Section
Exotic
Explore expert articles on exotic pets with Vet Verified.
217 articles
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The Complete Guide to Keeping Panther Crabs
Panther Crabs, or Parathelphusa pantherina, are colourful freshwater crabs native to Lake Matano in Indonesia. They require specific tank conditions, with a recommended minimum tank size of 60 litres and a preference for a rock-heavy aquascape. These crabs thrive in warm, mineral-rich waters with stable temperatures between 26–30°C, and a pH of 7.5–8.5. Despite their fully aquatic nature, they need hiding spots to reduce stress. Panther Crabs are territorial and are best kept singly or as a monitored pair, with a species-only setup being the safest option. Their diet includes meaty foods and plant-based sources. Proper care involves regular water changes and stable conditions to support moulting. Lifespan ranges from 5 to 7 years, and they are suited for experienced aquarists familiar with specialised setups.
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A Complete Guide to Owning an African Giant Stick Mantis
The African Giant Stick Mantis is a popular mantis species known for its large size, calm nature, and ease of care. Perfect for beginners, it reaches 10–12 cm and requires a vertical enclosure with good ventilation. Maintain temperatures of 22–28°C and humidity of 50–60%. Feed a variety of insects like flies and crickets. It's affordable and legal to keep in the UK. Remember, these mantises are solitary and must be housed individually.
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A Complete Guide to Owning a Laos Forest Scorpion
The Laos Forest Scorpion is a large, calm scorpion native to Southeast Asia, known for its jet-black colour and relatively mild venom. It's suitable for beginner and intermediate keepers, making an impressive display animal when housed properly. The scorpion thrives in a humid, warm environment with moderate ventilation and should be kept alone. It feeds on crickets, roaches, and worms, with adults eating every 7–10 days. Handling is discouraged due to its strong pincers. Available for £20–£50, these scorpions are affordable to maintain and provide an interesting addition to any collection.
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A Complete Guide to Owning a Chilean Desert Scorpion
The Chilean Desert Scorpion is a hardy invertebrate suitable for beginners and intermediate keepers interested in desert arachnids. Native to Chile's arid regions, it requires a simple, well-ventilated enclosure with a dry, sandy substrate and minimal decoration. Maintain temperatures between 22–28°C and keep humidity below 40%. Feed them live prey weekly and provide a shallow water dish. Avoid handling to reduce stress and risks. They are legal to keep in the UK, recommended to purchase from reputable breeders. Costs are minimal, making them an economical option for enthusiasts.
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The Complete Guide to Keeping Red Claw Crabs
Red Claw Crabs, native to Southeast Asia, are popular semi-aquatic pets for aquarists. These small crabs, known for their red claws, require a balanced brackish habitat with both land and water areas. Key care tips include maintaining water salinity, proper humidity, and providing hiding spots to support moult cycles. They are territorial, so careful planning is needed for tank mates and social interaction. Typically, they live for 2–2.5 years and are suited for those experienced with semi-aquatic setups. With their vivid nature, Red Claw Crabs add character and colour to any paludarium.
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Paraguayan Rainbow Boa: The Iridescent Jewel of South America
The Paraguayan Rainbow Boa is a striking snake known for its shiny scales. It is native to parts of South America such as Paraguay and Brazil, thriving in various habitats like dry forests and savannahs. It is robust and does well in moderate humidity environments, making it a good choice for experienced snake keepers. This boa is typically around 120–150 cm long and has a muscular build. It needs a spacious and stable enclosure with proper heating, humidity, and hides. The snake feeds on mice or rats, requires regular but gentle handling, and can live up to 15–20 years. It is a livebearing species, producing litters of 10–25 young. Its calm nature and attractive appearance make it a popular choice for snake enthusiasts.
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Thinking of Getting an Old World Tarantula? Here’s Everything You Need to Know
Old World tarantulas are unique pets from Africa, Asia, Europe, and Australasia. They are fast, defensive, and lack urticating hairs, making them suitable for experienced keepers only. These tarantulas require different enclosures based on their habitat: arboreal, terrestrial, or fossorial. They need precise temperature and humidity levels. Feeding involves insects like crickets and roaches, but handling them is not advised due to their biting tendency. Legal ownership in the UK requires ethical sourcing of captive-bred specimens to avoid wild-caught imports. For experienced keepers, they offer a rewarding, albeit challenging, pet experience.
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Understanding the Difference Between Old World and New World Tarantulas
Learn about the differences between Old World and New World tarantulas to choose the best eight-legged pet. Old World tarantulas are from Africa, Asia, Europe, and parts of Australasia with defensive behaviours like speed and biting. They are often more aggressive and need careful handling. New World tarantulas from the Americas have urticating hairs for defence and tend to be more docile, making them suitable for beginners. Old World species are more challenging, ideal for experienced keepers seeking an exciting experience. Both types demand different care, with New Worlds being more forgiving of mistakes.
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Keeping African Bullfrogs: A Comprehensive Guide
Learn about caring for African Bullfrogs, also known as Pixie Frogs. These large amphibians need a spacious enclosure with moisture-retaining substrate and regular water changes. Keep the temperature between 24-28°C with high humidity. They require a diet rich in animal protein but should not be overfed to prevent obesity. African Bullfrogs are aggressive feeders and should not be handled frequently. Be aware of health issues like obesity and skin infections. Breeding them in captivity can be difficult. These frogs suit experienced keepers due to their size, dietary needs, and long lifespan.
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Madagascan Velvet Gecko: The Soft-Skinned Shadow of the Forest
The Madagascan velvet gecko is a nocturnal lizard found in Madagascar's dry forests and woodlands. Known for its velvety skin and calm nature, it makes a good display pet if cared for properly. These geckos need a warm, dry enclosure with good ventilation, hiding spots, and a suitable diet of live insects. They are best observed under dim lighting and are not suited for frequent handling. Caring for the Madagascan velvet gecko involves monitoring temperature, humidity, and providing UVB lighting to prevent health issues. They can live up to 15 years and, with proper care, will display interesting nocturnal behaviours.
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A Complete Guide to Owning an Asian Smokey Earth Tiger Tarantula
The Asian Smokey Earth Tiger tarantula is a striking, jet-black species from Southeast Asia, popular among experienced hobbyists in the UK. Known for its defensive behaviour and potent venom, it thrives in enclosures with deep burrowing space and adequate ventilation. Its diet includes crickets and roaches, with mealworms as occasional treats. High humidity and temperatures between 24–28°C are important. Handling is discouraged due to its defensive nature and fast movements. Legally, they can be kept with responsible care, ensuring captive-bred purchases. This species is a long-term commitment, suitable for advanced keepers seeking a challenging yet rewarding pet.
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Macklot’s Python: The Hardy and Underrated Island Serpent
Learn about the Macklot's python, also known as the Freckled python, a medium-sized snake native to Indonesia, East Timor, and parts of New Guinea. Known for its shiny scales and inquisitive nature, this snake is popular with reptile keepers for its resilience and intelligence. Living in various environments like grasslands and savannahs, Macklot's pythons are adaptable hunters. In captivity, they require proper housing, heating, and humidity. Their diet consists of rodents, and they need gentle handling. With good care, these snakes can live for 20-25 years, making them a rewarding choice for experienced snake lovers.
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