenclature is referred to as Colisa lalia. Colisa cotra, C. unicolor, Trichogaster lalius, Trichopsis lalius, Trichogaster unicolor, are all names, synonymous to dwarf gourami. The dwarf gourami stands true to its name. It is approximately two inches; however, this may not apply to males, as they size up to six cm. Gourami are oval-shaped and sport variegated colors. The frontal section constitutes anal and dorsal fins, which stretch toward the caudal fin. However, there is a prominent bodily difference, worth the mention. The dorsal fin is long and has an edge extension in males, whilst in females, the fin has a rounded, pulp like appearance. When we talk color, we find males doing better than their counterparts. They have extended crisscross strips that are a rich orange with a reddish tinge. They are also blessed with blue hued stripes. Females, with respect to their body color scheme are not as striking. They are sober, covering a matte silver-cum-blue shade. Dwarf gourami are also known by their variegated shades and are regarded as Red Gourami, Powder Blue Gourami, Neon and Rainbow Gourami.

Caring for Dwarf Gourami

Explicated here, are facets that you, as a Gourami lover, need to know.

Aquarium Etiquette
Dwarf Gourami are the least aggressive water creatures. They are peace-loving and do not indulge in fin wars with other inmates.
They are, on the contrary, very reticent in their behavior, which predominantly, makes them the most congenial tank inmates.
*However, not all is well here! There are some minuses that you need to consider, nevertheless, they can be dealt, with the right measures.
Males have a tendency to be very territorial in nature especially when the tank is not as spacious as it should be, or there are not many floating plants around.
Anecdotal as it may seem, keeping just one female with three or more males could create a row. So, make sure to club at least 3 males and double the number of females in the tank. Males would appreciate this grouping forevermore.
They get possessive about the space they swim through, which may result in a few exercising domination. On the other hand, there are no such issues faced by female tank mates as they do not practice dictatorship.
Unfortunately, there are some males who are too shy to socialize and subsequently hide in floating plantations. For this purpose, keep them in pairs.
It is ideal to have companions with a peaceful demeanor, those being Tetras, Dwarf Cichlids, Danios, Characins and Corydoras.
Aquarium Essentials
For an aquarium to house dwarf gourami fish, care has to be administered with regards to the requirements of the tank. Have a spacious tank that has floating plantations, an ideal one being Java Fern, around, however, you may keep a few corners sparsely vegetative for them to maneuver freely.
Consider as to how many males would you like to accommodate in your tank. To accommodate one male Gourami, you need a medium-sized tank that can contain 40 to 60 liters of water. If it is a pair of males, a large tank must hold 80 to 100 liters of water.
Have a sober yet classy substrate color to highlight the colors of the fish.
The water type should be relatively soft and must have a pH of 6 to 8. The water temperature should range between 26 to 28°C.
Aquarium Edibles
The gourami clan should be fed with a diet that has all-round nourishment. In the aquarium, you can provide them with frozen foods as well as fresh foods.
They also enjoy vegetables. Worms and shrimp constitute their live diet, while lettuce and spinach are vegetarian options.
When the breeding period arrives, make sure that you club both these diet components for them to keep well.
Aquarium Breeding
The dwarf gourami can breed once or twice in a month. Some caretakers reveal that they may spawn for two to three months frequently and then would be on a virtual vacation for a month or two. Whilst breeding, concentrate on the food you administer.
As it has been mentioned, a combination of vegetables and live worms will trigger the instinct. Increase the amount of food you feed, however, make sure not to overdo it, as this may lead to the stimuli dying out.
Gourami build bubble nests in order to breed. You may shift the breeding pair to another tank or leave the male with two or three females.
Introduce floating plants into the tank, so that the male gets adequate space to build his bubble nest. Increase the water temperature slightly for spawning.
The bubble nest is built of tinges of plants and little bubbles.
The process, when the female is ready to copulate is called spawning. Be on guard, as the male might get overtly forceful with the female if she is not interested in being spawned. The situation could prove fatal for the female gourami.
Spawning involves the male somersaulting the female. It is here that the female releases eggs and they are immediately fertilized by the male. This is repeated several times.
Every spawn results in the release and fertilization of 80 to 200 eggs. These eggs are then placed in the bubble nest by the male.
If, there are two to three more females in the tank, the male would indulge in spawning with all of them. In totality, 300 to 800 eggs are placed in the nest, post fertilization.
After the spawning is complete, withdraw the female/females and leave the male in there with his bubble nest.
The male secures the bubble nest until the fry hatch, which takes approximately a day. When the fry hatch, they remain in the bubble nest for about 72 hours and are then ready to swim independently.
Feed the fry with tiny particles of infusoria. As soon as you observe that the fry are set free, draw out the male, as he may tend to gobble up his very own offspring. Thus, to avert such cannibalistic endeavors, make sure that you don't let the male remain in the tank for too long.
To set a thorough dwarf gourami fish care regimen, make sure that you concentrate on what you feed them and their ambiance. With these pointers nailed in mind, you are sure to become a good gourami caretaker!