Coral Reef-Safe Fish Species for Saltwater Tanks

by Kate Barrington

Published: November 4th, 2016

coral reef safe fish species for saltwater tanks

Pairing the right fish with the right coral makes for a vibrant and healthy aquarium. Here’s what saltwater fish will enjoy your coral reef tank.

Saltwater fish, particularly reef-dwelling species, are some of the most colorful creatures on the planet. They come in every color of the rainbow ranging from brilliant blues and greens to vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. As beautiful as these fish are, however, not all saltwater fish are reef-compatible. Keep reading to learn more about reef-safe species of fish to use in your saltwater tank.

What Makes a Species Reef-Safe?

A reef environment is a living entity made up of live rock, corals, and marine invertebrates – it is an underwater ecosystem that needs a certain balance to survive. The truth of the matter is that some species of fish simply are not compatible with a reef environment for one reason or another. Some saltwater fish feed on marine invertebrates or smaller species of fish, for example, and others dig through the tank substrate which can disturb corals and other tank inhabitants.

A reef-safe species of fish is simply one that is deemed safe for use in a reef aquarium – this means that it is unlikely to eat small fish and marine invertebrates and that it will get along with other species of fish.

Top Recommended Species of Reef-Safe Fish

There are thousands of different species of saltwater fish, but many of them are not reef-safe. If you are thinking about adding fish to your reef tank, consider one of these top recommended species of reef-safe fish:

Gobies: The name goby applies to fish belonging to the family Gobiidae and there are more than 2,000 different species. Gobies usually grow to no more than 4 inches in length and they are bottom-dwellers, typically feeding on algae and small shrimp.

Related: Open Your Tank to Clams

Anthias: Many of the orange, yellow, and pink fishes that live in reef environments are anthias – fish that belong to the subfamily Anthiinae. Anthias usually remain fairly small and they feed largely on zooplankton which means that they aren’t a threat to invertebrates and other fish.

Wrasses: While some wrasses are notorious for killing invertebrate and other fish, many of the smaller species are considered reef-safe. Cleaner wrasses, for example, feed on dead tissue and parasites. Other reef-safe wrasses include the exquisite fairy wrasse, the leopard wrasse, and the Christmas wrasse.

Blennies: There are six families of blennies grouped into the Blennioidei suborder. These fish are usually fairly small with long, eel-like bodies and large eyes and mouths. Blennies burrow into sandy substrate, feeding on small crustaceans – they are not a threat to larger invertebrates.

Tangs: These fish belong to the family Acanthuridae which they share with unicorn fishes and surgeon fishes. There are nearly 100 species in this family that have been identified and tangs are among the most colorful of these species. Some tangs can grow very large but they have small mouths that they usually use to feed on algae.

These are just a few of the many reef-safe species out there – if none of these appeals to you, do some research of your own to find some better options. Just make sure that your reef tank is fully cycled and stable before you add any fish.

Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

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Coral Reefing: Choosing Soft or Hard Coral

When it comes to making a choice between soft or hard, it’s not just a question for tacos. If you’re into coal reefing, are you going to go with soft or hard coral? Saltwater enthusiasts have varied opinions of whether soft corals of hard corals are the best. Each type of coral presents its own challenges, but they can both be an enjoyable way to bring life to your saltwater aquarium. What’s the Difference? First, to understand the difference between soft and hard corals, we have to go deeper than just whether they are soft or hard. Related: Coral Reef-Safe Fish Species for Saltwater Tanks Hard coral has a calcium-based exoskeleton, as well as six smooth tentacles. At one time, coral was believed to be more similar to plants than they are animals, but scientists have proven that corals are actually animals. Hard corals are exceptionally difficult to care for in an aquarium, as they require intense lighting amounting to 5 to 6 watts per gallon. Hard corals also need to have ample calcium and minerals available to help them to grow and thrive. They sport a branch-like appearance, and when they die, their exoskeletons become the start of a new home for the next coral. Keep in mind that they are capable of administering a lethal stink to corals that are too close to their own territory, so always position them approximately 8 inches away from each other. Soft corals do not have a hard exoskeleton; instead they contain particles called “spiracles” that help to hold up their bodies. Soft corals have eight tentacles as opposed to the six that hard corals have. They are less complicated to care for, as far as lighting and water quality, and they will grow fine without complication even in less than pristine waters. Related: Top 5 Low Light Corals for a Beginner Reef Tank Appearance wise, soft corals are more like a mushroom, and have more variance in their shapes and sizes than that of hard. Soft corals use toxins as a defense mechanism, and so running carbon in your tank is important to remove this from the waters. There are pros and cons to each type of coral, and like just about anything else, there is no clear cut reason to have one or the other. Both types can add amazing visual aspects to an aquarium, and even more so if a reef contains both hard and soft corals together to create an amazing visual ecosystem. Each type of coral, regardless of whether it is hard or soft, has specific care requirements just like fish. They have food preferences, lighting preferences, and even fish preferences. It is important for any reef keeper to remember that corals are animals, and just like any other pet research must be done to offer them the very best care possible. This may be even more important to corals considering the current state of the world’s natural reef systems. Caring for corals in a tank could mean the difference between extinction and existence – so keep on reefing, just always remember to do so responsibly!

Radiant Reef: A Rainbow of Hard Coral

Available in all the colors of the rainbow, hard corals can turn your tank into a brilliant spectrum of wonder. A colorful coral reef aquarium is like a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. It’s a delight to look at and a pleasure to care for. If you want to create a rainbow of hard coral in your aquarium, here are some hues and varieties to look into. RED: Red Montipora The Red Montipora is a SPS – a small polyp stony hard coral that is mid-range as far as difficulty. It likes mild water flow and is a peaceful, and it needs moderate levels of lighting to grow. The Montipora is broad, sporting a semi-leaf shape that’s similar to a fungus on a tree. Related: Top 5 Low Light Corals for a Beginner Reef Tank ORANGE: Orange Tube Coral The Orange Tube Coral is exactly what its name suggest:an orange coral that has a cluster of tubular appendages. Orange Tube Coral is a LPS – large polyp stony coral. It is a moderately hard coral to care for, requiring low lighting and medium- to high-water movement. Because it does not have a symbiotic relationship with algae, like most corals do, it needs to be fed through an eye dropper into each one of the polyps. YELLOW: Yellow Fiji Leather Coral The Yellow Fiji Leather Coral is a peaceful hard coral that has crinkly or wavy branches with nodes on them. It is a peaceful coral, requiring medium- to high-water flow, and mid-range lighting. It can be placed anywhere within the tank. This type of coral uses photosynthesis to feed, but also benefits from filter feeding of brine shrimp. Related: Coral Reef-Safe Fish Species for Saltwater Tanks GREEN: Green Trumpet Coral The Green Trumpet Coral is a large polyp stony coral that is bright neon green and resembles the bell of a trumpet. It is a peaceful hard coral that requires moderate care levels. It thrives in midrange lighting and water flow conditions, and thrives in the lower portion of the aquarium. Green Trumpet Coral will benefit from supplemental feeding of baby brine shrimp, plankton and other meaty foods. BLUE: Blue Hammer Coral The Blue Hammer Coral is an aggressive large polyp stony coral that has numerous appendages with the ends appearing like the head of a hammer. The blue hammer coral has a sweeper tentacle that will sting anything invading its territory so care should be taken not to place it where other corals may be harmed. It prefers to be in the bottom portion of a reef, and likes moderate water flow and mid-range lighting. INDIGO/VIOLET: Purple Stylophora Purple Stylophoroa is commonly called cat’s paw, among other names. It is a peaceful small polyp stony coral that needs moderate- to high-lighting and strong water flow. It is pinkish/purplish in color and has small appendages that are club like. To bring out the best colors, high light is recommended. Purple Stylophoroa does not need supplemental feedings, but will filter feed if the opportunity is presented.

Saltwater Shopping List For Beginners

Starting up in the saltwater tank hobby is a lot simpler when you have a must-have list of items. Use this list as a start point for your new saltwater aquarium. You’ve been thinking of starting a saltwater tank, but you have no experience. The logical place to begin your adventure is accumulating supplies. Depending on your budget, this may need to be spread out over a length of time, or if you’ve been saving, you could purchase it all at once. In any case, saltwater requires more equipment than the average freshwater aquarium. This article can be used as a starting point to your journey. This is not an all-inclusive list, by any means, but it lists the essential items required. First thing you need a tank. In the world of saltwater, larger tanks are actually easier to maintain than smaller “nano” tanks, due to regulating salinity and other levels of the tank. In a smaller aquarium, these levels are more likely to spiral out of control. For a beginner, a tank of 75 gallons or more would be recommended. While 55 gallon tanks could be used, a 75 gallon tank offers more depth – when you’re adding rocks and sand you’ll want the larger space to work in.Next, you’ll need to decide what your plans are for stocking in the tank -will it be a reef or a fish only tank? This decision will directly impact the next steps, so do your research and make the best decision for you. Related: Choosing Soft or Hard Coral If you’re going with corals, you’ll need to choose a light that’s appropriate for them. Just like plants in freshwater, there are low light and high light corals. This is yet another variable in the mix that will affect your decision. There is a lot more to lighting than we can touch on in this article, but once you’ve decided which corals you’ll be keeping, you can then delve further into the topic to see how much and what kind of light best suits your situation.Protein skimmers are another variable – they are designed to remove particles and waste from the water system, but saltwater keepers argue their necessity. It depends on your preferences, and whether or not you think that they are required for the system to be healthy and clean. Do your research and come to your own educated decision on this matter. Related: Coral Reef-Safe Fish Species for Saltwater Tanks The last item in our basic list of needs for a new saltwater aquarium is filtration. This is another area where there are a few options available, so additional research will be required. One of the options for filtration is a refugium, which essentially is an additional tank to the main tank that shares a water supply but contains other life that either would not survive in the main tank, or that the keeper wants to keep hidden. This can consist of nitrifying bacteria, other corals, fish, and inverts. It all depends on how simple or complicated the keeper wants to be with it. Another option is a sump, which is the same idea to a refugium, but contains no life. It is just an additional supply of water to be shared by the main tank. For example if you have a 75 gallon display tank, and a 55 gallon sump, you then have 130 gallons of water in your system. This just keeps the water cleaner by adding more capacity and uses less space.Once all of these bigger items have been decided upon, there is a slew of smaller items that need to be purchased. A few include a hydrometer to measure the salinity of the water, nets, food, cleaning supplies, and the fish and corals to stock the aquarium. Even the experienced aquarist will forget some of these items when starting a new tank, and it seems there is always another item to be purchased. As stated earlier, this is a basic list of items to gather when starting a saltwater aquarium. It is by no means a complete list, as there is so much to consider. Ample research and education should be done before beginning a tank so that you make the best decisions for your tank and your situation.

Colorful Tips for Starting a Nano Reef Tank

Amazing things come in smaller packages. If you live in a smaller space and you’re a coral enthusiast, set up a nano reef tank. There is nothing more beautiful than a fully stocked reef tank loaded with corals, live rock, and colorful saltwater fish. But reef aquariums can take up a lot of space and they require a significant amount of upkeep. If you like the idea of a reef tank but don’t have a limitless budget or unlimited time to dedicate to its upkeep, you may want to consider a nano reef tank. What is a Nano Reef Tank? The name “nano reef tank” is probably enough to help you form an idea of what this kind of tank is. A nano tank is simply a reef tank in miniature, generally 30 gallons or less. The size of the tank is what earns it the “nano” nickname but, in all other aspects, it is a typical reef tank with corals, marine invertebrates, and even small fish. Related: Coral Reef-Safe Fish Species for Saltwater Tanks But setting up and maintaining a nano reef tank is not quite the same as working with a standard reef tank. Many aquarium hobbyists mistakenly assume that small tanks are easier to maintain than larger tanks. While it may take less time and money to set up a nano reef tank compared to a standard reef tank, both still require a significant amount of maintenance to keep the conditions in the tank stable. Tank parameters can fluctuate quickly and dangerously in a small tank. Start-Up Tips for a Nano Reef Tank If you already have experience with reef tanks, you may be able to design and set up your nano reef tank from scratch. For those who have never worked with a reef tank (or any other kind of saltwater tank), however, you may want to think about purchasing a nano reef tank kit. Related: Top 5 Low Light Corals for a Beginner Reef Tank These kits come with the tank itself as well as the equipment you need such as a filtration system and a lighting system. Maintaining high water quality and stable water parameters is essential for a healthy nano reef tank, so do not take the task of setting up your tank lightly. You should plan to test your tank water at least once a week to make sure the conditions are ideal. In addition to setting up and equipping your nano reef tank, you also need to think about your tank inhabitants. A nano reef tank can accommodate small polyp corals and soft corals as well as small mushroom corals. You may also want to include some live rock for decoration and live sand for your tank substrate. If you want to include fish in your nano reef tank you should wait to add them until the conditions in your tank have stabilized and you should choose fish that grow to no more than 2 or 3 inches in length. Gobies, blennies, and fire fish are good choices for a nano reef tank. If you plan to include invertebrates in your tank, make sure they will not cause problems with your fish and vice versa. Setting up and maintaining a nano reef tank is a challenge, but it can also be rewarding. Achieving success in cultivating a thriving miniature reef environment is quite an accomplishment – one that any aquarium hobbyist would be proud to show off.

Top 5 Low Light Corals for a Beginner Reef Tank

You want to start a coral reef tank, but you’re not sure where to start. Here are five types of coral that are great for beginners. If you want to achieve a beautiful, natural look in your reef tank then you should consider adding some corals. There are many different types of corals to choose from, but some of them are very difficult to keep in the home aquarium – especially if you are a reef tank beginner. Keep reading to learn about the various types of coral that are easy for beginners and to learn about the top 5 low light coral species that are easy for beginner reef tank aquarists to work with. What Types of Corals are Best for Beginners? Like most invertebrates, corals can be very sensitive to changes in water parameters such as water temperature, pH level, and salinity. If the conditions in your tank fluctuate even a little bit, it could kill off all your reef tank inhabitants – this is why it is important for reef tank beginners to choose their tank inhabitants carefully, to give yourself a small margin for error. Related: Coral Reef-Safe Fish Species for Saltwater Tanks When it comes to corals, certain types are hardier than others and some corals are less demanding in terms of their requirements for lighting, filtration, and nutrients. Soft corals, for example, are fairly easy to care for because they have low light requirements and they will feed on any free-floating food in your tank water. Star polyps are another type of coral that is fairly easy to keep because they are adaptable to various levels of light. Some other corals that are good for beginners include zooanthids, mushroom corals, tree corals, and leather corals. Related: Open Your Tank to Clams Top 5 Recommended Coral for Beginners Now that you have a better understanding of which types of corals are easier to maintain, here are some specific species you should consider if you are a beginner reef tank hobbyist: Hammer Corals: These corals grow uniquely shaped tentacles that look like hammers or anchors – hence the name hammer coral. Hammer corals grow in either branching or wall formations and they come in many colors ranging from yellow to brown to green. These corals are easy to maintain but they may sting other corals.Mushroom Corals: Mushroom corals exhibit a wide variety of colors or textures which makes them a unique addition to the reef tank. These corals prefer low to moderate water flow and they do well in low lighting. In fact, they prefer to be in a shady area.Button Polyps: These are one of the easiest species of coral to care for because they require no supplemental feeding and they do well in low-light conditions. Button polyps range in color from brown to green and they are generally peaceful with other corals.Sun Coral: This type of coral has a bright orange color and a spherical shape which is where they get their name. Sun corals are hardy and adaptable to various levels of light, though they can be a little tricky to feed at times.Leather Corals: These corals are low-maintenance so they do not require high levels of lighting – they also tend to grow quickly. Some types of leather coral can grow large so they may not be right for a nano reef tank, but they usually don’t bother other corals. There are hundreds more species of coral out there, many of which require relatively low lighting. But these five are a safe bet for beginners, and they’ll provide a building block for your beautiful coral reef tank.

Felix Cat Insurance Will Pay Your Engagement Ring – On One Condition

If you're ready to tie the knot, you should know that there’s a way to make this special occasion even more memorable – by including your furball in the proposal. Not only is it an adorable way to ask for someone’s hand in  marriage, but thanks to Felix Cat Insurance, it can also be a way to get a gorgeous ring for free! This company is launching “A Purr-fect Proposal” campaign, aiming to help one couple of cat lovers celebrate that special moment in their lives. The aim of the campaign is to cover the costs of an engagement ring and the only requirement is to include your cat in the proposal!December is truly a magical month, so it doesn’t surprise that it’s also the most popular month to get engaged – which is why Felix Cat Insurance chose this month to bring their plan to fruition. The contest is open until December 19th, and the company will choose one lucky winner whose kitty-centered proposal plan sounds the best three days after that, on December 22nd. The winner will be gifted $4,750 or have the cost of an engagement ring covered. Not only that, but they will also receive a package of cat treats, festive toys, and even elegant cat clothes for their furry helper – to wear on the special occasion, of course. "Our felines are family members and just like your closest friends and family, we want to include them in celebrating meaningful moments like this," said Jamie Maxfield, Marketing Director and Brand Expert at Felix Cat Insurance. "Planning for the future can also bring challenges, which is why we're spreading holiday cheer by easing the expense of this life milestone as you, your partner, and your furry friend embark on your new life together. Not only is Felix here to ease the expense of this core life event, but we can also be there every step of the way afterwards."Here are the contest details as laid out by the company:Prize:$4,750 to put toward an engagement ring. A curated kit of treats and surprises so your furry friend can join in on the celebration. Dates: The contest opens on November 28th, 2023 at 12:01 a.m. EST and ends at 11:59 p.m. EST on December 19, 2023. The winner will be selected on December 22, 2023. Eligibility & Rules: You must live in the United States.You must be 18+ in age. The proposal must take place within the month of December. This contest is not available in Washington or Puerto Rico. For more information on the "Purr-fect Proposal" contest, including terms and conditions, visit  FelixPurrfectProposal.com. Good luck – and congrats on the engagement to be!

How Much Sleep Do Dogs Need?

Sleep allows all big and little creatures to rest, regenerate, grow, and gain strength for further milestones in life. Dogs, too, need to have enough  sleep to thrive – both during the day and through the night. But some doggos love to snooze more and others, and then there are those who won’t sleep that much at all. So what is the bottom line? How much sleep do dogs need exactly? While there can’t be a general, straightforward answer (after all, not all dogs are identical), there are some general rules and guidelines to follow. How Much Sleep Do Dogs Need Daily?The amount of sleep a dog needs can vary depending on factors such as their age, breed, and activity level. Generally, dogs sleep a significant portion of the day, and their sleep patterns can be quite different from humans. Here's a rough guideline for how much sleep dogs typically need on a daily basis – based on their age, lifestyle, and so on.Puppies, naturally, need a lot of sleep, usually around 18 to 20 hours a day. They have bursts of energy and playfulness, which are followed by periods of deep sleep. Puppies are still growing, and sleep is essential for their development.Adult dogs, on the other hand, are not such sleepy heads. Still, they will sleep more often than not. Most adult dogs sleep around 12 to 14 hours a day, although this can vary. Larger breeds tend to sleep more than smaller breeds. Active and working dogs, such as herding or hunting breeds, may require more sleep to recover from their daily activities. There are also seniors, who get tired more quickly and need plenty of rest during the daytime. Older dogs may sleep more than younger adults, often in the range of 14 to 16 hours a day. Senior dogs tend to be less active and love to snooze whenever there’s a chance. It's important to note that individual dogs can have different sleep needs. Some dogs may sleep more or less than the average, and this can be influenced by their overall health and well-being. It's also influenced by their daily routine, exercise, and mental stimulation. Then again, some doggos are straight-out lazy – they love to snooze, hate to jump around and exercise, and snore as much as they want! This is not something you should worry about unless it comes about suddenly. That’s just how some dogs are. 

AI Could Match You with a New Furry Friend Based on Personality

In a cutting-edge study, scientists specializing in canine behavior have used artificial intelligence to predict dog personality types. A multi-disciplinary research team has developed an AI algorithm that simplifies the painstaking process of evaluating canine personalities.Understanding a dog’s temperament is key not only for pet owners but also for training agencies and professionals working with working dogs. The study, which introduces a brand-new method of predicting and categorizing dog personalities, is published in the eminent journal Scientific Reports. The team that developed the algorithm hopes that it will more quickly and accurately evaluate which dogs are better suited for long-term careers, such as assisting people with disabilities and helping law enforcement. This new approach to predicting dog personalities could also be used to match owners with a new furry best friend. The new AI algorithm can help shelters place dogs in the right homes, thus reducing the number of dogs returned for not being the right fit for their adoptive families.Before this algorithm, canine behavioral experts used questionnaires and statistical analysis to determine a dog’s personality.  The AI algorithm uses data from almost 8,000 responses to the commonly used Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ). The C-BARQ questionnaire has been the top resource for evaluating working dogs in the past two decades. “C-BARQ is highly effective, but many of its questions are also subjective,” said James Serpell, a professor of ethics and animal welfare emeritus at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. “By clustering data from thousands of surveys, we can adjust for outlying responses inherent to subjective survey questions in categories such as dog rivalry and stranger-related fear.”The team’s new AI algorithm gathers the responses to C-BARQ questions into five main categories that essentially form the digital personality of a dog. The results showed five distinctive personality types among domestic dogs, including excitable/attached, anxious/fearful, reactive/assertive, aloof/predatory, and calm/agreeable.The study was conducted over two years by a multi-disciplinary research team consisting of Dr Mohammad Amirhosseini of the University of East London and Professor James Serpell of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. The research was sponsored by Dogvatar, a Miami, Florida-based canine technology startup.“This innovative AI-based methodology holds promise for revolutionizing the selection and training of dogs for specific roles, both for working and non-working,” said Dr Amirhosseini. Almost 50 percent of people who surrender their dogs to animal shelters in the USA say that behavioral problems are a contributing factor, and nearly a quarter say that those problems are the main reason for giving up their dog. More research is needed to understand the nuances of canine personalities. However, researchers hope to promote strong bonds between people and their dogs by designing effective training programs and customized dog-owner interactions. According to researchers, these findings could serve as a foundation to explore personality matching between dogs and their owners and how that might improve the quality of their relationship.Dogvatar and the research team plan to conduct further research into potential uses for their dog personality testing algorithm.“This has been a really exciting breakthrough for us,” said Dogvatar CEO Piya Pettigrew. “This algorithm could greatly improve efficiency in working dog training and placement process and could help reduce the number of companion dogs brought back to shelters for not being compatible. It’s a win for both dogs and the people they serve.” Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Yes, Cats Really Do Love a Game of Fetch... on Their Terms

No training needed when instincts kick in and your feline friend steps up to the plate.

Is a Cat Tree Necessary for My Cat?

When you first bring home a new cat, it’s an exciting time – especially if you’re a first-time cat parent. However, amidst the excitement, there are many questions that may be holding you back from fully embracing the joy. Are you prepared to meet all your cat’s needs? Are there “must-have” items you have overlooked? The struggle is real! We have good news… Many of the items that are deemed “necessary” are actually optional. One such item is the traditional cat tree or cat scratcher. Do they offer benefits? Yes! Can they help to improve your cat’s mental and physical health? Yes! But is a cat tree necessary for your cat? No, it’s not. There are other ways you can meet your cat’s needs if your budget or space doesn’t allow for a large piece of cat furniture. Let’s dig into the truth about cat trees and your cat. What is the Point of Cat Trees? If you’re currently standing in your local pet store, looking over the wide assortment of cat furniture available, you may wonder – what exactly is the purpose of cat furniture? Is it just a fancy bed solution for your cat, or are there other considerations when these products are developed? It’s an honest question I often hear from first-time cat parents. After all, these large, elaborate structures often come with a hefty price tag. If they do nothing more than provide a place to sleep, wouldn’t a simple cat bed suffice? Cat furniture is designed to meet many of your cat’s instincts, including their need to scratch, hide, climb, and oversee their surroundings. Each type of cat furniture has its benefits to consider.

A Dog is Adopted After 7 Years in Shelter After An Emotional Discovery

One pet shelter in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, has been the home of a darling rescue dog named Ella for 7 long years. But the long wait for a happy ending is finally over – as Ella was recently adopted, and under very special circumstances at that. The staff at  Bloomsburg Animal Resource Center have titled this “an extremely special adoption”, and advised readers that “they might want to grab a tissue real quick for this one”.Ella had been at the shelter for the last seven years, making her the center’s longest resident. But recently, things took a turn for the better, when Ella was spotted by Kaitlyn, a resident who quickly fell in love with the rescue pooch. When coming to the center, Kaitlyn said that her long-time furry friend, Jo, recently passed away, and now she was ready to meet a new dog.And as soon as the two met, the match was made. It was obvious that they were meant for each other. Ella quickly made everyone know that Kaitlyn was her “human”. Usually, it wasn’t so. Ella was a victim of abuse and had a long history of fear and aggression. It would take several visits for her to get relaxed around strangers. But with Kaitlyn, this was not the case. The bond was near-instant. “She immediately walked over to Kaitlyn with no hesitation, allowing her to give Ella scratches and pets right away,” the staff of the adoption center said.At the end of the adoption meeting, when Kaitlyn was about to leave, she suddenly noticed something that made her overwhelmingly emotional. What she spotted was the bandana that Ella was wearing around her neck. Her eyes welling with tears, Kaitlyn said to the staff that it was the exact bandana that belonged to her recently passed away dog, Jo. She said that after the passing, she donated all the bandanas to the center. “This bandana that Ella is wearing, it’s Jo’s. I donated them all here when he passed,” Kaitlyn said, quickly showing a picture of Jo wearing it. The symbolism and the connection were incredible. It was a sign that the two were meant to be together. When they realized what happened, the staff was moved to tears: “Out of the 20 dogs in our shelter right now, this bandana. This specific bandana. Jo’s bandana. It was on Ella.”Later, Kaitlyn said that the bandana is a sign: “I like to think of it as Jo’s stamp of approval.”And so it was, that after 7 long years of waiting, the kind and gentle Ella found her new forever home, and a human friend who would treat her right.“Every morning, Ella used to pop up off her bed and greet you at the door of her kennel right away,” the staff at the Animal Resource Center said. “We’ll miss that tomorrow, it’ll be such a bittersweet moment realizing that as we pause to reflect on a few of our favorites times with Ella — but my goodness the amount of pure happiness we will feel every day knowing Ella finally got what she deserved: ELLA GOT ADOPTED.”

Never Scoop Again With Litter-Robot, The Purrfect Gift For Cat Lovers

Cats like a clean litter box just as much as cat owners do, but scooping clumps can be a hassle. Whisker’s Litter-Robot, the highest-rated, self-cleaning litter box for cats, eliminates the need to scoop the litter box. The newest model, Litter-Robot 4, provides a clean bed of litter for your cats after every use. It features patented sifting technology that sifts out waste after every use and deposits it into a tightly-sealed waste drawer, helping to keep odor under control. For Black Friday, you can scoop one up for less, with $75 off bundles with the Purrfect Litter-Robot accessories you will want.What Sets the Litter-Robot Apart? Litter-Robot 4 features an advanced, patented, sifting technology with QuietSift™ for nearly-silent sifting. That’s right, you don’t have to scoop and you don’t hear the litter being sifted. What could be better?

Why Does My Dog Paw or "Dig" His Food Bowl?

Sometimes, dogs can behave straight out quirky. The range of their weird behaviors varies from chasing their tail and scooting on their but, to “pawing” or “digging” food, which sort of looks like they’re burying their kibble but they’re not really doing anything. Have you ever seen your pooch trying to fake bury his food by pawing at it? Don’t worry, the behavior might look odd at the very least, but it’s not a reason for concern. Here’s what dogs that dig, bury, or paw their food are trying to tell you with this behavior.Why Does My Dog Paw or "Dig" His Food Bowl?Dogs may exhibit pawing or digging behavior around their food bowl for various reasons, and the interpretation can depend on the individual dog. By closely observing your dog's specific actions and considering these factors, you may gain a better understanding of why they engage in pawing behavior. Keep in mind that individual differences among dogs can lead to variations in behavior, and what holds true for one dog may not necessarily apply to another. Still, there are some common explanations that hold true for most situations when “pawing” is in question.Too Much Food Served:In the wild, dogs might use their paws to cover or bury their food to protect it from other animals or to save it for later. This behavior could be a residual instinct from their ancestors – if they eat a bit and then paw at their bowl before leaving the meal, it means that they are trying to stash the surplus away for later. Try downsizing their portions to see if the behavior goes away. Scent Marking: Dogs have scent glands in their paws, and pawing at the food bowl might be a way for them to mark the area with their scent. This could be a territorial behavior and might be seen in households where there are several dogs present. Excitement or Anticipation: Dogs might get excited about mealtime, and pawing at the bowl could be a way of expressing anticipation or eagerness for their food. This is especially true if they are eagerly pawing the ground even before the food has been served. These dogs can often be voracious eaters as well, so to prevent them from snarfing up their food in seconds, try utilizing a  slow feeder for dogs to promote a more appropriate pace of eating and prevent bloat and other digestive issues due to lack of chewing and fast eating.

World’s Largest Cruise Ship Welcomes a Super Cute Dog as a Resident

“Icon of the Seas” might have been known as the largest cruise ship until this year, but now, everybody will know it as the ship with a permanent doggy resident – Rover, a cute Lab with (apparently) four sea legs!Ever since coming on board, Rover has been the focus of social media posts by the cruise ship’s crew members. Based on the posts, the adorable pooch boarded the ship while it was stationed in Ponce, Puerto Rico, just as it was about to finish its journey in Miami, Florida. And soon enough, Rover, who is a young  Labrador Retriever, became the ship’s very own mascot and likely everybody’s favorite resident.After all, Rover was so friendly and loveable that it took only one day for the crew to decide that he would become the permanent resident of the vessel – that takes some serious charm, ya know?“Meet Rover,” one Instagram post said, “the Resident Mascot of the Icon. He just came on board today. He’s a friendly Labrador who’s going to be the permanent resident of the World’s Largest Cruise Ship, Icon of the Seas.”The crew all quickly gathered around to ensure that Rover would be given the best possible care in his new role of “Chief Dog Officer”. Allison, one of the crew members is originally from Australia and has been a member of the crew for five years. She ensures that Rover receives plenty of treats and a ton of love. "As a crew member on Icon, Rover's job is to bring joy to her fellow crew and guests onboard. All the while, she gets to explore the Caribbean shores and beautiful ports," she said. Even though Rover had been on the ship for just a short time, he did not fail to capture everyone’s heart. He enjoyed walks on the “lido” deck and even visited the Captain in The Bridge - a privilege reserved only for the select few. And, in no time, many other crew members chimed in on social media welcoming the doggo onboard. "We are absolutely thrilled to introduce our newest team member, Rover, who has joined us as a permanent resident aboard the magnificent Icon of the Seas," said  @godwin_fernandes2000.So much so, that even Royal Caribbean, the company behind the Icon of the Seas, posted about Rover on their own official account! Now, Rover found his new forever home – in the unlikeliest of all places: a cruise ship. And if you want to follow the adventures of this sea-faring puppy, be sure to check out his Instagram account  @chiefdogrover where they’ll be documented!

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Should I Bathe My Dog During Winter?

Should your pet forego bubbly baths when the temperatures drop or should you bathe your pooch regularly all year long? There’s no universal answer to this question as situations can be wildly different from one pet or the other – how harsh is the climate you live in, would you bathe your pooch in a well-heated bathroom or not, how thick is their coat, and so on. All of these factors will influence the answer you’re given! To find out what’s the verdict for your own pooch when it comes to winter bathing, read on.Should I Bathe My Dog During Winter?The fact that it’s cold outside doesn’t have to mean your four-legged bestie has to smell funky for weeks on end – at least not in most cases. You can bathe your dog in the winter as long as you follow some ground rules that are meant to ensure your dog's well-being. Here’s what you need to know:#1 Don’t Do It Too OftenDogs don't need bathing as frequently as we do (duh), so if your dog isn't visibly dirty or smelly, you should be able to extend the time between baths to a couple of weeks. Overbathing can strip essential oils from your dog's skin, which can lead to dryness and irritation, so too much bathing isn’t good either. You can probably get through the winter with just one or two baths.#2 Keep The Water ToastyEnsure that the water you use for the bath is warm, not hot. Hot water can dry out your dog’s skin, so don’t be tempted to overly increase the water temperature just because the weather is cold outside. Of course, you should also make sure the bathing area is warm, and have towels ready to dry your dog quickly.#3 Fast Drying Is Key 

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Do You Need to Clean A Cat's Teeth?

Cats are known and adored for their free spirit, their stubborn nature, their agility, and their cute and cuddly side as well. They are skilled hunters, and as such they have sharp and perfected teeth. But while a cat roaming the outdoors would gnaw and eat prey she previously caught when you have a pet cat, those same teeth are used to eat a very different kind of food. Naturally, this can have a big impact on your cat’s dental health, as the same principles that were true in nature are not applicable for indoor-only cats anymore – which brings up an important question: do you need to clean a cat’s teeth? How important is this for their hygiene? And most importantly, how do you do it? Let’s take a closer look at this question.Do You Need to Clean A Cat's Teeth?Just like for us humans, dental care is important for kitties too. Of course, human and feline teeth are totally different, so dental hygiene is not exactly the same for both. Cat teeth are not brushed as often as our own, but nevertheless, you should provide some level of dental hygiene to your four-legged friend, as it can be a great benefit for their health. Neglect their little chompers for a long time, and their teeth could deteriorate over the years. This can lead to great discomfort, pain, loss of appetite, and from there – many other problems as well. So, in short, keeping your cat’s teeth clean and maintained is an essential aspect of caring for them. Of course, regular vet checkups will give you a good insight into their dental health and will allow you to spot problems early on and tackle them more easily. But it also goes a long way to know the tips and tricks that help maintain a cat’s dental hygiene. Here are just a few:Regular Brushing

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