Product Description

Over 500 photos of tropical freshwater, coldwater freshwater, tropical marine and tropical freshwater fishes.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1186702 in Books
• Published on: 2004-08-23
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 72 pages

From Library Journal
This illustrated, compact guide provides general information on the choice and care of fish, natural habitats, required aquarium conditions, and specific details on freshwater and marine tropical and coldwater fishes. Data for each species include family, common name, maximum adult size, physical characteristics of species, habitat, range, geographical distribution, peculiarities of species, alternative names, and a small, attractive photograph showing the male of the species. Key identification features are labeled; diet requirements, temperament, and tank levels where a particular fish dwells are described. Though this handbook is modestly priced in comparison with Nick Dakin's Macmillan Book of the Marine Aquarium ( LJ 8/93), the physically larger Macmillan volume gives more information on each species and fuller detail on the required aquarium conditions and suitable accompanying fish. Still, this book would be useful as a circulating volume for general collections where needed. --Judith B. Barnett, Pell Marine Science Lib., Univ. of Rhode Island, Kingston
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Here's a handy guide that does what Dorling Kindersley's Eyewitness Handbooks do best: use pictures to give readers the information they want and need. In glorious full color, 500 marine and freshwater fish are pictured clearly and large enough to make this an identification manual that fish keepers won't want to be without. The fish are grouped into four general categories (tropical freshwater, cold-water freshwater, tropical marine, cold-water marine), then by family and species. Accompanying each clearly labeled photograph are brief remarks about habitat, behavior, and coloration; a small distribution map; and horizontal bar graphs supplying at-a-glance information on diet, temperament, and size. Mills doesn't provide enough for those setting up a tank for the first time, but the tips with which he leads off his text will start novices in the right direction. Stephanie Zvirin

Customer Reviews

Good Refference
This is a good quick reference guide & has has a good collection of species & varieties. You couldn't raise any fish from the information in this book - but it certainly makes choosing those right for you aquarium a little easier.

Beautiful photos, not enough info
This is a handy little guidebook that features very high-quality photographs (it's another DK book) of just about every aquarium fish you are likely to encounter. It is useful primarily for those looking to distinguish their Five-Banded Barbs from their Checker Barbs or their Madagascar Rainbowfish from their Siamese Tigerfish - i.e. it is a book for fish nerds. I do recommend this book for the enthusiast and the beginner alike, however the beginner should not rely on this book alone as it does not provide nearly enough information on setting up the aquarium, choosing compatible fishes, and trouble-shooting. My main criticism is that while the design and layout of the book, and the large, clear color photos of the fish, makes it a pleasure to read, it provides only very basic information about each fish. For some unknown reason, the critically important subject of water chemistry and temperature is practically ignored. I also find it disturbing that the author does not really indicate which fishes are good for the beginner, and which are more fragile, and suitable only for more advanced aquarists. This is an unfortunate exclusion given the fact that so many fish languish and die in tanks owned by inexperienced people who lack the knowledge to properly choose and care for them. If you're looking for information you can really use, there is not much point in learning to distinguish between 500 different varieties of fishes, but not knowing which of those fishes you would be most likely to be able to keep successfully (taking into account such factors as your level of skill/experience, local water chemistry, the size of the tank etc.). Still, it's worth a look.

Great for the price.
I thought that this book had some great information for the new aquarium owner. The pictures were also great. However, if you know a little about aquariums, don't get this book thinking you'll learn many new things. The pictures and the explanations about types of fish were great but not enough fish were covered.