Make no mistake – bullsnakes are impressive reptiles. Large in size, bulky, beautifully patterned and with a variety of strategies to ward off potential predators these snakes can put on a real show when they feel threatened. Indeed, my first ever experience of this species was a large adult specimen, in a pet shop where …
My first proper introduction to rainbow boas was as a teenager, when I started to date a girl who kept one as a pet. I was immediately taken with the incredible iridescence shown under natural sunlight (or the right artificial lighting). It is this ever-changing color that has resulted in their common name of “rainbow …
Indian stick insects are some of the easiest of all pet invertebrates to keep in captivity and of course have been kept by school children for decades. Indian (or laboratory) stick insects will feed readily on common food plants such as bramble or privet, which can be kept alive for around a week if inserted …
Fire bellied toads (Bombina bombina) are one of the best amphibians to keep in captivity. These toads are typically very attractively colored having a base color of brown or black with bright orange markings on the underside as the name suggests together with, in some specimens, fine green marbling on the back. As well as …
There are over 600 recognised species of tarantula though typically only a tiny percentage of these are seen regularly in the pet trade. This huge reservoir of tarantulas can be divided up in a wide variety of different ways based on habitat, size, colouration and more so an article discussing the different types of tarantula …
Sand boas have become incredibly popular pet snakes over the years, and it’s not difficult to see why. They’re beautiful snakes to look at with all their yellow and brown coloration, and a number of color morphs are available now, really extending the possible range. They’re typically quite easy to care for in captivity and …
A bright and beautiful addition to your aquarium, the flowerhorn cichlid is unique as it is a hybrid. Cichlids are not very particular about choosing their own kind as a prospective mate. This means different types of cichlids mate with other cichlids to give birth to interesting hybrids – for example the flowerhorn. The origin …
The Nassarius snail is an easily-maintained marine (saltwater) species. The care levels they require are minimal – not only will they source their own food on most occasions but they can also help to keep your tank clean by feasting on unsightly detritus. Nassarius snails will slowly comb through the bottom of your aquarium, scavenging …
If you ask many exotic pet keepers why they look after an assortment of strange and unusual animals many will simply say “because I love them!” and in my heart I know I feel a similar way. I want to surround myself with exotic pets just like other people love to watch the football or …
Leaf insects are beautiful and fascinating creatures which are almost as easy to care for as many of the popular stick insect species currently reared in captivity but with a number of added bonuses. Firstly they are truly impressive and fascinating creatures to observe because they really do truly resemble green leaves as adults. Secondly …