Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora (Lemoine) N.E.Br.

🌺 Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora (Lemoine) N.E.Br.

Family: Iridaceae

Common Names: Montbretia, Coppertips, Falling Stars

Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora is a vibrant flowering plant that brings a splash of fiery color to summer gardens. Developed as a hybrid between Crocosmia aurea and Crocosmia pottsii, it was introduced by Victor Lemoine and later formally named by botanist N.E. Brown.

🌿 Plant Characteristics:

Grows from underground corms, forming dense clumps over time.

Produces graceful, arching flower spikes with bright orange or reddish blooms, usually appearing from mid to late summer.

Leaves are long, narrow, and sword-shaped, similar to gladiolus, giving the plant a striking vertical structure.

🌞 Growing Conditions:

Prefers sunny locations, but can tolerate light shade.

Grows well in moist, well-draining soil and benefits from regular watering during the growing season.

Hardy in temperate climates; in colder zones, corms may need to be lifted or protected during winter.

🌼 Garden Use:

This plant works beautifully in mixed borders, wildflower gardens, or as a cut flower, thanks to its bold color and elegant form. It attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding both beauty and ecological value to the garden.

⚠️ Ecological Note:

While popular in gardens, Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora can spread aggressively in some regions, especially along roadsides and disturbed areas. Gardeners are encouraged to manage its growth responsibly.

Shadding trees

 Cordia Sabestina


Kingdom : Plantae
Order : Borangiales
Family : Boraginaceae
Genus : Cordia
Species : sebestina

Common Names : Geiger tree, Geranium Tree, Spanish cordia, Anaconda

Origin : Native to North America

Description
Height : 25 to 30 ft
Spread : 20 to 25 ft
Crown : Round & vase shape

Cordia sebestena is widely planted throughout the tropics and subtropics as an ornamental plant in gardens because of its flowers. It has dark green, oval shaped leaves, and grows oval shaped fruits that are edible, but not flavorful. Cordia sebestena tolerates drought but not frost.

Chrozophora rottleri (Geisl.) A.Juss. ex Spreng.

Chrozophora rottleri (Geisl.) A.Juss. ex Spreng.

Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Rosids
Order:	Malpighiales
Family:	Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily:	Acalyphoideae
Tribe:	Chrozophoreae
Subtribe:	Chrozophorinae
Genus:	Chrozophora

Synonym: Chrozophora plicata var. rottleri (Geiseler) Müll.Arg. , Croton rottleri Geiseler
Common names:
Bengali: Khudi Ojra (খুদি ওকরা)
Hindi: शदेवी shadevi, dekha chowkdi, dekha-chowkdi, gubra, khakaguddi, sonballi, subali
Marathi: सुर्यवर्ती suryavarti
Tamil: Purapirakkai
Telugu: ఎర్ర మిరియము erra miriyamu, గురుగుఛెట్టు guruguchettu, లింగమిరప linga mirapa
Kannada: ಲಿಮ್ಗಮೆಣಸು lingamenasu, gurugu
Konkani: सुवर्ली survarli
Urdu: चोटकी हुङ्काथ chotaki hunkatath, सुर्यवर्त suryawarta
Sanskrit: सुर्यवर्त suryavarta  

African grey parrot

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum    : Chordata
Class       : Aves
Order      : Psittaciformes
Family     : Psittacidae
Genus      : Psittacus
Species    : P. erithacus

There are two subspecies universally accepted

1. Congo African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus erithacus):
2. Timneh African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus timneh):

Description :

The African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) is famous for its intelligence and ability to mimic human speech, making it one of the most popular of all avian pets. One of the largest parrots in Africa, the African grey parrot has pale grey plumage, with whitish edges to the feathers on the head and neck, which give a lacy or ‘scalloped’ appearance. The flight feathers are darker grey, the rump pale and the short tail a striking red. The beak is black, and on the face a large area of bare white skin surrounds the pale yellow eye. Both male and female African grey parrots are similar in appearance, while juveniles can be recognised by a dark grey or black eye, grey-tinged undertail-coverts and a darker red tip to the tail.

Two subspecies of African grey parrot were previously recognised: Psittacus erithacus erithacus, sometimes known as the red-tailed African grey parrot or the Congo African grey parrot, and Psittacus erithacus timneh, also known as the Timneh African grey parrot. However, P. e. timneh is now believed to be a separate species, the Timneh parrot (Psittacus timneh). A separate population of African grey parrots on the island of Príncipe in the Gulf of Guinea was previously considered to be a third subspecies, Psittacus erithacus princeps, but is now included with P. e. erithacus

Length : 33 cm
Weight : 400 - 490 g

Biology

The African grey parrot feeds on a variety of fruits, seeds and nuts, particularly those of the oil-palm, Elaeis guineensis. It is also known to do damage to maize crops. The species can travel considerable distances in search of fruiting trees, and may also make seasonal movements out of the driest parts of its range during the dry season. The African grey parrot often roosts in large groups, and forms large, noisy flocks, the birds calling to each other with a variety of squawks, whistles, shrieks and screams, both at rest and in flight. In addition to its ability to mimic human speech, this parrot has also been found to mimic other bird and mammal calls in the wild.

The nest of the African grey parrot is generally a simple cavity, high in a tree. Two to three eggs are usually laid, and hatch after an incubation period of between 21 and 30 days, the young leaving the nest around 80 days later. Captive African grey parrots may live for up to 50 years.
In recent years, research on a captive African grey parrot known as ‘Alex’ has highlighted the impressive intelligence of this species. Intelligence of African grey parrots is comparable to that of marine mammals, apes and even young children.

Distribution
The African grey parrot has a wide distribution across tropical Africa, from south-eastern Côte d’Ivoire east to Kenya and Tanzania, and south to Angola, including populations on the islands of Príncipe and São Tomé
Habitat:
The African grey parrot inhabits both primary and secondary lowland moist forest. It has also been observed at forest edges and clearings, and sometimes occurs in mangrove forest, gallery forest, savanna woodland and in cultivated areas. The African grey parrot is often found in areas of oil-palms (Elaeis guineensis), on which it likes to feed, and commonly roosts in raphia palms overhanging watercourses, or on offshore islands.
For people who are new to rearing congo african grey parrots u can click on the links given below which will be more helpful

1. Link 1
2. Link 2

So far the above description is about African Grey Parrot and its details from various people.

Now comes my experience. Alvy came to our house when it was barely 3 weeks old. Each and every day many new habits showing that Alvy is growing and learning new things.

My African Grey Parrot stages every week

17.04.14  - (3 weeks old) 

24.04.14  - (4 weeks old)

 01.05.14  - (5 weeks old) 

08.05.14  - (6 weeks old)

15.05.14  - (7 weeks old)

22.05.14  - (8 weeks old)

African Love Birds

Kingdom     : Animalia
Phylum        : Chordata
Class           : Aves
order           : Psittaciformes
Superfamily : Psittacoidea
Family         : Psittaculidae
Subfamily    : Agapornithinae
Genus         :  Agapornis





Description :
African Lovebirds are small parrots. They are stout, colourful little parrots.
Length :
About 13cm long with a short rounded tail.
Weight :
40 - 60 gms.
Species and other Hybrids :
There are nine species of lovebirds (Agapornis) with four species commonly available in Australia. These four are monomorphic, which means both males and females have the same appearance.
Life Span:
Lovebirds will live from 6 years up to 10 to 15 years.
General Characters:

They are social, noisy birds that emit a high pitched and sometimes annoying chirp. Like most parrots, lovebirds are reasonably intelligent and can be excellent escape artists so they need a secure cage. They also like to chew and must always have something to nibble on such as non toxic and untreated pieces of wood, cuttlefish or bamboo.

Always provide clean, fresh water for drinking. As these birds will bathe in their water it is a good idea to place a shallow dish of water in their cage oraviary from time to time for bathing. 

Peach faced lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis)

Masked Lovebird (Agapornis personata)

 

Live feeding to zoo animals... really necesarry ?

Does live feeding necessary to zoo animals ?
There are lots of channels which shows the hunger, chase and the stress or tension to live or survive. All those that we watch in TV are just to know their behaviour and life style. Death in wild is acceptable. For eg; A Deer running for its dear life from a Lion or Cheetah... If the Lion doesn't run faster it has to be in hunger... and if the Deer doesnt run fast, thats the end of its life. Thats Nature.

But for a snake which is in captivity in a Zoo, should it be fed with a chick which is alive ?

Even animals in a better and well maintained Zoo with natural enclosures are Zoo animals. They are not wild animals.

Relational psychology - Situations and decisions that can prove revealing.

After getting the answer for the questions listed below..check out the analysis results at the end of 9th question.

 

1. A box is lying in the road. What is inside?

2. If you could choose one place to live the rest of your life, where would it be?

3. You have been wandering around lost in the desert all day when you suddenly you see a village in the distance. You also notice an oasis not too far away. Where do you decide to go?

4. What would you do if you suddenly lost everything?

5 Tomorrow is Sunday. What are you going to do?

6. If you get into a tight spot, who would you go to for help?

7. What age would you like to be for the rest of your life?

8. If someone told you that you had just 24 hours to live, how would you spend them?

9. If you could save only one thing from a fire, what would it be?

Analysis

1. Your answer reveals what kind of luck you think you will have in an unexpected circumstance.

     If you imagined something that is of no value to you, then you believe that good luck is out of reach.

     If you imagined something valuable such as treasure, then you believe that it will definitely be yours someday. 

     If there is nothing in the box then you don't believe in luck. Reality is built on practicalities.

2. If you chose the place where you live already, your life is comfortable and gratifying. 

    If you chose a far away destination, you are a  dreamer or a romantic. 

    If you can't decide where to live then you have no strong attachment or loyalties.

3. You answer describes your personal work ethic.

     If you go to the oasis, you prefer to play first and work later. You dislike rules and regulations and can be impulsive at times. You  procrastinate and you like to multitask.

    If you go straight to the village then you like to assume responsibility. You know how to make good use of your time and you plan your day carefully. You prefer finishing projects rather than starting them and you take deadlines seriously.

4. Those who would look to make a fresh start are likely to be people who take responsibility for their actions and don't simply react to  life's circumstances.

5. Your answer describes your spending habits. Sunday is a day you are free to use however you want. Having freedom to do whatever you want is  like having money to spend however you want.

If you decide to stay home and take it easy you spend as little as possible. If you go shopping you generally spend whatever you have. If you do a sport you save for a rainy day. If you go out for a walk you spend carefully.

6. Those who would try to fix things themselves are self assured and strong characters. Those who turn to friends or family are a little insecure and are not ready to accept full responsibility in difficult situations. Those who seek practical advice from a lawyer or other professional are realists.

7. The age you choose generally represents the period when you were happiest and had a lot of self confidence. Those who wish to return to
their childhood years long for the period where they had no responsibility. Those who choose their present age are emotionally mature and successful. People over forty generally choose an age ten years younger.

8. If you chose close friends and family, you have an emotional and sentimental nature. If you would rather be alone, then you might be moody and discontented. If you chose to party and have a good time, you submit to fate with your composure intact. If you would keep the knowledge to yourself and spend the day as usual, you are brave and resilient.

9. If it's a photo album or something similar then you are sentimental. If the object is an article of clothing to cover yourself, you are cautious and conventional. If choose something that has a high monetary value you are rather materialistic. If you choose your passport or laptop, you are practical.

Credits : http://www.personalityquiz.net/index.htm 

Solar energy

Electricity is more important in today's life where everything is controlled by electronic gadgets.. from mobile  to traffic signal lights.

It is not easy for the government to provide electiricity where the usage keeps on increasing as the population increases. Because of which electricity charge also increases. The common people and the people living under poverty line are the ones who suffer much due to this hick. In-order to ease or reduce the problem the profitable solution is using the solar energy which can be used after conversion as electricity. Sun is also one of the non-renewable source of energy.

Some of the basic details regarding solar energy.

Solar Energy is measured in kilowatt-hour. 1 kilowatt = 1000 watts.

1 kilowatt-hour (kWh) = the amount of electricity required to burn a 100 watt light bulb for 10 hours.

A home solar system is typically made up of solar panels, an inverter, a battery, a charge controller, wiring and support structure.  

Interesting Facts about Solar Energy: 

• Da Vinci predicted a solar industrialization as far back as 1447.
• A world record was set in 1990 when a solar powered aircraft flew 4060 km across the USA, using no fuel.
• Americans who are only 5 percent accounting to world's population, consumes 26 percent of world's energy.

How solar energy can be used ?

To dry our clothes direct sunlight is enough. But to power satellites, a storage mechanism along with sunlight is required. And to power cars, their hybrid batteries need to be charged by sun-rays. 

How Solar energy is converted into electricity ?

The most common method of using solar energy is to store them in photovoltaic cells. This method was first used in U.S. space satellites in 1950s. The cells are made from silicon.When sunlight enters the cells, it causes the electrons to move about. The electrons then move towards the front side of the solar panels. This causes an imbalance of the electrons between the front and back side of the panels. On joining the two surfaces, a conductor is formed, just like a wire, and current begins to flow. The individual solar cells are arranged together in a PV module and the modules are grouped together to form an array. This current is used to charge cells and this energy is used to light lamps, tube lights and also to drive cars now. The current can also be used to run appliances.

Another method of using solar energy is to direct the solar rays to a convergence point using a curved reflector and then make a current flowing system like a photo cell and store energy. This method is now used in India and U.S.

Some of the major projects taken by Indian government were:

Started 2011-finished 2012 :

While starting this project Gujarat CM Mr. Narendra Modi said “We now plan to install solar panels on the Narmada canal to generate solar energy. We plan to start by covering 25 km stretch of the canal, which will have the potential to generate 25 MW of power”

“The experiment to cover the canals with solar panels (for power generation) is proving to be a success. Initial estimate shows that by covering one km of canals by solar panels, one megawatt of energy can be generated,” he said.

This will reduce the water evaporation from the channel and no land will be wasted for installing thes solar  units as they are installed over the canal.

In Tamilnadu :

1. All houses should have water harvesting plans while getting sanction for building the house - this is to improve the ground level water.

Like this if there is a rule that a minimum percentage of roofing should be used for getting solar energy for their house use purpose. This reduces the burden on the government and also some of rural areas can depend on these form of energy.

What government can do for common people?

 Installing and generating for common use (street light e.t.c) by government will be good. But rather than that if there is a subsidy given to generate solar energy for houses, it will encourage people to install them and generate the power for their use. This in turn results in no wastage of land by installing huge units by government.

Credits:
http://www.idealsolarhome.com/working-principle-of-solar-energy/
http://www.esdalcollege.nl/eos/vakken/na/zonnecel.htm
http://allaboutsolarenergy.net/

Grey Zebra Finches

Scientific Classification
Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum    : Chordata
Class      : Aves
Order     : Passeriformes
Family    : Estrildidae
Genus    : Taeniopygia
Species  : guttata

The Zebra Finch is tiny, but is not the smallest of the finches. It gets its name from the zebra-like stripes across its neck, chest, and especially from its black and white barred tail. 

Zebra Finches breed readily, and are a good beginner’s bird, easy to care for and requiring a minimal time commitment. Because they are generally kept in pairs, your Zebra Finches will not need you to keep them company 

Most Zebra Finches will not want to be handled. They are not really “trainable” as a parrot type bird is. Occasionally you can find hand-raised finches, or you may have to hand raise a baby yourself. In those cases you will have a finch that is bonded to humans, and will happily perch on your shoulder and be perfectly comfortable. Never try to force a finch to be “friendly” – you will only result in terrifying it.

They are dimorphic. Males and females can be

Labrador Retriever

Recently I bought a 40 days old Labrador puppy and named it Sweety. She is so cute and intelligent too.

As I was so curious about my Lab, I went through many sites which gave me an idea of what she likes and what she hates etc.
I thought of putting it in a nutshell here.
Before choosing a Labrador check the list of things you want from your dog.
If you would like to have your doggy the following characters then Lab is perfect

• Large and bouncy, with an enthusiastic attitude towards life
• Easy-care hair coat
• Cheerful, tail-wagging nature
• Thrives on exercise and athletic activities
• Steady-tempered and dependable with everyone
• Peaceful with other animals or pets
• Is eager to please and responsive to training

People who hates following things should drop the idea of getting a Lab

• Providing a goodly amount of exercise, not just a couple of short walks around the block
• Rowdiness and exuberant jumping, especially when young or not exercised enough
• Mouthiness -- carrying and chewing objects, mouthing your hands in play



3 months old

• Shedding (seasonal and average) of hair 

4 months old

 

6 months old

6 months old

From my experience
Things that you can expect from your lab

• to be in high spirit always...fully energetic
• to be a good friendly companion and even though it plays with everyone, it has a sharp ear that when called by the owner it turns immediately to the owner without any hesitation.
• easily trainable and learns to do tricks.

And you can never expect following things from your Lab

• They dont bark like other pups or dogs do.. in a single word its not a gaurd dog. But if training is given it will do so(I was told by the buyer), but the sound will be too loud. (My Puppy sometimes barks and its loud and now its really too loud).
• Other dogs may bark if any stranger comes, but Labs runaway from strangers and within 5 minutes they are not treated as strangers.
• Though intelligent and easy to train its needs lots of patience as they are highly distracted by anything that flies or runs or any new sound they hear.

Characteristics of Labrador:

Labs are friendly, gentle and intelligent. They are watchdogs and not guard dogs, although some have been known to gaurd (if training is given for that). They are also people oriented dogs who enjoy spending time with their human companions. Labs can also be stubborn, so training requires patience and persistence. Active and athletic, Labs are happiest when they get plenty of vigorous exercise every day. Their love of exercise and hunting instincts may lead them to roam if not confined. In earlier days the original purpose of lab was retrieving fishing nets, so still they have webbed paws.
Labs are delightful, high-spirited, and energetic, and so requires a great deal of exercise. They enjoy family play sessions, securely leashed walks, swimming, and a safely fenced yard to run and romp freely. They will do okay in an apartment dwelling provided they are given sufficient exercise, attention, and stimulation.

NOTE: Without human companionship and daily exercise, Labs often entertain themselves by developing destructive habits such as digging, chewing or Houdini-like escape attempts.

Height : Male : 22-24 inches ; Female : 21 - 23 inches

Weight : Male : 27-34 kg ; Female : 25 - 32 Kg

Diet : A 14 year study covering 48 dogs by food manufacturer Purina showed that Labradors fed to maintain a lean body shape outlived those fed freely by around two years, emphasizing the importance of not over-feeding. As for what they eat? and how much should be fed ? always follow the following points
They like to eat, so even if they are not hungry and food is provided they will finish it and still expect more :)
So always make sure to keep a very slight hourglass waist and be fit and light, rather than fat or heavy-set.

Training:

Early socialization and basic obedience are recommended. Labrador is very strong and must be taught not to pull on their leash. They do not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods. Labs needs fairness, firmness, consistency, reward, and respect. They excel in tracking, police work, search and rescue, agility, competitive obedience, guide for the blind, and as service dogs for the disabled.

Stages in Puppy Development - Cesar Millan

Stage 2
Stage 3
Stage 4
To get more information about other breeds click here

Credits:
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/labrador.htm 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labrador_Retriever

Kodaikanal

 

By Air

The nearest airport is at Madurai (120 km from Kodaikanal).

By Rail

The nearest railway stations are the Kodai Road Railway Station (80-km) and the Palani Railway Station (64-km).
By Road: Kodaikanal is connected by road with many places like

• Chennai (520-km), 
• Ooty(264-km), 
• Trichy (197-km), 
• Coimbatore (175-km), 
• Kumili (160-km), and 
• Madurai(120-km). 

Regular bus services are available from Madurai, Palani,Kodaikanal Road, Theni, Dindigul, Tiruchirapalli, Kumuli (Thekkady) and Coimbatore. Additional buses ply during the season.

Places to visit in Kodaikanal

• Silver Cascade
• Green Valley View
• Shenbaganur Museum of Natural History
• Coaker'sWalk
• Kurinji Andavar Murugan temple
• Bryant Park
• Kodaiknal Solar Observatory 
• Pillar Rocks
• Dolphin's Nose
• Guna caves
• Bear Shola Falls

• The Lake : The star-shaped lake of Kodaikanal is one of the major attractions of this hill station. Situated at the heart of the main town area, it is also a favorite evening spot for the locals as well. Here you can also try out some boating courtesy the Boat Club that is located here. Moreover, small horse rides can also make a good pastime in the early evenings.
  
• Flora & Fauna Museum : Located at the Sacred Heart College is a 6km hike from the town centre, but definitely worth a visit. The Orchidarium here has about 300 species of orchids and other exotic plants. 
• Kurinji Andavar Temple : Temple located 3km northeast of the Lake and is dedicated to Lord Muruga.
  
• Pillar Rocks : Located about 7km from the lake, there are three rocks magnificently jutting into the sky to a height of about 400ft. the views from here are spectacular.
  
• Solar observatory : Situated at a distance of 3.2 kilometers from the Kodaikanal lake, it is one of the only three solar observatories in the world that is more than 75 years old. Built at an elevation of 2343 meters, the Solar Observatory was built at the highest point of the town. You can have a look into the solar system by booking your tickets for the scheduled shows.
  
• Bryant Park : Botanical park situated on the eastern side of the lake. It was landscaped and stocked by a British officer after whom it was named. Cut flowers are exported from here. In month of May, the annual horticultural show in held here.
  
• Water Falls : There are numerous waterfalls in the area such as Bear Shola Falls, Silver Cascade, Fairy Falls and Glen Falls, which are popular picnic spots.

• Coaker walk : Ideal place for picturesque walk. Situated at a distance of about 1 km from the Kodai lake is the Coaker Walk. It has been named after St. Coaker of the Royal Engineers. The walk offers you a fantastic view of the plains and the distant hills.
  
• Perumal Peak : A good adventurous Trekking point in Kodaikanal. Situated at an altitude of 2,440 meters it lies at a distance of about 11.3 kilometers from the Kodaikanal town area. The peak offers excellent opportunity for trekking for the adventurous tourists.
  
• Viewpoint : Kodaikanal has some of the best view points from where you can have a thrilling view of the entire Kodai valley. The hill station’s best view points are Pillar Rocks, Green Valley View point and the Dolphin’s Nose. You must not miss a visit to these places as they are known for their natural marvel and beauty. You could also find some of the locally made products here to take along as the memorabilia of your visit.

Great swimmers in my aquarium

 Maylandia lombardoi - Origin Africa

Kingdom   : Animalia
Class         : Actinopterygii
Order        : Perciformes
Family       : Cichlidae
Sub-family : Pseudocrenilabrinae
Genus        : Maylandia (disputed)
Species      : lombardoi

Common name :

 lombardoi, kenyi or kennyi
Description : 

Maylandia lombardoi, is a 13 cm (5 in) freshwater fish from the family Cichlidae. This mbuna species is popular in the aquarium hobby where it is sold under a variety of common names including: lombardoi, kenyi or kennyi. The correct name of its genus is not clear; some authors prefer Maylandia, others Metriaclima.

It is endemic to the rocky shores of Mbenji Island, Lake Malawi in east Africa. The species is highly sexually dimorphic, females and juvenile males are pale white-blue with several blue-black vertical bands extending into the dorsal fin. Adult males turn bright yellow with faint brown bars crossing the body; fins are plain yellow with egg spots on the anal fin. Like most mbuna cichlids, this species is a maternal mouthbrooder. When mouth brooding, females may defend a small territory and assume the colouration of males. Like other mbuna, these fish can be very aggressive and males may end up killing other tankmates. To prevent casualties, the aquarium should be spacious and rocky with several hiding places. A single male should be kept with several females. When breeding, females hold the eggs and fry in their mouths for a few weeks before releasing the free-swimming fry.

 Aphyocharax anisits

Kingdom   : Animalia
Class         : Actinopterygii
Order        : Characiformes
Family       : Characidae
Sub-family : Aphyocharacinae
Genus        : Aphyocharax
Species      : anisitsi

Common name :

 Bloodfin tetra
Description :

It is a type of tropical fish. Bloodfin tetras can be recognized because of their colorful fins. The fins of this fish are red in color while the body is silver in color (as the name suggest).

Bloodfin tetras are typically kept in schools of five or more.

They swim mainly in the upper and middle water layers and are highly sociable fishes, mixing well with other types of tetra and tropical fish in general, and so are therefore well suited (like many other tetras) to a community tank. However, they will tend to nip at the fins of fish with long, wavy fins, such as angelfishes or guppies.

 Puntius tetrazona

Kingdom   : Animalia
Class         : Actinopterygii
Order        : Cypriniformes
Family       : Cyprinidae
Genus        : Puntius
Species      : tetrazona

Common name :

Tiger barb, Sumatra barb

Synonym:

Barbus tetrazona, Capoeta tetrazona, Barbodes tetrazona, Capoeta sumatraus 
Description : 
It is a species of tropical freshwater fish. The natural geographic range reportedly extends throughout the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo, with unsubstantiated sightings reported in Cambodia. The tiger barb can grow to about 7 centimeters long (2.75 in) and 3 centimeters wide,(1.18 in), although they are often smaller when kept in captivity. The tiger barb is one of over 70 species of barb with commercial importance in the aquarium trade. The tiger barb, an active schooling fish, is usually kept in groups of five or more. They are often aggressive in numbers less than five, and are known fin nippers. Semiaggressive fish form a pecking order in the pack which they may extend to other fish, giving them a reputation for nipping at the fins of other fish, especially if they are wounded or injured. One of the best tankmates for the tiger barb is a clown loach, which will school with the tiger barbs and act as they do, and the tigers act as the loaches do.

 Poecilia reticulata

Kingdom   : Animalia
Class         : Actinopterygii
Order        : Cyprinodontiformes
Family       : Poeciliidae
Genus        : Poecilia
Species      : reticulata

Common name :

 Million fish

Synonym:

Acanthocephalus guppii, A. reticulatus, Girardinus guppii, G. petersi, G. poeciloides, G. reticulatus, Haridichthys reticulatus, Heterandria guppyi, Lebistes poecilioides, L. reticulatus, Poecilia poeciloides, Poecilioides reticulatus
Description :
 s one of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish species in the world. Guppies are native to Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Brazil, Guyana, the Netherlands Antilles, Trinidad and Tobago, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Venezuela. Guppies have 23 pairs of chromosomes, including one pair of sex chromosomes, the same amount as humans. Guppies are generally peaceful, though nipping behaviour is sometimes exhibited between male guppies or towards other top swimmers like platys and swordtails, and occasionally other fish with prominent fins, such as angelfish.

 Goldfish - Origin China & Japan

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 Goldfish
Description :

 The Fantail goldfish is the western form of the Ryukin that possesses an egg-shaped body, a high dorsal fin, a long quadruple caudal fin, and no shoulder hump. The Fantail goldfish may have either metallic or nacreous scales and normal or telescope eyes. Telescope eyes do not develop until the fish is 6 months old. generally considered a hardy goldfish, Fantails can be sensitive to prolonged exposure to low water temperatures.

House plants (Indoor Plants)

Plants

Plants help humans and our environment in many different ways: 

• Makes food
• Generates Oxygen
• Provides shelter for some animals
• Helps us to preserve the soil
• Products can be used for making furniture's etc.
• Used for beautifying our surroundings

Plants are important and inevitable in our daily life, its part of our food chain. Herbs were used from the time of our forefathers to treat various diseases.  

Indoor Plants

Having good indoor air quality is very important, especially since many of us spend so much time inside. But in our house / office air pollutants are generated by computer equipment, furniture, paint and air conditioning. Indoor plants not only beautify the inner space (either office or home), it also purifies the air by filtering out toxins, pollutants and the carbon dioxide we exhale - replacing them with life sustaining oxygen!
Not all plants can be good indoor plants. Some of them are listed below and some good indoor plants do have harmful effects on pets, that is also listed. I have given a link below which I think may help you in selecting a indoor plant as per your requirement. 

 
Best Indoor Plants

• Areca palm (Dypsos lutescens)
• Golden pothos or Devil's ivy or Money Plant (Scindapsus aures or Epipremnum aureum)
• Red-edged dracaena (Dracaena marginata)
• Warneck dracaena (Dracaena deremensis 'Warneckii')
• Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)
• Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
• Snake plant or mother-in-law's tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata 'Laurentii') English Ivy (Hedera helix)
• Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
• Boston fern (Nephrolepis exalata)
• Peace lily (Spathiphyllum 'Mauna Loa')
• Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema modestum)
• Bamboo palm or reed palm (Chamaedorea sefritzii)

Harmful Indoor Plants for pets

• Aloe vera
• Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata)
• Caladium
• Dumbcane (Dieffnbachia)
• English ivy (Hedera helix)
• German ivy
• Philodendron
• Potted chrysanthemum
• Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina)

To see the full details and list of useful and harmful indoor plants click here
Credits
Wikipedia
Best air-filtering plants
Top 10 Indoor plants

Meaning of Rose colours

Rose-White

Innocence Purity Humility

I am Worthy of You

Rose - Orange

symbolize passion and excitement

 

Rose-Yellow

Try to Care, Joy

Rose-Pink

symbol of grace and elegance.
Perfect Happiness Secret Love

Grace & Sweetness

Indecision

Rose- Red

 

I Love You, True Love
Congratulations,
Courage and Respect

I have included meanings of flowers that I have at present blooming :)