Book Description
This book is the "bible" on the subject of Reef Aquarium keeping, covering the biology of coral reefs and relating it to the biological, chemical, and physical parameters considered when creating a reef aquarium. The book details how to successfully cultivate corals in captivity and also features the identification and care of numerous coral and giant clam species. Diseases and parasites, and methods for controlling algae are also featured. The book finishes with an exciting section of photographs demonstrating successful reef aquariums.
Customer Reviews:
Great advice.......2005-10-14
New hobbyist should read this book for advice, then read it again in 6 months.
Wonderful Stony Coral and Clam Reference.......2005-06-09
The good?
This book is truly a comprehensive piece covering probably more than you want to know at times. For example, it explains the chemical reactions that occur during calcification of corals and why additions are necessary.
After reading many other references, I must say I am very happy I purchased this volume. Contained in these pages are insights you won't find anywhere else.
The book clearly explains the setup and maintenance procedures required to be successful in stony coral reef keeping.
The bad?
My main gripe is trivial. Guys, how about a larger font size and pictures? I had to do a lot of squinting.
It could do with a minor revision of some references that are dated (such as collection of live rock from Florida) as the original was 1994, but make no mistake that all information is relevant.
In summary...
Obviously at this price it is unfortunately out of reach of the casual hobbyist, which is a shame. However, one could buy this book instead of various "reference manuals" which might be the same at the end of the day.
Buy it if you can afford it.
I also highly recommend Eric Borneman's Aquarium Corals book.
Perhaps the best book on reef care.......2005-05-16
An exceptional book on the subject. It is comprehensive but I would not say not complete as no book on this subject could be. Still I believe this book to be the best work compiled in book form. Described by many as "the Bible" on the subject it indeed may be but it is not dogmatic as it offers several options and methods and leaves it for the aquarist to use.
(Note: This volume covers stony corals and not soft corals).
When I started keeping marine aquaria keeping back in 1970 one almost had to employ the skills of a chemist. In those days most people in the hobby thought it nearly impossible to care for many of the species of coral now commonly kept. It was only through the encouragement of a local public aquarium (the John G. Shedd Aquarium) whereas a high school student I was able to participate in collecting trips that I got the encouragement to experiment. I started out with Robert Straughan's books back in 1970 which both helped to get me in trouble and helped me grow as an aquarist. both In those days there was an awful lot of trial and error. Later in the late 70's I helped to pioneer some techniques when I worked for the Steinhart Aquarium in San Francisco. In those days in San Francisco I worked for one of the largest marine fish wholesalers in the world. We had a lot of shipments that went off to Germany and now I wonder if some of the species that passed through my hands ended up in the hands of the authors. Somewhat of a revolution went of in the hoby in the 1980 thanks in part to the efforts of the Germans. Thankfully the hobby is now much more of a discipline and a lot more humane. It is quite amazing how far the hobby has come. I am sure the hobby will continue to evolve. This is a pricey book but it is a pricey hobby and this book is one of the best, if not the best, books on the subject available. The best place to start with the hobby is a book like this one.
Helpful books.......2001-12-10
In some reviews the two volumes of "The Reef Aquarium" have been named "the bible of reef aquarists". This makes you expect a lot, but my expectations have not been disappointed in any way. Describing the natural habit at in the coral reef, explaining the established reef aquarium systems or introducing the suitable aquarium inhabitants - in these two books I found it all. Even here in Germany those two books are known as a German translation, and they're successful.
The Questions Are Answered.......2001-12-05
This book should be an example by which all other marine and reef aquarium books follow. Current and relavant information from cover to cover. This is the stuff you need to know if you are serious about being successful in this hobby. Great book but a great group of people.
Book Description
This second volume in the series features the anemones and soft corals associated with reefs, detailing their biology and husbandry requirements, and featuring numerous species descriptions, with the benefit of wonderful color photographs. Also featured is new information regarding parasites in reef aquariums, and captive culture of anemones and soft corals. The book finishes with another section featuring more stunning images of reef aquariums around the world.
Customer Reviews:
A Must for any Salt Water Aquarium Household.......2007-07-13
My husband took a dive into the Saltwater Aquarium world. ALL of Sprung's books are a must have. They have a lot of info and definitely is a great resource. Well worth the price. It has been referenced many times throughout the saltwater aquarium evolution.
not a beginner book.......2006-03-09
This book goes indepth about the anatomy and physiology of mushrooms, soft corals and anemones. Not a great reference guide for choosing specimens for your It tends to generalize by family and/or genus vs species. If you are new to saltwater and are looking for a reference to choose items for your tank this would not be my first choice.
THE reference for that field.......2005-10-06
Just like the vol. 1, that is a must-have book. Please note that the vol. 3 should be released late Nov. 2005.
Emmanuel, Los Angeles CA
One of the best of the best vol.2.......2005-05-16
This volume of the series covers the soft corals and sea anemones; very important topics indeed for reef aquarium. The two books together are still not complete as there are many organisms found in a reef aquaria still not covered. In this series. A fine glossary accompanies this book. Much of what I had to gleen by trial and error and by reading arcane publications over the years is covered in this book. Approachable to the beginner yet a lot of substance for the expert.
The Reef Tank Bible Part Two.......2002-10-22
With volume one and volume two, what more does a reef aquarist need? Answer: Volume Three !
Product Description
This colorful photographic field guide describes about 1,200 species of common invertebrates, fishes, reptiles and mammals that occur on and around the world's coral reefs and mangroves. 6-1/2" x 7", 478 pages, 1,300 color photos.
Customer Reviews:
A Diver's Guide to Reef Life.......2007-09-17
A Diver's Guide to Reef Life
Comment by Stephen Wong, Marine Wildlife Photojournalist
I used to believe that biologists (or people who knew much of science) did not make the prettiest images, while dedicated photographers were merely trying to paint aesthetic pictures but didn't know a lot about the scientific part of their subjects. I am sure the biologists could shoot extremely well but they just didn't have the time to create the pretty photos, as their time spent would be doing much research in lab and field. At the same time, wildlife photographers could be stellar ecologist but simply lack the proper background training to discuss seriously the scientific side, or the photographers could know in-depth biology on only a few subjects but not many. Gee, am I wrong! "A Diver's Guide to Reef Life" by Andrea & Antonella Ferrari has changed my steretypic perception.
This 480-page 16cm X 18cm book delivers a wealth of scientific knowledge plus a full load of exquisite images. There must be at least 828 species (I counted) of the more encountered and diver-interested marine creatures' discussed and over 1,200 species of animals deftly composed in the book. Not only the general distribution and sizing of the subjects are talked about, the animals' individual habitats and their intrigue life habits are discussed. The ID shots for the `science' section are more than adequate as the pictures clearly show the species' colors, shapes and unique features so that viewers can immediately locate and relate to. The life habits section and the galleries (many beautiful images) are my most favorite. I am learning a lot from these two areas, plus from the underwater photo-tips that the Ferraris stated in each family introduction.
Besides the more popular diver-quested subjects, such as sharks to the jeweled pygmy seahorses, the book also covers subjects that may be of less interest to most divers, like the corals, sponges and sea squirts. Though these are not talked in-depth, the authors have used ample images to let the readers compare to what they see in their dives - a criteria for a good guide book. The Ferraris also have dedicated a small section on the dangers that the ecosystem now faces and suggested a list of `Don'ts' for everyone to help to preserve the fragile reef.
"A Diver's Guide to Reef Life" is a book that makes nature lovers learn more about the denizens of the seas and the relationships with each other. With interesting marine science balances eye-savvy images, be the book placed on the shelf for educational purposes or bringing it on dive locations for reference, I highly recommend the book for everyone and all resorts.
If you need ONE book, this is the one!.......2007-06-27
This book is the most used book in the library at Raja Ampat's Sorido Bay. It seemed that whatever we were looking for, was in this book. Now I have to resolve the spelling quirk for Thysanozoon. Who is correct? The Ferrari's or the others? Also, a big plus for this book...it stays open wherever you put it, while you are researching all your finds. The construction is ingenious.
Top Guide.......2007-06-18
ANDREA AND ANTONELLA FERRARI have spent years amassing the photographs and information contained in A Diver's Guide to Reef Life, and it shows.
With 1200 tropical species, ranging from coral polyps, gorgonians, sea squirts, sponges, nudibranchs and all of the main fish groups, this is a truly comprehensive work, and probably the only reef guide most divers will need to take with them on a trip.
Covering the Red Sea, Indo-Pacific and many Caribbean species, the book comes in a handy, almost square format with just three species per page, allowing good-sized images of high quality.
The authors describe each species carefully, and where possible give information on behaviour to assist with identification. For example, the reader learns that the orangeband surgeonfish (Acanthurus olivaceus) "can switch its main body colour from dark olive to tan to dark blue in seconds" and that there are 40 different species of triggerfish. One section shows juvenile specimens of some of the commonest fish, demonstrating how unlike their adult forms they can be.
Photographically, Reef Life is excellent, with every shot a genuinely representative view of the animal or fish described. The book also contains a good general introduction to coral-reef ecology, and titbits of information are spread throughout the text: "94 million tonnes of fish are now taken globally each year, compared to 19 million tonnes in 1950."
The Ferraris also produced the Macrolife Guide to Underwater Malaysia, in my opinion the best of its kind. Now they have created an indispensable companion volume that will serve every diver well.
Tim Ecott, author Neutral Buoyancy: Adventures in a Liquid World
One of the better guides to marine life.......2007-06-06
As a marine biologist as well as an author and photographer of marine life books, I am very selective in my choice of those that end up on my shelf. I am particularly critical of books with a global scope as these invariably include only a small fraction of what lives in any particular area. These books usually include only what the photographer happens to have good photographs of rather than what is important. This book is an exception as the authors have included many excellent photographs taken by others. In doing so the authors have managed to pull together 1200 of the most important and interesting species, all with concise information on distribution, habitat and behavior. No book of this kind is immune from misidentification, but this one has fewer than most. It's a keeper. For those in the w. Pacific who want to dig deeper, please also check the following: Micronesian Reef Fishes: A Field Guide for Divers and Aquarists
Wonderful photo guide to reef life.......2007-06-04
I have A DIVER'S GUIDE TO UNDERWATER MALAYSIA MACROLIFE and was pleased to see this additional book by the Andrea & Antonella Ferrari. I find this book just beautiful and well researched. This book is superior to some other field guides seem slapped together without much substance. I see this as a great addition to my library. You may also be interested in the following book: Coral Reef Guide Red Sea (Coral Reef)
Average customer rating:
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Biodiversity Dynamics and Conservation: The Freshwater Fish of Tropical Africa
Christian Lévêque
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
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ASIN: 0521570336 |
Book Description
In order for biodiversity to be conserved, it is important to know how and where diverse populations of plants and animals exist, to understand the effects of human impacts on them, and to find the means by which these impacts can be lessened and even reversed. While tropical systems are known to be among the most diverse and most threatened globally, tropical freshwater systems have been neglected, and the tremendous variety of fish, amphibians, invertebrates and plants that live in them are poorly known yet seriously threatened. This comprehensive book brings together a wealth of information on the fish of tropical African systems, and discusses how these systems evolved, what holds them together, and what is tearing them apart.
Book Description
Literally hundreds of different tropical freshwater fish are shown in vivid color photos and described for aquarium hobbyists. Readers will also find information on general aquarium maintenance. More than 300 color photos. Titles in the Compass Guides series are handsome and practical quick-reference sources for pet owners, pet fanciers, and aquarium and terrarium hobbyists. Books feature brief descriptive profiles of their subject animals, each profile consisting of a color photo, the animal's place of origin, its basic housing and feeding needs, and its physical traits and temperament. In addition to the profiles, each Compass Guide also contains general information on animal species and their families. 200-to-300 color photos and index.
Customer Reviews:
Great reference book........2007-09-23
This book has may types of fish profiles, including many popular aquarium fish, and great pictures. It has the nifty plastic jacket, which anyone with a fish tank will appreciate. It is a small enough book to bring with you to the fish store, and informative enough to make you glad you brought it.
Not too bad.......2007-09-23
An OK book that is very brief in its details of fish species and occasionally slightly inaccurate with regards compatibilities. Very nice pictures that get it an additional star from me just because they make species identification a lot easier than some of other books. It has a nice plastic cover for those times when you're reading and dripping at the same time and is handily pocket sized for taking to the shops with you.
Great Book.......2007-05-24
Not a lot of detailed info, but it's a great visual reference guide. I love it and it's cheap!
Very helpful for the new aquarist.......2007-03-10
As someone new to the hobby, this book helped me tremendously in selecting not only what fish I could and should put in my new fish tank, but helpful tips as to how I should care for them (Ph levels, water temps, compatible types, etc.). I reviewed this book and read "The Essential Freshwater Aquarium" guide; both books help ensure that my first try as an aquarist results in a healthy environment for my fish. I was so impressed by the A to Z Guide that I bought one for a friend who has kept fish for over a year but was mixing fish indiscriminately without regard to the size of her tank or the type of fish already in the tank. We both now have a high enthusiasm for our aquariums and consult the guide before any new fish purchase. Highly recommended for new and experienced aquarists.
Tropical Freshwater Aquarium Fish.......2007-02-20
This books fits our needs quite well. It is appropriate for our 7-year old son while at the same time provides details an adult reader would find interesting and useful.
Average customer rating:
- Dissapointing and bloated, but has nice pictures
- A good resource for the cichlid lover.
- An important book for the cichlid specialist
- Every Fish But...
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The Most Complete Colored Lexicon of Cichlids: Every Known Cichlid Illustrated in Color
Herbert R. Axelrod
Manufacturer: TFH Publications
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Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 086622422X |
Customer Reviews:
Dissapointing and bloated, but has nice pictures.......2002-12-15
I got the Lexicon with the idea that it would prove to be a useful identification tool for the various species and strains of cichlids I keep. In that sense, the book is fairly successful - there is a plethora of beautiful photos of many, many species.
There are some serious problems with this book though. The most glaring problem is that Axelrod, in at least two instances, has printed two copies of the same photo and called the specimen two different species !!! He uses the same photo, just reversed, for Aulonucara jacobfreirgei as he does for another Aulonocara sp. Same thing with two species of Apistogramma.
Another dissapointing feature about this book is the information content of the text - there isn't any. Axelrod's favourite topic in the text is himself. Axelrod is more interested in telling us about how important he is and about how much influence he has had on the aquarium hobby than he is in providing useful biological information. Oftentimes the text more resembles the ramblings of a senile old man than a scientific discussion of the species in question. Additionally, the length of the text could have been considerably shortened by replacing the often lengthy sentance about who described the species and when with the taxonomic standard of putting the name of the species' author(s) and the year of description behind the species name.
My final beef with this book is the poor taste of the author is his discussions of the classification of cichlids(actually, rants is probably a better description). Axelrod repeatedly poo-poo's the works of cladists (Axelrod calls them splitters)- challenging cladistic theory is all well and good, but in most instances the criticism is in the form of a snide comment about the other author or their classification. Never is any evidence provided to support Axelrod's claims/criticisms - one is left with the impression that the reason Axelrod opposes a new classification is simply that it is new and different than his ideas. Some of Axelrod's comments border on slander - this should never have been allowed to go to print.
The Lexicon had great potential, but overall it is a bloated, arrogant work. With proper editing it would have been much more useful. If you want a book with nice pictures, than this book is OK - just dont read anything in it :-)
A good resource for the cichlid lover........2000-12-14
I have to admit I was a bit disappointed when I got this book. It wasn't that the book wasn't good, but it simply wasn't incredible, which is what I expected.
The book does a good job of describing the major families of cichlids. Detail is provided about where they come from, what the environment there is like, and general information about the temperment of that family of fish.
Unfortunately there isn't always details about each individual fish.
The book provides a color picture of most fish, although the quaility is sometimes lacking. Unfortunately many fish are featured with only a color drawing, which in my opinion simply doesn't do the fish justice.
This is definetely a great gift for the cichlidiot!
An important book for the cichlid specialist.......1998-09-26
I purchased the first edition of this book as soon as it was available. It contains photos and drawings of as many cichlid species as possible. It attempts better than any other book to include every known cichlid. If you have purchased a cichlid species and want to identify it or confirm the name you purchased it under, this book is useful. There is a wealth of information on the hobby history of species and husbandry information on some. General information from introductory books about cichlids is seldom repeated here. There are species covered that have not been bred, or even never imported as aquarium subjects. Information will of course be sparse. Well known information about common species is omitted, but little-known information is here . If you will have only one cichlid book in your library, and want basic information, this is not that book. If you want several cichlid books, this should be one of them. And of course if you want the one book with the most cichlid pictures and the most cichlid listings, THIS IS IT. I enjoy Dr. Axelrod's observations and opinions. I've read a number of books and magazine articles by him, and you may have to reread and read other works of his to appreciate them fully. Dr. Axelrod has been very influential in the development and directions the aquarium hobby has taken since the fifties. I would give this book another star, but the first edition which I have is already missing some newly imported species and there are some cichlid photos I'd like to see replaced . That's probably not fair of me since there will always (I hope) be new species introduced to the hobby and better photos taken. If you want a good introductory book, I suggest THE CICHLID AQUARIUM by Dr. Paul Loiselle. I prefer the organization and index of the first edition of Dr. Loiselle's book, but either one is a find for the new cichlid enthusiast.
Every Fish But..........1998-04-09
If you want a book that shows you a picture or a drawing of every cichlid that there is then this book is for you. BUT if you want to learn about the fish you see then this book is not for you. It mentions very little in the way of behaviour, eating habits etc. If you want to keep cichlids in an aquarium, rather than go out and catch them, then this book isn't for you. I was very disappointed after I bought the book. It shows lots of very beautiful pictures but tells you little more.
Amazon.com
Covering tropical marine fishes of the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, Florida, the Bahamas, and Bermuda, this field guide by C. Lavett Smith (curator emeritus, Department of Ichthyology, American Museum of Natural History in New York) sets the tropical-fish standard. There are 417 truly magnificent color photographs evincing the glories of the coral reefs and full-text descriptions for more than 400 species, each with its own range map. In addition, the guide includes maps of the regions, more than 100 fish anatomy illustrations, and close to 800 more brief species descriptions. Easy to use and understand, lightweight, and sturdily constructed for travel, the field guide is a great boon for one's snorkeling or scuba-diving vacations. --Stephanie Gold
Book Description
The most comprehensive field guide available to the tropical fishes of the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, Florida, the Bahamas, and Bermuda. All 417 photographs are in full color, capturing the natural beauty of the fishes on coral reefs and other habitats of tropical marine waters. The species photographs are keyed to full text descriptions of more than 400 species, each with its own range map. The text also includes brief coverage of nearly 800 additional species. Detailed endpaper maps, precise black-and-white drawings, and an illustrated family key supplement this authoritative and visually stunning resource.
The National Audubon Society Field Guides group species according to taxonomy and shape. Helpful thumb-tab silhouette keys make identification quick and easy.
Customer Reviews:
The Best, As Always.......2007-05-13
The Audubon Field Guides are the best there are. Every category of book is well documented and the glossy photos are fabulous. I buy these books for my 11 year old son. He enjoys reading them so much that I count his time spent as credit for our homeschool science course.
disappointing.......2006-03-20
Although there are many fishes accounted for, it has quite a few that are missing, and it would be helpful if more showed pictures of the difference between adult and juveniles.
OK, But Paul Humann's Book is Much Better.......2005-01-21
A few years ago, I bought the Audubon Society Field Guide to Tropical Marine Fishes and found when I tried to use it in the Florida Keys that there were many fish I couldn't identify. People recommended I buy Paul Humann's book, "Reef Fish Identification." The book is more expensive, but I found it to be far more comprehensive and user friendly. For example, many fish look entirely different when in their "juvenile," "initial" or "terminal" phase, and the "Reef Fish Identification" book has clear photos of each of the three stages shown beside each other, and frequently includes photos of alternate color phases as well. The Audubon book usually just shows a picture of the fish in just one phase, and often not a terribly good photo at that. Next to each photo in the Humann book is an excellent line drawing of the fish, highlighting and labeling which features of a fish are most dependable for identification. The Audubon book includes no such diagrams to aid identification. Finally, the Humann book is based upon both an extensive bibliography and collaboration with field biologists, and if the detailed descriptions in his book of definitive features for discriminating species of fish are correct (and experienced scuba divers tell me they are correct) then some of the pictures in the Audubon guide are actually even misidentified as to species. For example, the Audubon picture labeled as a "Leopard Goby" is almost certainly a picture of an "Orange-sided Goby" (if the Humann book is correct about dark lines outlining the orange rectangles being a reliable discriminating feature). If there were no other reef fish identification book available, I would have given the Audubon book more stars, I am usually a great fan of the Audubon Field Guide series, but in comparison with the Humann book it just doesn't rate very well. I should add that I have never met, nor have any private or professional association with, the author of either of these books, so my opinion is not biased by any such affiliation.
Finally, I should add that I am pleased nevertheless to own both of these books because, for many species of fish, fish of the same species can be found in a wide variety of colors and patterns, so you can never study too many photos to get a handle on the range of appearances possible for any given species. Buy the Humann book if you can just afford one book, but owning both books is even better!
Necessary installment........2004-07-07
The Audubon Guide to Tropical Marine Fishes is used for identifying brightly colored fish that are most likely to found in the open ocean or on reefs. This guide is different from its predecessor, "Audubon Guide to Fishes" in many ways. First off, the range is quite different, containing a wider variety of fish. This book also takes up where "Fishes" left off. There were so many species to cover that there needed to be more explanation in a second book, "Tropical Marine Fishes".
So, this is the correct field guide to take along on a scuba trip to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Florida, or other places that the guide covers. Since it is much smaller than "Reef Fish Identification" by Paul Humann, it is much easier to carry along in a smaller pack, and one does not have to worry about the bulkiness of other guides.
Now for the content: There are over four categories of fish, including : bass like fishes, sharks & whales, and Eels. The butterflyfish and damselfish are the most colorful part of the entire guide. There are a nice amount of frequently seen sharks talked about here, but not as many as in "Audubon Guide to Fishes, Whales, and Dolphins", which is a follow up. So, if you basically want a straightforward guide to saltwater fish, take a look at this and the original Guide to Fishes.
The best one out there.......2002-01-21
This is the best book I've seen for identifying fish in this region when snorkeling, diving, or tide-pooling. I own & use several, but if you're only going to buy one guide, this is the one to get.
The illustrations alone would make this better than anything else on the market. Most guides rely on artists' renderings or studio photographs of dead fish. This book illustrates each of over 400 species with a close-up color photograph of a live fish in the water. Incredible.
The lay-out is good for identification; fish are grouped together by shape. That means you don't have to know much about fish to quickly look up something you saw. You can then cross-reference it to a complete description.
The physical manufacture of the book is also a plus. Its small size and flexibility make it almost unnoticable in luggage or a beach bag. It's also a little water-resistant: my copy has seen more than its fare share of dunkings, and still acts like a book instead of a soggy mess.
Of the few criticisms I have of this book, one would be that the index isn't too good (if Rainbow Runner isn't listed under "R", then where is it?). This isn't too much of a shortcoming, though, given that a field guide is usually used to identify species by appearence, not the other way around.
If you plan on observing fish in this region, I highly recommend this book.
Customer Reviews:
well worth the money.......2002-12-13
a great book with good information my only complaint would be that it does not cover a wide variety of species.
Fabulous Illustrations &.......2000-04-18
This book is really great for the person that loves a big book with wonderful color pictures. It's one of those books you can just sit down for hours and look at all the beautiful pictures and detailed information of each tropical fish listed. There's also a detailed illustrated guide on how to set up a home aquarium and a list of common illness and treatments for sick fishes. I highly recommend this book for any aquarium enthusiast!
Customer Reviews:
Excellent reference for identification of my species in Pacific area.......2007-08-01
Easy to use and identify your photographs, particularly for an experienced diver used to identifying many types of fishes
Excellent fish guide for the Pacific.......2007-07-12
I used this guide while diving in Western Pacific Islands and it was extremely helpful - species easy to pinpoint in the groupings provided and the excellent ID photos made correct species identification very easy. I will strive to buy all the rest of their publications.
Essential reef guide for the Asian Pacific region........2006-08-01
This is an outstanding fish ID manual for the Pacific and Indian ocean region. It beats out others books of a similar nature with the number of photos (6 on every page for a total of over 2,500 pics) and the helpful identification notes below each pic along with the average size of the fish, localised habitat(if any)and pictures of the juvenile fish alongside the adult as well distinguishing feature between male and female forms and arrows pointing to distinguishing marks between similar fish of the same species. Fish are easily found from a photo you took or memory, as it places them into 20 identification groups according to body shape. The pictures are not quite the same quality as The Asia Pacific Reef Guide by Helmut Debelius but they are good enough. Unlike most books of this type it is fish specific so does not include any pics of molluscs, crustaceans, cephalopods, nudibranches, corals or other denizens of the ocean. You have to go to his Reef Creatures ID book for that in the excellent 3 volume Reef Set. Great book, highly recommended.
One of the best out there!.......2006-07-11
This book revolutionised fish ID in the tropical South Pacific when it first came out. We live and work in Fiji in the marine environment and have 4 of these on our shelf (for use of staff in the field as well as office)
The only drawback we find is the bizarre choice of common names. There are already a plethora of other books out there with common names fairly well established in Fiji by Lieske&Meyers. Seems to follow more of an Australian theme for these than the prevous Paul Humman books which use the American common names.
But overal a MUST for any diver who visits the Tropical Pacific. If you use it in conjunction with Lieske&Meyers then if you don;t find the fish you're looking at, prepare to be published!
Great ID book.......2006-06-01
This book is great! It uses full color photos and even has tips to help distinguish between similar fish. It is rather big and may be difficult to travel with, but has tons of great information.
Book Description
The aim of this book is to help aquarists recognize signs of illness so they can identify and resolve problems. Divided into three sections, the first focuses on health and husbandry, describing the signs of a healthy fish, anatomy and general care; the second provides signs of diseases and health problems and is cross-referenced to section three, which covers the treatment of diseases and health problems. Illustrated throughout with top-quality color photos, the book is an invaluable reference for novice to experienced fishkeepers.
Customer Reviews:
An excellent handbook. .......2006-08-18
Is an excellent book for a quick reference and for starting a fish keeper hobby.
Very thorough.......2004-02-21
I wish that I had this book to read before I started my freshwater tank. It is amazing how difficult it is to find good and reliable source of information. This book covers just about everything. Detail is great - it is very comprehensive about the diseases and treatments, and what's even more important - Causes. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in keeping their fish healthy and stress-free.
Great reference.......2001-10-12
This little book is actually a gem. It covers a variety of fish illnesses with an introduction that addresses standard care. Unfortunately, some of the medications that it recommends are difficult to relate to the American market, as it was written in the UK. That, and perhaps the lack of more photographs, are the only two complaints that I have. Overall, I recommend this book for the beginner and the professional!
Great book to have in your collection!.......2001-08-10
One of the best books I purchased. Although I really hate to use it (means fish are sick) it is very informative. In fact, I had more information than my local pet store.
Good luck finding some of the cures.... some can be very difficult. Overall great reading!
A Helpful Book!.......2000-07-22
This book should be required reading for anyone setting up an aquarium for the first time because the author carefully explains how to create the type of environment that will keep your fish healthy.
I needed the book to determine the cause of sickness that was killing my fish. I was able to determine the cause, disease, and solution to my problem in twenty minutes. I learned more about fish and aquariums from this book in one reading than I had picked up from friends and fish store owners in three years.
I highly recommend this book to anyone with an aquarium problem.
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