TOKAY GECKO : sent in by Beverly
Tokays are not squeamish
and will eat a wide variety of insects. Crickets should
be a staple and will be relished. Wax worms, wax moths,
superworms, locusts and even pinky mice will be eaten.
Food should be offered every other day. Dusting of
insects with a multipurpose reptile vitamin/mineral
powder should be done at least every third feeding.
CHILEAN
ROSE TARANTULA : sent in by Beverly
Range
: Bolivia, Northern Chile, and Argentina, found in
many habitats, mostly deserts and scrubland.
Type : Terrestrial.
Diet : Spiderlings eat pinhead crickets, and other
small insects. Adults eat crickets, other large insects,
and an occasional pinkie mouse.
Full Grown Size : 4.5 to 5.5 inches.
Growth : Slow speed.
Temperature : 70 to 85° F.
Humidity : 75 to 80%. All tarantulas that have at
least a 3" legspan may drink from a shallow,
wide water dish.
Temperament : Docile and calm.
Housing : Spiderlings can live in a clear plastic
deli-container with air holes. Adults can live in
a 5 or 10-gallon tank. Floor space is more important
than height.
Substrate : 2 to 3 inches of peat moss, or potting
soil.
Decor : No decorations are really needed, but you
can add a log, or cork bark.
GOLDFISHES
: sent in by Beverly
The
goldfish is a hardy animal, and if cared for properly,
will live a long, long time (ten years is not uncommon).
Goldfish are omnivorous and will eat just about anything,
but it is suggested that the beginner stick to prepackaged
fishfoods.
You
must buy fishfood which is made specifically for goldfish,
because their nutritional needs are not the same as
those of other fishes. Fish need protein for muscle,
vitamins to resist desease, and to strengthen their
bones. Goldfish also need carbohydrates even more
than other fishes. Be sure to buy something that has
complete nutrition. A quality diet has the added benefit
of bringing out your fish's color.
Never
give your goldfish more food than they can eat in
a few minutes. Leftover food decomposes and pollutes
the tank. If food remains uneaten, remove it. Feeding
your goldfish a small amount at several times during
the day is preferable to feeding one big meal.
Goldfish
live in many different temperatures. Anywhere from
50° F to 68° F is best, provided that
any change in temperature is gradual. A rapid temperature
change can make a fish more susceptible to disease,
as can stress. Care on the keeper's part can reduce
both. Different varieties of Goldfish may also live
at different temperatures.
Be
sure to watch your goldfish for a few minutes each
day. Get to know your fish. This will help you spot
odd behavior if the fish contracts a disease. If you
even suspect that a fish is sick, seek help immediately.
Goldfish diseases are rarely contracted by humans,
or vice versa.
