Porcupine Puffer Fish

The porcupine puffer fish is similar to the porcupine fish in many ways. Read on to know more on puffer fish information, care and maintenance.

The porcupine puffer fish is one of the interesting and unique types of fish found in tropical oceans all around the world. These fish have a distinct appearance which them easy to recognize. The name porcupine puffer fish is often used interchangeably with the porcupine fish, which is incorrect. These two are names of two different species of fish belonging to the same family. Let us have a look at it in detail.

Porcupine Puffer Fish Information
In its usual or normal state, the porcupine puffer fish looks similar to a small baseball bat. It grows up to 12 inches (30 cms) in length and has a single dorsal fin. The spine of the porcupine puffer fish is lighter than that of the porcupine fish or the blowfish. The name of the fish itself speaks a lot about its physical characteristics. As the body of the fish is covered with sharp spines which, in some species, are even poisonous; it is known as a porcupine fish. Similarly, one of the distinct adaptations of the porcupine puffer fish is that it has an ability to inflate its body to almost double its size to protect itself from predators. As this fish is unable to swim faster, it has been gifted by this unique mechanism. When a predator attacks the porcupine puffer fish, the fish inflates its body by inhaling air or water which makes it grow larger in size and makes its spine protrude from its body. Other fish cannot grip or bite the inflated body of the puffer fish and hence, it is protected from its enemy.

Porcupine Puffer Care
These fish can be petted and kept in aquariums at home. However, they need special care and maintenance if you wish them to live a long and a healthy life. Firstly, the porcupine puffer fish inflate themselves immediately when they feel threatened and hence, it can be difficult to take them out of water or move them. In this case, you need to transfer them to a bag of water and later put them in an aquarium. Puffer fish, similar to the porcupine fish, are carnivores and feed on crustaceans. Their favorite food includes crabs, sea urchins, snails and mollusks. If you wish to keep these fish as pets, it is essential to know their compatibility with other fishes. Porcupine puffer fish compatibility with other fish is usually ambiguous. Sometimes, they may live cordially or sometimes they even turn aggressive. Wrasses and tangs, up to some extent, can be good porcupine puffer fish tank mates. However, it is better to keep porcupine puffer fish with the same species in an aquarium. Do not ever include any crustaceans in the aquarium alongside puffer fish as crustaceans are the latter's staple diet.

Porcupine Puffer Fish Facts
Here's some information as regards their taxonomy and general tips on how to rear them.

• Family: Diodontidae
• Order: Tetraodontiformes
• Scientific name: Diodon holacanthus
• Porcupine puffer fish are nocturnal creatures that hunt and feed at night whereas remain hiding in the crevices during the day.
• These fish are the non-threatened creatures in aquatic life.
• Puffer fish are poisonous and should not be consumed as it can result in death of the individual. However, in some parts of the world, these are eaten as delicacies where their poisonous parts are removed by trained chefs.
• Some of the species of puffer fish are also found in warm fresh waters.
• The exact form of reproduction and spawning habits of these fish are unknown. However, it is believed that the fertilized eggs hatch on the surface of the sea and only when they grow into small fish, they enter the reef.

Read more on blowfish facts.

The porcupine fish and the porcupine puffer fish are always amazing to watch because of their unique features. However, one should remember to take care of the fish and not let it get inflated frequently as it can harm the fish internally.

Long Haired Cats

Long, fluffy coats are the trademark of long haired cats. If you are searching for some information on types of long haired cats breeds, then the following article will prove to be useful.

There are short haired cats as well as long haired cats. In this article we will concentrate on various long haired cat breeds. The long haired cat breeds come in different sizes and colors. You will find a small, docile and quiet cat. Or you may bring home a playful, active cat that is well aware of its vocal cords.

The long haired cat breeds have a mixed ancestry and arrived in America with pilgrims on the Mayfair. They became the forefathers of the American domestic short hair cats. They are genetically similar to the domestic short haired cat breeds and only differ in one recessive long-coat gene. This gene was inherited by domestic longhair cats. The types of long haired cat breeds are known for their fluffy coats. Let us see some of the types of long haired cat breeds.

Types of Long Haired Cat Breeds

The following is a list of types of long haired cat breeds that will help you know the names of these beautiful cats.

• American bobtail cat
• Angora cat
• Asian Semi-long haired cat (or Tiffanie)
• Balinese cat
• Birman cat
• Chantilly/Tiffany cat
• Cherubim cat (or Honeybear cat)
• Colourpoint Long haired cat
• Exotic cat
• Himalayan cat
• Javanese cat
• Maine Coon cat
• Nebelung cat
• Norwegian Forest cat
• Oriental Longhair cat
• Persian cat
• Ragdoll cat (and Ragamuffin cat)
• Siberian cat
• Somali cat
• Sterling cat
• Turkish Van cat
• Turkish Angora cat
• York Chocolate cat

Long Haired Cats Grooming

Long haired cats require a lot of grooming to keep their coats free of mats and mess. There are certain long haired cat breeds that require daily grooming like the Persian cats or Himalayan cats. Other cat breeds like the Maine Coon or Norwegian Forest cat requires grooming twice a week. Other cat breeds like the Balinese, Birman, Cymric, Somali and Ragdoll require once a week grooming.

You need to begin the grooming process from an early age to help your cat get used to it. Grooming is the best time to help build a bond between yourself and your cat. You should carry out regular long haired cat grooming as it helps remove the dead hair. If these hair is not removed, it will form hair balls in the cat’s stomach. It also helps remove dead skin, dander, tomes muscles and helps in blood circulation. The long haired cats shedding is generally two times a year. They may shed in fall their summer coat so that they may develop their heavy winter coat. Or in spring when they shed their winter coat to prepare for the light summer coat.

Long Haired Cats Shaving

Among the long haired cats that don’t shed are Ragdoll cats. They generally shed less than the other cats. Thus, they can cause less long haired cats allergies. Also, long haired cats tend to get poop stuck under their tail hair. Thus, long haired cat shaving under the tail is necessary. Also, long haired cats shaving helps prevent complications with long hair that includes difficult grooming sessions and matted hair. You can read more on non shedding cat breeds.

The long haired cats shaving is also known as ‘lion cut’. The best thing to do is, take your cat to a professional groomer or vet for shaving. This is to help minimize the stress you and your cat may undergo. Also, shaving long haired cats reduces shedding, allergies and keeps the cat clean and reduces matting.

This was a bit of information on long haired cats breeds. They are great for owners who are willing to do regular long haired cat grooming. If you are ready for a long haired cat and the cat care responsibilities, then long haired cat breeds will prove to be great pets.