The Baltimore Aquarium

The Baltimore Aquarium

There are many different animals that inhabit the Baltimore Aquarium- and not just fish. It houses birds, reptiles, anphibians, and mammals. The most recent exhibit is the Australian exhibit, which includes an archerfish, a laughing kookoobura, and a death adder. One of the more strange things that the aquarium houses is a two headed snake, and a snake with the body of a turtle. It houses also one of the largest octopuses in the world- the Giant Pacific Octopus.

The most popular types of animals at the zoo are the sharks, the puffins, and of course, the octopus. The aquarium, which sits at the edge of the bay, is always packed with schoolchildren and adults alike. The aquarium makes a fine killing with its membership as well- which can cost over 100$ per person (and by the way, they sell).

A must see animal is the chamberhead nautilus, which dates back to pre-historic times. It is nicknamed a "headfoot" along with some of its cousins because what looks like a head is actually a foot. It is like the octopus in the fact that it is very curious and prefers some foods over others.

A newly hatched nautilus is about the size of a quarter, and grows to about 8 inches in length.

Both the octopus and the nautilus are in need of some toys as well! Visitors are encouraged to bring in basketballs and old toys for the animals.

The dolphin show is also popular. It has a sort of medival times appeal- even though the show doesnt change that often, visitors come back time and time again. The dolphins enjoy one of the largest tanks in the aquarium. The other 2 large tanks belong to the sharks and the stingrays.

Goldfish- but the ones you don't eat

The Goldfish snack may be popular, but the living and breathing ones enjoy celebrity status as well.  Carassius Aratus, The Domestic Goldfish, is a pet that is popular from continent to continent- Asia to America.  This is mostly because out of all of the pets you can have, the goldfish costs the least, takes up the least amount of space, and needs minimal care.

Most goldfish live up to 7 years, but some have been rumoured to live up to 20.

The oldest living goldfish, Tish, lived for 43 years.

The goldfish's domestication started during the Tang Dynasty, when it was customary to keep goldfish in ponds outside of ones home. At one point, it was forbidden to own a yellow goldfish, because it was the royal family color!

Besides the various colors, goldfish have many different breeds. The Japanese Goldfish and the Fancy Goldfish are just two of the many variates that have been bred and domesticated. A rare type of Goldfish is the Oranda Goldfish, which has an egg-shaped body.  One of the most interesting types is the Pompom fish, which looks like it is carrying two small pompoms in its mouth.

Contrary to popular belief, not all goldfish behave the same-different goldfish behave differently, even with a short term memory.  Just like a hyper or a calm dog, there are several types of fish that will swim all day, and others that will barely swim fast at all.

Some people have been able to teach their goldfish tricks.  Because they have a selective memory, some fish remember certain things. This is why fish get excited around feeding time. Some tricks include putting a ball in a net and following hand signals.

Goldfish don't have to eat the normal flakes- this actually dirties the tank, and is not suggested if you don't clean the tank regularly.  Instead, you can feed your goldfish earthworms, romaine lettuce, or even cooked peas.

Sing a Song for Goldfish

You've seen them everywhere- "The Snack that Smiles Back", a tiny goldfish with a smile that comes in almost all sizes and flavors.   The classic goldfish, the Cheddar Goldfish, is usually a tiny cracker about an inch long and has about 140 calories per serving.  The cracker also has vitamin a and c, and also is a source of calcium.  

Campbell Soup, which owns the Pepprigde farm goldfish, has catered to the health craze as well- the goldfish can now be found in easy 100 calorie pouches, perfect for dieting and snacking. One of the newest goldfish is made with a healthier whole grain.  This supports the Peppridge Farm title of being one of the first companies to support the total elimination of trans fats.

 The company has also taken lengths to create a happy and healthy goldfish image- the commercials take place under a child's bed, where Fin (the main Cheddar goldfish) goes on innocent adventures with his friends.  The same animators of Wallace and Gromit will be animating most of these commercials.

"The Goldfish brand is uniquely positioned to communicate positive messages to children," said Steve White, who spoke on behalf of goldfish.  As well as it should- children are the main consumers of goldfish snacks. 

It comes in more than 10 flavors, and some consistent ones are: original, cheddar, parmesan, pretzel, pizza, and whole grain.  The more exciting goldfish flavors, such as Xtra Chedda, Xplosive Pizza,  and Jalapeno cheese are available in selective goldfish locations.  

But the most popular goldfish flavor remains the classic goldfish, the same one that has been around much longer than the others. 

The goldfish brand doesn't seem like its going anywhere anytime soon, either.