1.  Reptiles, Amphibians, Fish 10.01 & 10.02

2. Species / Breeds of Freshwater fish  Egg laying fish – reproduction is by fertilization of sperm with the eggs from females that lay them.  Goldfish – A very popular and hardy “first” fish for many children. Hardy and easy to keep fresh water fish that prefer pools or cold water aquariums that have temperatures in the range of 32 - 68°F. Goldfish can live in various types of water as long as water is kept clean. Koi are a member of the goldfish family used in cold water aquariums. Koi may grow to 3'in length in a pool of adequate size.

3. Species / Breeds of Freshwater fish (egg laying)  Betas – Freshwater fish that are very aggressive. Betas are frequently kept alone as a specimen fish in a species – only aquarium. Males must never be put in the same aquarium. Betas prefer an 80 0 F ± 3° tank.  Tetras – These are easy to medium care ornamental fish that prefer soft water that is slightly acidic. It is a very sociable fish and does well in community aquariums. Tetras average 1 ½ - 3" in length. One species is the neon.

4. Species / Breeds of Freshwater fish (egg laying)  Catfish – Species grown as ornamentals include the Upside-down catfish, Glass catfish, and the Electric catfish. Prefer their water temperature to be 70 0 – 80 0 F.  Chinese algae eater –Soaking loach that grows up to 10" long when the aquarium size permits. It has large fleshy lips, can cling to vegetation, rocks, or the sides of a glass aquarium. Chinese algae eaters are good community fish and feed off algae. They prefer a water temperature between 70° - 80° F.  Others include: Tetra, Barbs, Headstander, etc.

5. Species / Breeds of Freshwater fish (live bearing)  Live bearing fish – give birth to live young. Live in shoals or groups of five or more. Reproduction is accomplished by deposit of sperm by male inside the female to fertilize the eggs until they develop into nearly full formed fish.  Guppies – Most popular and varieties only differ in shapes of their fins and tails. Water temperatures for guppies are between 68 ° – 75 ° F. May average giving birth to 50 young, but adults may eat the young fry.

6. Species / Breeds of Freshwater fish (live bearing)  Swordtails – like environment similar to guppy, known for its long sword-like caudal fin. Swordtails average 3 – 4 ¾ "long and prefer water temperatures between 68° and 70° F.

7. Species / Breeds of Freshwater fish (live bearing)  Mollies – Most Mollie species are black and differ only in the size of their fins. Prefer water temperatures to be 72 ° – 82 ° F. Like groups or schools, Mollies have problem with large fins may have fins grow so large swimming is difficult. Mollies prefer to dwell in large schools.  Platys – These fish are very popular. They average only 2 1/2"in length and like water temperature to be 68 ° – 77 ° F.

8. Species/Breeds of Saltwater ornamental fish  Species/Breeds of Saltwater ornamental fish – live in saltwater and require the addition of sodium chloride (salt) to create a marine environment.

9. Species/Breeds of Saltwater ornamental fish  Most saltwater species of ornamental fish are egg layers. A few examples include:  Angelfish – Some can live in freshwater. They have a delicate appearance but are very hardy. Angelfish prefer water temperature to be 77 ° – 86 ° F. Eggs are carried in the parent’s mouth and placed either in foliage or sand as part of the incubation process.  Brasslets – Small popular colorful fish for marine aquariums. They like water temperatures to be 79 ° – 82 ° F and prefer a diet of brine shrimp. The Royal Gamma is the suggested Brasslet for beginner marine aquarists. Royal Gamma mixes well with other fish species, but must be isolated from their own species because of their extremely aggressive nature.

10. Species/Breeds of Saltwater ornamental fish  Clown fish are orange in color with three white bands encircling the body. Each white band is edged in black. Fins are also orange edged in black. Clown fish are known for their ability to live around the tentacles of the sea anemone in a mutually beneficial relationship known as symbiosis.  Sargeant Major is a marine fish that grows to 7 inches in length. It is silver-blue in color with a yellow tinge on its body and has seven vertical dark bands on each side.

11.  Fish Physiology

12. Terminology and nomenclature  Ornamental fish are fish kept for their appearance (bright colors and fancy fins), personal appeal to people, and are not usually used for food.  Tropical fish are popular fish for aquariums that come from the warmer regions of the world.  Marine fish are fish that are kept in salt water aquariums. Marine fish are often more colorful than freshwater varieties.  Freshwater fish are fish that are kept in a freshwater tank. Often, they are the most popular fish for pets.

13. Terminology and nomenclature  Community fish are fish that do well in an aquarium with other fish species. Examples include: Tetras, barbs, catfish, Mollies, Platys, and Swordtails.  Species fish do best in an aquarium with fish of the same species. Examples include: Blind Cave Fish, Piranhas, Red-Tailed Shark, Schomburgk’s Leaf Fish, Spiny eels, Killifish (one pair alone in an aquarium), Betas (alone in an aquarium).  Gonopodium – Modification of anal fin into a tube-shaped organ in male live-bearers that provides passage for sperm packets to enter the oviduct of the female.

14. Terminology and nomenclature  Live-bearers are fish that give birth to live young. Examples include: Guppies, Mollies Platys, and Swordtails.  Egg layers are fish that expel eggs from the female to be fertilized by the male. Examples of egg layers are: tetras, barbs, catfish, and goldfish.  Shoals are small colonies of fish. Some species prefer to live in shoals such as African Red fin, Catfish, and Tetras.  Spawning is the reproduction ritual where eggs are deposited and fertilized by egg laying species of fish.

15. Terminology and nomenclature  Scales are thin, bony plates that develop from and are embedded in dermis. Scales overlap each other and provide protection. The exposed part of the scale is covered with a thin layer of epidermis that produces a slimy mucous which protects the fish from water born bacteria.

16. Water levels  Fish must maintain proper levels of salt and water in their bodies. Water flows from areas of weak salt solution to areas of strong salt solution by osmosis.  Freshwater fish do not need to drink water because their body salt concentration is higher than the water.  Saltwater fish have a lower concentration of salt in their bodies than in the water. Therefore they must drink water to keep from dehydrating.

17. Classification of fish based on feeding habit.  Bottom feeders (dwellers) are fish that inhabit the lower level of the aquarium and feed off the bottom. Their mouth may be turned down or “under slung” and they may have barbs to help them locate food. Example: Barbs.  Middle feeders (middle-water fish) primarily occupy the middle layer of the aquarium and usually have small mouths that are straight forward because they are eating feed that is straight in front of them.  Top feeders usually eat from the surface and occupy the upper levels of the aquarium. Often, their mouths will be turned upward and they will have long streamlined bodies designed for rapid movement to help them catch insects.  Some fish like goldfish do not show a preference for the level of the aquarium.

18. Physiology of fish respiration.  Use organs called gills to breathe.  Water is drawn through the mouth by constant opening and closing of the mouth.  Forces water into the pharynx and out though gills.  Dissolved oxygen in water is taken into the blood and CO2 is released into the water from the gills.  A few species of fish come to the surface and gulp air into their mouth. They are able to use atmospheric oxygen because part of their intestines allow for intake of oxygen. The air is then swallowed into the digestive system and taken into the blood.

19. Physiology of fish movement  Fins  Most bony fish have rayed fins that consist of web of skin supported by bone or cartilage rods called rays.  Rays can be sharp, soft, or spiny  Fins are very flexible  Fins are a moveable structure that allows the fish to swim and maintain balance.  Most fish have at least one fin along their back (dorsal), one underside near the tail (anal), and one tail fin (caudal).  Some have a small, fleshy fin located between the dorsal and caudal called an adipose fin.  Fish also have a pair of fins located behind the head called the pectoral and the pelvic located behind them.

20.  Caring for a fish

21. Considerations when purchasing aquaria:  Type – Either glass or plastic. Plastic is cheaper, but all glass is easier to clean. Framed tanks are more expensive than all glass and offer more support to the glass.  Size – Ranges from a simple Beta or goldfish bowl 1 gal capacity of water (can be smaller or larger) to 10, 30, 50, or 100 gallon plus. The thickness of glass ranges from ¼ " for small aquariums to 3/8 for larger aquariums.  Size depends on the amount you want to invest and the type (species) of fish.  Shape depends on personal preference and species of fish you are raising. The most common shape is rectangular, but square, spherical, etc. are also common.  Species – type of fish purchasing, freshwater versus tropical

22. Tank Size  The right size tank - How to determine tank size  The general rule for stocking rate for an aquarium is as follows:  1 in of fish requires a MINIMUM of:  Tropical fish aquarium: 10 square inches of surface area  Cold water aquarium: 30 square inches of surface area  Marine aquarium: 48 square inches of surface area

23. Filtering Water  Filtering to keep the water clear and clean is essential. Cloudy water is an indication the system needs managing. Water or charcoal cleaners may need to be changed.

24. Filtering Water  Filtration systems remove uneaten food materials, dissolved materials, solid waste and neutralize harmful substances. They consist of a power filter with an electric motor. Types include:  Mechanical-removal of waste by using various kinds of filtration devices. Modern systems use an external filter box  Chemical-removal of dissolved material by using chemical process. The use of activated charcoal to soak up dissolved minerals and chemicals is the most common chemical removal process. Activated charcoal is often part of the filter system and must be changed at regular intervals.  Biological filtration use bacteria to feed on toxic substances such as the ammonia excreted from fish during respiration or as a result of decaying waste and food material. The waste in the tank is changed from a harmful substance (ammonia) to a harmless substance of nitrogen. In addition the dissolved oxygen in the water is replenished.

25. Aeration  Air pumps used for aeration  The water is circulated from the bottom of the tank to the surface where aeration can take place.  Compressed air (oxygen) is pumped through air stones (fused, porous glass) to break the airflow into minute bubbles  As the compressed air goes into the water, it disperses carbon dioxide (aeration).  Air bubbles rising from the bottom of the aquarium aid in equalizing the aquarium water temperature throughout and circulating the water to the top where aeration can take place.

26. Other Aquarium Tools  Hydrometer – for measuring salt content. GFCI electrical outlet preferred.  Heater/thermostat is needed to maintain water temperature for tropical aquariums. The heater must be the right size: approximately 10 watts of power for each 1½ gallons of water.  Thermometer – liquid crystal thermometers that are adhesive strips that stick to the outside of the aquarium are popular  Water containers – aquarium water-holding container  Other materials include: gravel and or sand, plants, decorative stones, hood with starter for fluorescent lights, dip nets, decorative materials.

27. Aquarium Maintenance  Remove temporary hardness of water by boiling and allow sitting prior to its use in the aquarium.  Eliminate chlorine by aerating it for 12 – 24 hours prior to use or allowing it to sit for 48 hours so the chlorine will evaporate.  Schedule:  Daily - Check heater, temperature, aeration and filtration; Remove dead fish; observe for any unusual behavior  Weekly - Check water level and pH and add water and chemicals as appropriate  Monthly – One-fourth to one-fifth of the water needs to be changed every three to four weeks to provide fish a stress free environment and prolong the life of the filters. Siphon off any dead material from bottom of aquarium. Tend to plants in aquarium and remove algae

28. Ammonia and Nitrites in Tank  Factors that contribute to increased ammonia and nitrites in the tank:  Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom (don’ overfeed).  Dirty filters and failure to change water (1/4 to 1/5 water changed every month)  Overpopulation of fish

29. Feeding fish  Vary feed to prevent boredom – fish really like live food, but freeze-dried and frozen food is a good alternative.  Feed fish 2 to 3 times per day  Feed only enough feed for the fish to eat in 3 – 5 minutes. (Many people over feed fish and cause unsanitary aquarium conditions).  Commercially prepared flake foods are ideal for small fish up to 4 - 5"long. Vitamins and nutrients are provided in amounts needed by the fish.  Commercially prepared pellets work well for larger fish. The type depends on the eating habit of the fish being kept.  Live foods like brine shrimp, earthworms, wood lice, and worms are treats to fish.

30.  Amphibians

31.  Newts and salamanders range in size from a few inches to 5' or more. They usually have four legs and long tails.

32. Frogs  Frogs and toads differ in that frogs make croaking noise, have slender longer bodies, and moist skin while toads have a rough skin and dry appearance.  True frogs include the American Bullfrog and may grow to 14" long.  American Toad is the common toad on the eastern United States  The Green Tree Frog is actually a yellow-green toad with a yellow stripe running from its lower jaw back along its sides.

33. Physiology of amphibians  Cold blooded animals that have thin, moist skin that allows them to breathe through the skin by osmosis.  Amphibians usually live in moist environments, but location usually depends on their skin thickness.  Amphibians do not have scales.  Amphibians crush their prey and swallow it whole because they do not have teeth.  Amphibians live part of their life in water. Adult amphibians spend part or all of their life on land.

34.  Reptiles

35.  Boa constrictors are popular pets because they adjust well to captivity and tame quickly. Boas may grow 18' long. They like to feed on small animals, birds, fish, and eggs.  Common garter snakes adjust well in captivity and can be tamed. Easily recognized by stripes running the length of their body and may reach 2 -3' in length.  Green anole is an iguana that is often found in pet stores. It reaches a length of 8" and feeds on insects. It changes colors from various shades of gray to brown.  Skinks are very tame and make excellent pets. They are secretive and do best with leaves to burro under. Skinks may reach 2' in length.  The Savannah Monitor is a lizard that can be used as a pet. However, they may reach sizes up to 6' or more and become hard to handle.  Common chameleon is a true chameleon that reaches about 10" in length. They can change their colors rapidly to adapt to their surroundings.

36. Physiology of reptiles  Reptiles are cold blooded vertebrates that have dry scaly skin and lungs for breathing.  Reptiles have bony skeleton scales or horny plates that cover their body.  Reptiles include crocodiles, lizards, snakes, turtles, tortoises, etc.  Some give birth by laying eggs (oviparous), others retain the eggs in their body until they hatch and give birth to young (ovoviviparous), and in others their young develop in a placental sac and are born live (viviparous).

37.  Caring for Reptiles and Amphibians

38. Care  Vast difference in species, but the goal should always be to duplicate the natural environment.  Aquariums usually make the best containers.  Semi-aquatic aquariums may be made by using plexi- glass to petition the aquarium in half  Vivariums should be designed to give the reptile an environment close to its actual habitat.

39. Care  Reptiles are ectotherms. They do not generated body heat and must rely completely on the temperature of their environment.  Reptiles need ultraviolet (UV) rays for calcium metabolism, formation of pigment, and vitamin D synthesis.  Reptiles need sunlight  Fluorescent lights will provide UV rays as long as there is not glass between the light and the reptile. Glass filters the UV rays out.