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175 results for “Aquatic Species”
Can Tortoises Swim?
Tortoises cannot truly swim. Their body structure is built for land, not water, yet they will not drown instantly if they fall in—their large lungs and broad shell create enough buoyancy to float for a while. That floating ability varies by species; the Aldabra giant tortoise, for example, moves faster in water than on land. But floating is not living: tortoises belong on land, and long soaks risk shell rot and drowning. Keepers should respect this by offering only a shallow soaking area with a ramp, never deep water. Even aquatic turtles can drown if kept too deep, especially as juveniles, so match the habitat to the species.
Red-Tailed Black Shark
The Red-Tailed Black Shark is a tropical fish species with a very distinctive appearance. Native to Thailand, this ornamental fish has a rather aggressive temperament, being relatively gentle toward other species but fighting fiercely with its own kind.
Black-banded Dwarf Cichlid
The Black-banded Dwarf Cichlid is mainly distributed at the confluence of the Rio Negro and the Amazon River in Brazil. It is a carnivorous ornamental fish with a gentle temperament and some territoriality, so care should be taken with tank mates, and plants should be added to the aquarium to give it a sense of security.
Red Cross Fish
The Red Cross Fish, also known as the Cross Fish or Red Cross Fish, gets its name from its red fins and the black cross pattern at the base of the caudal fin. This fish, native to Argentina, has a habit of attacking small fish, so it should not be kept with small species in a community tank.
Blackspot Barb
The Blackspot Barb is mainly distributed in southern Asia—India, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar—and is named for the large black spot on its caudal peduncle, its main distinguishing feature. It is omnivorous and easy to keep.
King Dwarf Cichlid
The King Dwarf Cichlid has a golden-yellow body, but unlike other dwarf cichlids it is not richly colored; still, its distinctive golden hue attracts many enthusiasts. It prefers soft water, so water quality requires attention in captivity.
Delhezi Bichir
The Delhezi Bichir (Polypterus delhezi), also called the Banded Dinosaur, is a 'living fossil' fish from the middle Congo River. It can breathe air and tolerate low oxygen, and its larvae have external gills. Reaching 44 cm, it is carnivorous and a popular ornamental fish.
Chinese Giant Salamander
The Chinese Giant Salamander (Andrias davidianus) is one of the world's most precious amphibians, a Class II protected aquatic wildlife in China, nicknamed the 'baby fish' for its cry like an infant. Fierce and agile, in captivity it can live 50-60 years. It is carnivorous, swallowing prey whole.
Florida Snapping Turtle
The most heavily-spined of the four Chelydra subspecies - a fierce, heat-loving carnivore from Florida and Georgia. Adults are aggressive; a meat or farm turtle more than a pet.
Large-headed Turtle
A Chinese-endemic 'big-head' turtle that looks like a Reeves' but with a huge triangular head it cannot retract - a threatened, somewhat delicate water turtle.