Larry Dude (88 results)

Paperback. Condition: New.

Condition: As New. Unread book in perfect condition.

Condition: As New. Unread book in perfect condition.

Condition: As New. Unread book in perfect condition.

Condition: As New. Unread book in perfect condition.

Condition: As New. Unread book in perfect condition.

Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. Beneath the glass walls of freshwater aquariums exists a miniature kingdom ruled not by loud colors and fast movement-but by grace, precision, and astonishing complexity. In this microcosm, freshwater shrimp glide like spirits through mossy forests, crawl across driftwood like jungle explorers, and gather in quiet groups on fallen leaves to feed and interact. Though small and often overlooked, these creatures capture the imagination of aquarists around the world.What draws people to freshwater shrimp first is their aesthetic charm. Unlike most aquarium fish, which boast coloration through flashy movement or bold personalities, shrimp blend subtle beauty with natural elegance. Varieties such as the Red Cherry, Blue Dream, Crystal Red, and Golden Bee appear almost ornamental-nature's moving jewels. Some shimmer like glass under aquarium lights, others wear deep solid hues like painted statues.But it's not only color that sets them apart-it's their behavior. A well-planted shrimp tank buzzes with soft activity: a shrimp gently cleaning a leaf, another molting in a hidden crevice, shrimplets darting along the substrate like sparks of life. No chase. No noise. Just a constant ballet of survival, feeding, breeding, and communication through twitching antennae and precise body movements.Freshwater shrimp also symbolize something deeper: balance. They are custodians of their ecosystems, consuming biofilm, detritus, and algae-turning waste into energy. Unlike aggressive or dominant tank mates, shrimp promote peace and harmony in shared aquatic habitats. For this reason, they are not just pets, but partners in an environmental experiment-a relationship based on care, observation, and patience.This is what makes them uniquely captivating: freshwater shrimp are living art, quiet teachers, and ecological engineers all in one. Shipping may be from our UK warehouse or from our Australian or US warehouses, depending on stock availability.

Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. Neocaridina shrimp, often known in the aquarium hobby by their most famous representative - the Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) - are freshwater dwarf shrimp native to East and Southeast Asia, with Taiwan being a key geographic hotspot for many wild populations.1. Geographic DistributionTaiwan is considered the epicenter for wild Neocaridina davidi shrimp. These shrimp were first collected from natural freshwater streams across the island, particularly in the Taipei and New Taipei regions. Other species in the Neocaridina genus are distributed across China, Vietnam, Japan, and other Southeast Asian countries. However, Taiwan remains the most referenced point of origin for the globally popular ornamental types. 2. Natural Habitat CharacteristicsIn the wild, Neocaridina shrimp inhabit clean, slow-moving streams, ponds, and small rivers, particularly: Clear, shallow waters Gravel or sandy substrates Dense aquatic vegetation and rocks for hiding and grazing Moderate water flow and oxygenation These environments provide: Biofilm and algae for feeding Hiding spots for juveniles and molting adults Stable temperature and water chemistry (though they tolerate fluctuations better than many other shrimp) 3. Climate and Environmental AdaptabilityTaiwan and other Asian locations offer a subtropical to tropical climate, with water temperatures ranging from 180C to 280C (640F to 820F) - ideal for Neocaridina shrimp. This range of temperature tolerance, coupled with their adaptability to different water hardness and pH levels, contributes to their success in both wild and captive environments. Shipping may be from our UK warehouse or from our Australian or US warehouses, depending on stock availability.

Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. Isopods are small invertebrates that belong to the order Isopoda, which is part of the class Malacostraca within the phylum Arthropoda. This class also includes more widely known aquatic animals such as crabs, lobsters, and shrimp. The defining features of isopods are their segmented bodies, exoskeleton, jointed legs, and specialized respiratory structures. Despite their distant relationship to insects, isopods are more closely aligned with crustaceans in form and function.The word "isopod" derives from the Greek words iso (equal) and pous (foot), referencing their uniform limb structure. Every isopod possesses seven pairs of legs, each similar in size and function-an unusual trait among arthropods, many of which have specialized appendages. These legs, along with their low, flat bodies, make them efficient crawlers in confined spaces such as beneath rocks or within soil crevices.Their body is typically divided into three main parts: Head (cephalon): Bears a pair of compound eyes, two pairs of antennae (one typically reduced), and the mouthparts.Thorax (pereon): Composed of seven segments, each with a pair of walking legs.Abdomen (pleon): Houses the pleopods-respiratory structures that are crucial for gas exchange.Terrestrial isopods, also known as oniscideans, are a subgroup that has adapted to life on land. Unlike aquatic species, which extract oxygen from water, terrestrial isopods utilize modified gill-like structures in the pleopods that function only in humid conditions. These structures do not allow the isopod to be fully independent from moisture, making humidity a critical environmental requirement.Isopods come in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes. While some species like Porcellio scaber and Armadillidium vulgare are common across much of Europe and North America, others-such as the exotic "rubber ducky" (Cubaris sp.)-are endemic to limited regions and prized by hobbyists for their unique appearances. Shipping may be from our UK warehouse or from our Australian or US warehouses, depending on stock availability.

Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. Albinism in Burmese pythons (Python bivittatus) is not a random quirk-it is a precisely defined genetic mutation that disrupts normal pigmentation. To understand how the Albino Burmese Python came to be, we must begin at the molecular level.Melanin and PigmentationIn most reptiles, including Burmese pythons, body coloration results from a combination of pigments and reflective cells within their skin. One of the most important pigments is melanin-a dark-colored compound produced by specialized cells called melanocytes.Melanin plays a major role in: Creating the black and brown tones seen in wild-type Burmese pythons. Protecting the skin and eyes from ultraviolet (UV) light damage. Aiding camouflage in the wild through darker, earth-toned patterning. The Mutation: What Goes Wrong?In albino Burmese pythons, a mutation in a key recessive gene-often in the tyrosinase enzyme gene (TYR)-leads to amelanism, or the complete absence of melanin. Tyrosinase is essential for the chemical process that produces melanin. When this enzyme is defective or absent, melanin cannot be synthesized. Shipping may be from our UK warehouse or from our Australian or US warehouses, depending on stock availability.

Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. The Bengal cat traces its roots back to a deliberate crossbreeding between a small wild feline and a domesticated house cat. The wild ancestor, the Asian leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), is a small, shy, and solitary forest-dwelling feline native to South and East Asia. This wild cat is known for its strikingly beautiful, spotted coat that resembles that of a miniature leopard-markings which have captivated human fascination for centuries.The earliest intentional hybridization of the Asian leopard cat with a domestic cat occurred in the 1960s, initially as part of a scientific experiment in the United States to study feline leukemia resistance. However, the true beginnings of the Bengal breed as a domestic companion began with Jean Mill in the 1970s and 1980s. Jean, a conservation-minded breeder, envisioned creating a domestic cat that carried the appearance of the wild Asian leopard cat while maintaining the friendly temperament and trainability of household cats. Her efforts led to the selective breeding of early hybrids-called F1 (first generation)-with domestic cats such as Egyptian Maus, Abyssinians, and later, Ocicats and American Shorthairs.Early generations (F1 through F3) displayed many wild behaviors such as reclusive tendencies, nocturnal activity, and aggression or fearfulness. Breeders worked meticulously over successive generations to produce a cat that not only retained the stunning, rosette-spotted coat of the wild cat but also exhibited a calm, affectionate nature suitable for family life. Shipping may be from our UK warehouse or from our Australian or US warehouses, depending on stock availability.

Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. The emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) stands as one of the most iconic and fascinating avian species in the world. As the second-largest bird after the ostrich, the emu commands attention with its towering height-reaching up to 1.9 meters (6.2 feet)-and its impressive, powerful build. Native to Australia, this flightless bird roams vast landscapes ranging from arid deserts and open grasslands to wooded savannahs and coastal scrublands.Emus are distinctly adapted to the harsh and often unpredictable environment of the Australian continent. Their long, muscular legs allow them to travel great distances with ease, sometimes covering up to 50 kilometers in a single day in search of food or water. They can run at speeds of over 50 kilometers per hour (31 mph), which serves both as a defensive mechanism and a means of migration.Unlike birds that soar above the treetops, the emu thrives on the ground, embodying survival through endurance, resourcefulness, and anatomical specialization. It has developed a unique physiology that enables it to survive extreme heat, minimal water access, and fluctuating food availability. Covered in loose, double-shafted plumage that insulates against both heat and cold, the emu's feathers are dull brown with variable shades and textures that offer camouflage in their natural environment. Shipping may be from our UK warehouse or from our Australian or US warehouses, depending on stock availability.

Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. Clownfish, scientifically grouped under the subfamily Amphiprioninae, are native to the warm waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, including the Red Sea and the Great Barrier Reef. They inhabit shallow, tropical coral reefs where they can find shelter and protection from predators.Clownfish are most often associated with sea anemones, which provide them with a unique microhabitat. These fish are demersal, meaning they live close to the seafloor, typically within 1 to 15 meters deep. Their range spans from East Africa to French Polynesia, extending as far north as southern Japan and as far south as Australia.Within their range, different species of clownfish have adapted to specific environmental niches and host anemones. For example, the Ocellaris clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) is commonly found in calm lagoons and protected reef areas, while Maroon clownfish (Premnas biaculeatus) often inhabit more rugged reef outcroppings.Environmental conditions in their natural habitat include: Temperatures between 240C and 280CSalinity averaging 1.023-1.025 specific gravityStable, oxygen-rich waters with moderate water movementThese natural parameters are essential to replicate in captivity for healthy clownfish care. Shipping may be from our UK warehouse or from our Australian or US warehouses, depending on stock availability.

Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. Shrimps are among the oldest surviving lineages of crustaceans, with their evolutionary roots tracing back more than 400 million years, to the Silurian and Devonian periods. Fossilized shrimp-like crustaceans have been found in ancient seabed deposits worldwide, offering a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of aquatic arthropods.Some of the most important fossil evidence comes from Lagerstaetten - exceptional fossil sites like the famous Solnhofen Limestone in Germany, the Burgess Shale in Canada, and the Mazon Creek in Illinois, USA. These sites preserve delicate details of ancient marine life, including soft-bodied arthropods that resemble modern shrimps. Fossils from the Cambrian and Ordovician periods show the early evolution of crustaceans that eventually gave rise to shrimp-like decapods.Among the earliest known shrimp fossils is Aeger tipularius, dating back to the Jurassic period (around 150 million years ago), which displays many recognizable shrimp characteristics, including a segmented abdomen, elongated rostrum, and well-developed pleopods. These fossils demonstrate that the shrimp's basic body plan has remained remarkably consistent for tens of millions of years, highlighting the success of their evolutionary design.Shrimps belong to the order Decapoda, within the class Malacostraca. Genetic and morphological evidence suggests that decapods - which also include crabs, lobsters, and crayfish - diversified rapidly during the late Paleozoic to early Mesozoic eras, likely driven by shifting continental plates, changing sea levels, and new ecological niches in expanding reef systems. This radiation allowed shrimps to occupy a wide variety of habitats, from shallow coastal waters to the deep sea. Shipping may be from our UK warehouse or from our Australian or US warehouses, depending on stock availability.

Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. The Yellow Tang belongs to a group of fish known as surgeonfish, named for the sharp, scalpel-like spine located on each side of the tail. These spines, used for defense, can slice through the skin of predators or rivals with surprising precision - a reminder that even the most peaceful-looking reef dwellers are well equipped for survival.Taxonomy: Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) Order: Acanthuriformes Family: Acanthuridae (surgeonfishes) Genus: Zebrasoma Species: Zebrasoma flavescens The name flavescens is derived from Latin, meaning "yellowish" - a perfect description of its rich golden color.Physical Appearance: Coloration: The Yellow Tang's body is a brilliant, uninterrupted yellow, extending from head to tail. Juveniles often appear slightly paler, while adults develop a deeper hue as they mature. Size: Most adult Yellow Tangs grow between 6 and 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) in length, though in captivity they are often slightly smaller. Shipping may be from our UK warehouse or from our Australian or US warehouses, depending on stock availability.

Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. Quail have a surprisingly long and storied relationship with humans, dating back thousands of years. Archaeological evidence suggests that quail were among the earliest birds to be semi-domesticated by ancient cultures, particularly in regions of Asia and the Mediterranean.In ancient Egypt, depictions of quail appear in hieroglyphs and tomb paintings, highlighting their importance as a food source and as birds kept in captivity. Egyptians valued quail eggs for their delicate flavor and quail meat for its tender texture, often presenting these birds as offerings or delicacies reserved for elites.In Asia, especially Japan and China, quail keeping expanded significantly during the Middle Ages. By the 11th and 12th centuries, the Japanese had begun selective breeding of Coturnix japonica (Japanese quail) to improve egg production and meat yield. Quail farming became widespread, providing affordable protein to peasants and royalty alike.Europe's fascination with quail took off during the Renaissance, as trade routes brought these birds westward. By the 17th and 18th centuries, quail were fixtures in European aristocratic kitchens and aviaries. They were also admired for their distinctive, melodic calls, leading to the rise of "singing quail contests" where male quail competed in vocal performance-a pastime that still exists in some parts of Asia.The modern era of intensive quail farming began in the early 20th century, driven by scientific research into poultry breeding. Coturnix quail became a model organism for avian biology studies, further cementing their place as both laboratory animals and productive livestock. Today, quail are kept worldwide not just for food, but as beloved pets, gamebirds, and subjects for ecological research. Shipping may be from our UK warehouse or from our Australian or US warehouses, depending on stock availability.

Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. The genus Lamprophis includes several non-venomous, colubrid snakes native to sub-Saharan Africa. Commonly known as African House Snakes, they are small to medium in size and are known for their docile nature, adaptability to captivity, and hardiness, making them popular among both beginner and advanced snake keepers.Historically, Lamprophis was a broad genus, but taxonomic revisions have led to the reclassification of some species into other genera such as Boaedon. For instance, the species commonly kept in captivity, once called Lamprophis fuliginosus, is now classified as Boaedon fuliginosus, the Brown House Snake. However, many hobbyists and breeders still use the older classification due to familiarity.Key species and relatives include: Boaedon fuliginosus (Brown House Snake): The most commonly kept species in captivity, adaptable and calm.Boaedon capensis (Cape House Snake): Found in southern Africa, often greenish-brown with subtle patterning.Boaedon lineatus (Striped House Snake): Recognizable by distinct dorsal stripes.Lamprophis aurora (Aurora House Snake): Beautifully colored but more secretive and less commonly kept.Lamprophis fuscus (Yellow House Snake): A rarer and less documented species with golden hues.These snakes exhibit great diversity across the continent, and their taxonomic history reflects Africa's complex biodiversity. While classification changes continue to be refined with genetic research, the term "African House Snake" broadly refers to this group of snakes that share similar behavioral and ecological traits. Shipping may be from our UK warehouse or from our Australian or US warehouses, depending on stock availability.

Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. The golden lion tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia) is a small monkey that lives only in a limited region of the Atlantic coastal rainforest in Brazil. Though petite in size-measuring about 10-12 inches long (excluding the tail)-it has a larger-than-life presence due to its brilliant color, expressive face, and agile movements through the treetops.A Rare Rainforest ResidentThis species is endemic, meaning it is found nowhere else on Earth. It once ranged widely across southeastern Brazil, but due to habitat destruction, its population and distribution shrank drastically. The remaining wild populations now survive mainly in protected reserves such as Poco das Antas and Fazenda Uniao. Symbol of a Global Conservation EffortThe golden lion tamarin became an international symbol of conservation in the 1980s and 1990s as its numbers dwindled below 200 individuals. A successful captive breeding and reintroduction program, involving collaboration between Brazilian scientists and zoos worldwide, brought the species back from the brink. Today, the tamarin is widely regarded as a "flagship species" - an ambassador used to drive awareness and action to save not just one species, but entire ecosystems. Shipping may be from our UK warehouse or from our Australian or US warehouses, depending on stock availability.

Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. The Savannah Monitor's native habitat stretches widely across Sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal in the west to Eritrea and Ethiopia in the east, and as far south as Zambia, Uganda, and northern parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This range covers some of the most dynamic and challenging ecosystems on Earth, including: Open grasslands and savannasSparse woodlands and thorn scrubDry river valleys and rocky outcropsCoastal plains and transitional forest edgesThese regions are marked by seasonal extremes, with long dry spells punctuated by short but intense rainy seasons. The Savannah Monitor has evolved to endure fluctuating temperatures, limited water availability, and prolonged periods of food scarcity. During the cooler or dry months, they often retreat into deep self-dug burrows where humidity and temperatures remain relatively stable, allowing them to rest or enter a state of brumation (a hibernation-like period for reptiles).Historically, the Savannah Monitor has been part of local ecological systems for millions of years, with fossil evidence suggesting that monitor lizards were already present in Africa during the Miocene epoch. Their ancestors shared evolutionary ties with both Asian and Australian monitors, hinting at a once more unified supercontinent distribution before the continents separated.In many African cultures, the Savannah Monitor-locally called "Leguaan" in some regions-is viewed with a mix of awe and caution. Its intelligence and burrowing habits make it a symbol of cunning in some folklore, while in other areas, it has been harvested for meat or traditional medicine. Understanding this species' historical presence in African culture and ecology helps set the foundation for ethical modern interaction, whether through herpetology, conservation, or pet ownership. Shipping may be from our UK warehouse or from our Australian or US warehouses, depending on stock availability.

Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. The Yellow Boxfish (Ostracion cubicus) is one of the ocean's most visually enchanting yet biologically unique species. Belonging to the family Ostraciidae, this marine fish is known for its distinctly box-shaped body, vibrant coloration, and slow, hovering swimming style. As a juvenile, the Yellow Boxfish flaunts an unmistakable appearance: a bright, almost neon-yellow body covered with jet-black polka dots, resembling something out of a children's animated storybook. While their color dulls slightly with age-often fading into greenish hues in adulthood-their geometric, cube-like body shape remains iconic throughout their lives.Native to warm tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific, this species is commonly found darting among coral reefs, lagoons, and seagrass beds. Despite its seemingly awkward shape, the Yellow Boxfish is well-adapted to its surroundings. Its rigid bony armor, known as a carapace, offers robust protection from predators, while its tiny fins allow it to maneuver in precise, gliding motions like a miniature underwater drone.What makes this species truly unique is the presence of ostracitoxin, a potent chemical defense that it can release through its skin when stressed. This defensive mechanism makes it unwise to house them in home aquariums with other fish, yet also adds to the intrigue that surrounds the species.Whether seen drifting gently through a reef or featured in high-end aquarium exhibits, the Yellow Boxfish captivates both scientists and enthusiasts. Its odd shape, vibrant appearance, and chemical defenses have made it a subject of fascination in marine biology, design, and even automotive engineering. Shipping may be from our UK warehouse or from our Australian or US warehouses, depending on stock availability.