Books

The Reef Aquarium: A Comprehensive Guide to the Identification and Care of Tropical Marine Invertebrates (Volume 1)

Average customer rating:

Great advice
Wonderful Stony Coral and Clam Reference
Perhaps the best book on reef care
Helpful books
The Questions Are Answered

The Reef Aquarium: A Comprehensive Guide to the Identification and Care of Tropical Marine Invertebrates (Volume 1)
J. Charles Delbeek , Julian Sprung , and Charles Delbeek
Manufacturer: Ricordea Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Similar Items:

The Reef Aquarium: A Comprehensive Guide to the Identification and Care of Tropical Marine Invertebrates (Vol 2)
The Reef Aquarium: Science, Art, and Technology, Vol. 3
Aquarium Corals : Selection, Husbandry, and Natural History
Algae: A Problem Solver Guide (Oceanographic Series)
Reef Invertebrates: An Essential Guide to Selection, Care and Compatibility

ASIN: 1883693128

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.

The Reef Aquarium: A Comprehensive Guide to the Identification and Care of Tropical Marine Invertebrates (Vol 2)

Average customer rating:

not a beginner book
THE reference for that field
One of the best of the best vol.2
The Reef Tank Bible Part Two
Reef Bible Here

The Reef Aquarium: A Comprehensive Guide to the Identification and Care of Tropical Marine Invertebrates (Vol 2)
Julian Sprung , and J. Charles Delbeek
Manufacturer: Two Little Fishes
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Similar Items:

The Reef Aquarium: A Comprehensive Guide to the Identification and Care of Tropical Marine Invertebrates (Volume 1)
The Reef Aquarium: Science, Art, and Technology, Vol. 3
Reef Invertebrates: An Essential Guide to Selection, Care and Compatibility
Algae: A Problem Solver Guide (Oceanographic Series)
Aquarium Corals : Selection, Husbandry, and Natural History

ASIN: 1883693136

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:

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 !

Reef Bible Here.......2002-09-17

If you have any interest in keeping soft corals or mushrooms, this is the book you need. This coupled with Vol 1, is it for soft and stony coral care, propagation and tank setups. Only thing missing is talk on the fish and mobile inverts (aside from a few things) to go with this system. Great idea for Vol 3!

Average customer rating:

If you need ONE book, this is the one!
Top Guide
One of the better guides to marine life
Wonderful photo guide to reef life
A collection of surplus photographs.

A Diver's Guide to Reef Life
Andrea Ferrari , and Antonella Ferrari
Manufacturer: Nautilus Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Similar Items:

Dive: The Ultimate Guide to 60 of the World's Top Dive Locations (Ultimate Sports Guide)
A Diver's Guide to Underwater Malaysia Macrolife
Reef Life: Natural History and Behaviors of Marine Fishes and Invertebrates
Coral Reef Animals of the Indo-Pacific: Animal Life from Africa to Hawaii Exclusive of the Vertebrates
Reef Fish Identification - Tropical Pacific

ASIN: 9832731011

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:

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)

A collection of surplus photographs........2007-06-04

I have to commence by saying that the photography in this book is quite excellent. But that is all. It is neither perfect nor comprehensive (there are far more than 1,200 species in the sea!). This book is definitely "NOT" "The Marine Life Dive Guide to have," it not even "A Leading Guide," it is certainly not an "Awesome" book!" WHY? Because there are far too many errors and the product cannot, therefore, be trusted. Far too many creatures are wrongly identified.

Yes, Andrea & Antonella Ferrari are excellent photographers but!, during the past 9 years in which they have been photographing the underwater world, they have not learned enough about the creatures that are their subjects. There is far more to Marine Biology than taking a photo and looking up the fish in a book!

In short, the authors of this book do not appear to have any of the qualifications, knowledge or experience required to produce a so-called definitive guide to over 1,200 world-wide marine species.

Having found mistakes, I got the distinct impression this book was simply a collection of their own surplus photographs - good though they may be.

In short, if you are diving and you see something which is also found in this book, you will have to check that identification with a more reliable source before committing either common or Latin name to your logbook.

NM

Tropical Freshwater Aquarium Fish from A to Z (Compass Guides)

Average customer rating:

Great Book
Very helpful for the new aquarist
Tropical Freshwater Aquarium Fish
Great reference book
Nice current publication, great for quick reference while in the store

Tropical Freshwater Aquarium Fish from A to Z (Compass Guides)
Ulrich Schliewen
Manufacturer: Barron''s Educational Series
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Encyclopedia of Aquarium Plants

ASIN: 0764130560

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 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.

Great reference book.......2006-08-14

Lots of species, brief but thorough overviews, good photos, plastic slip-cover is a nice touch. Very handy book. Recommended!

Nice current publication, great for quick reference while in the store.......2006-02-15

I'm funny this way, but when I pick up one of these reference manuals to freshwater aquaria the first thing I do is check their write up on one or two fish that I commonly either don't see in print, or see with a badly mangled classification. The industry in general is prone to 'mickey mouse' publications containing only beginner information, dangerously incomplete information or just plain inaccurate information. They have pretty pictures, and never cover any variety of fish outside of what you would ever likely see in PetSmart.

This one was a pleasant surprise, containing not just good pictures, but species I had not seen in print before and accurate classifications of some that I frequently see incorrect. It is extremely common for fish to be imported under incorrect names, or named incorrectly in the fish store. It's nice to have a reference with pictures and profiles that helps you try to sort out if that adorable little guy in the store will turn into a 24" monster, shred your other fish, and destroy your plants because someone put the wrong label on the tank. And they do.

The book's main fault was that it was not long enough, although it contained many profiles. However it is a nice size for taking with you while browsing the local fish store and for the price it's a good choice.

My rating is 4 - because of the potential of this little book. I hope Barron's publishes new editions to keep the reference current adding and updating the species it lists.

One thoughtful detail - my copy was paperback, but with a clear plastic cover which protects it from the perpetually wet hands of an avid aquarium hobbyist.

The Tetra Encyclopedia of Freshwater Tropical Aquarium Fishes

Average customer rating:

well worth the money
Fabulous Illustrations &

The Tetra Encyclopedia of Freshwater Tropical Aquarium Fishes
Dick Mills , G. Vevers , D. Mills , and Gwynne Vevers
Manufacturer: Tetra Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Fish & Aquariums | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

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Veterinary | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1564651312

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!

A-Z of Tropical Fish Diseases and Health Problems

Average customer rating:

An excellent handbook.
Very thorough
Great reference
Great book to have in your collection!
A Helpful Book!

A-Z of Tropical Fish Diseases and Health Problems
Peter Burgess , Mary Bailey , and Adrian Exell
Manufacturer: Howell Book House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Manual of Fish Health: Everything You Need to Know About Aquarium Fish, Their Environment and Disease Prevention
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Encyclopedia of Aquarium Plants

ASIN: 1582450498

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.

The Fascination of Breeding Aquarium Fish

Average customer rating:

Awesome book for all 'breeders'.

The Fascination of Breeding Aquarium Fish
Herbert R. Axelrod , and Mary E. Sweeney
Manufacturer: TFH Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0866224084

Customer Reviews:

Awesome book for all 'breeders'........1998-10-30

This is a highly exclusive book and a really big one too! The main target group will most certain be experienced aquarists with an urge to do something more exciting with their aquarium pals. The book's size is, as mentioned, huge (13''x9'') and with some 450 pages. But you never get bored, every page got one or more color - photos in a sort of "feels-like-a-real-photo" quality. Dr. Axelrod and Mary E. Sweeney guides us through the spawning procedures for 160 different fish species, all in a familiar, storytelling way. This book do not have any info-bars or a system like the one you find in the Aqualog serie or in the great "All about Tropical Fish" by Derek McInerny, but if you read the spawning story about the specific fish, you will know all you need to know about your fish. This is not a newbe introduction however, but it got a great chapter about general care for the spawn with a special emphasis on food and feeding. The main part of the book is a learning experience in words and in pictures that can not be fully explained. Buy this book, you will not regret it!

Encyclopedia Of Exotic Tropical Fishes For Freshwater Aquariums

Average customer rating:

THE BEST BOOK REFERENCE
Truly exceptional book
A space filler book
Disappointing
A Very Good Reference but not Perfect

Encyclopedia Of Exotic Tropical Fishes For Freshwater Aquariums
Glen S. Axelrod , Brian M. Scott , and Neal (FWD) Pronek
Manufacturer: TFH Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0793805708

Book Description

The Encyclopedia of Exotic Tropical Fishes for Freshwater Aquariums is an inspiring resource. The book is separated into two sections, with the first part encompassing six chapters of both general and specific fishkeeping information and the second part offering detailed profiles of 1000 freshwater species. All fish enthusiasts will appreciate the down-to-earth writing style and superb images by some of the world's top photographers. This practical reference also features anatomical drawings, multiple tip boxes, and over 2800 full-color photographs.

Customer Reviews:

THE BEST BOOK REFERENCE.......2006-08-14

I HAVE WANTED THIS BOOK SINCE IT WAS PUBLISHED, AND WHEN I COULD
GET IT FROM YOU, I TOOK IT IMMEDIATELY. I FIND IT TO BE THE BEST
OF REFERENCE BOOKS AROUND TO DATE. THANK YOU.

Truly exceptional book.......2006-07-27

I enjoyed the book immensly. I read it in one day cover to cover all 900+ pages. Very informative and great pictures of fish. I have been a hobbyist for 20 years and I still learned something from it.

A space filler book .......2006-06-23

The author doesn't even include the temperature to keep the fish.

Disappointing.......2006-03-12

I wanted one great dictionary for reference as I just got started with my aquarium a few months ago. I found this to be badly indexed, and since it is alphabetical by Latin subspecies and then Latin name within it, they assume a great deal of knowledge right off the bat. Then you need to look up the common name in the index to find the latin name and my most common fish aren't even in there under common name (ie., Molly, Platy). Guppy is under "D" in the index, a typo for "G" - which makes me think this wasn't even proofread. I really didn't need information on freshwater fish like bass and pike, since those aren't aquarium fish, so don't understand who the audience is supposed to be. Many fish in here measure over a foot in length. I have an aquarium, I'm not going fishing.

A Very Good Reference but not Perfect.......2006-03-04

Unlike many previous Tropical Fish books from the Tropical Fish Hobbyist publisher that were not much more that an unorganized child's picture book, this Encyclopedia is well oganized and has a great common name and scientific name index. A desciption of the fish is on the left page with two corresponding pictures on the right page which makes for easy reading. I would rate this book 5 stars if the descriptions were more detailed. It leaves out temperature range, PH range, sexing information, etc. even though there is sufficient room in the description area for about 40% more verbiage. I recommend this book to be used in conjunction with the 4 Volume set of the Baensch Aquarium Atlas which provides much greater detail of each fish species.

Complete Introduction to Breeding Aquarium Fishes (Complete Introduction)

Average customer rating:

ok book but you can find better for same price or less
ok book but you can find better for same price or less
Breeding for fun or profit
Great pictures and highly detailed

Complete Introduction to Breeding Aquarium Fishes (Complete Introduction)
Herbert R. Axelrod
Manufacturer: TFH Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0866222944

Customer Reviews:

ok book but you can find better for same price or less.......2002-12-13

this book is ok for the beginner but i believe ther are beter books for the same price such as "tropical fish, the rising generation". the rising generation covers more species.

ok book but you can find better for same price or less.......2002-12-13

this book is ok for the beginner but i believe ther are beter books for the same price such as "tropical fish, the rising generation". the rising generation covers more species.

Breeding for fun or profit.......2001-10-12

Excellent first, or only, book on breeding the most common aquarium fish. Its all here - equipment, temperature, diet, and other master's secrets. You are sure to have success using this guide. And the price is great!

Great pictures and highly detailed.......2001-04-21

This book covers almost 30 of the most commonly held aquarium fishes giving detailed descriptions on each covering feeding, water parameters (pH, dH and temperature) and of course breeding. In addition, there are several pictures displaying each species including fry and eggs. All in all a good book which gets you started right away.

Tropical Fishlopaedia: A Complete Guide to Fish Care

Average customer rating:

Fasinating and thorough this is the book your fish want you to read.
Too Generic and Shallow
Decent Information but an English Language Disaster
Good Disease And Behavior Reference
Excellent Diagnostic Tool for Sick Fish

Tropical Fishlopaedia: A Complete Guide to Fish Care
Mary Bailey , and Peter Burgess
Manufacturer: Howell Book House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Aquarium Fishes of the World
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The Everything Tropical Fish Book
Dr. Axelrod's Mini-Atlas of Freshwater Aquarium Fishes

ASIN: 1582451664

Book Description

In a straightforward, accessible format, this book introduces the hobby of tropical fishkeeping, outlining what is required in order to set up the correct environment, and what varieties of tropical fishes will thrive in an aquarium. Detailed information on choosing equipment, setting up a tank, plant selection, and water chemistry is included. You also get comprehensive coverage of how to feed your fish and how to maintain their tank. With special sections devoted to signs and symptoms of disease and first-aid treatments, as well as breeding tropical fish, this book has everything for the beginning hobbyist and the more experienced fishkeeper.

Customer Reviews:

Fasinating and thorough this is the book your fish want you to read........2007-04-28

I disagree that this book is shallow. I've checked out dozens of books about fish... and bought several. This one had more information on actually taking care of fish than any other book in my public library. All the other books I have found on the subject have only a few first chapters on maintaining your aquaria. The whole rest of them are devoted to what is sometimes called "fish profiles" there is one or at best three pages devoted to a singular species. That may help a little if you haven't bought your fish yet, but you cannot buy every fish profiled. And those few pages will give only a very limited knowlege about whatever fish you decide on. There are entire books devoted to fish profiles called fish atlases which cover many more species of fish, they weigh a ton and are much better for selecting your tank inhabitants than a book that is half-manual, and half-atlas. Tropial Fishlopedia does not presume to be a fish atlas of individual species... In the books introduction pg.#8 at the begining of the second paragraph the authors say "This book deals with just one aspect of fishkeeping - the maintenace of freshwater tropical fish." and between the end of the second and begining of the third paragraphs, Chapter 3 pg.22 "A list of additional reading matter will be found in Appendix A.
We cannot stress too highly, or too often the need to research each species before deciding whether to keep it." It is unfair to complain that this book does not sufficently cover fish species when the authors make it so clear that this is not the aim of the book. It IS the most in-depth book on the MATINENCE of tropical freshwater aquariums that I have ever encountered. It delves into the facinating subject of your fishes behavior and motivation, how to observe your fish's actions and body language and interpret whether it is stressed by illness, tankmates, or simply preparing for mating. It covers water chemistry beyond just the 'nitrogen cycle'. It has taught me more about fishkeeping than all the other aquarium books I've ever read in my life and I'm not even halfway through this book! No, it isn't a stiring novel or an exciting cliff-hanging adventure. But it is a good book. The longer words seem carfully choosen so that the meaning is clearest to it's reader. If you care about your fish and think that the pleasure they give you is worth the effort of learning to keep them healthy... if you find aquariums facinate you and trigger your curiosity... if you just feel that your fishkeeping thumbs are brown instead of green and that you must be content with looking at a friends tank because you are not gifted or lucky enough to keep alive fish of your own... if any of these situations describe you, you may find Tropical Fishlopaedia thoroughly satisfying.

Too Generic and Shallow.......2006-07-09

This book is too generic and lacks the most important thing which is practical advice. One can find some useful information how to start a tank but lots of other books and websites can tell you the same things. The authors did not address in deapth the most important aspects the fishes and their diseases. They tried to encompass a wide spectrum of questions but did it in a shallow way. The book does not tell you anything interesting about individual fishes and does not provide practical assistance in identifying and treating diseseas.

Decent Information but an English Language Disaster.......2005-04-06

This book contains some useful information but the majority of it is far too shallow and fague. The writing within this book is a grammatical disaster. The author's writing style is convoluted, unneccessarily wordy and repetative. While this author may know a great deal about fish she is not a great (or even satisfactory writer). Anyone who has a slight sense of correct English or the fluidity of writing will get a headache from reading this.

Good Disease And Behavior Reference.......2005-01-15

This book is a good reference resource for general problems that may arise for the beginner to intermediate fishkeeper. Ms. Bailey sets up several chapters such as what behaviors are "normal" for certain species. There's another chapter dedicated to fish diseases. She describes what they are. Another portion of the book is dedicated to environmental causes of problems, such as temperature, osmotic stress, etc. Treatment plans are always offered. What is most helpful with this book is that it is set up in a question/answer format with the questions in bold font. The most important, albeit brief chapter, is how to euthanize a very sick fish. Many books ignore this. Ms. Bailey outlines when it is time to do this and how to do it quickly. She also outlines which methods are actually cruel and should be avoided.

This book isn't really for those who want to learn about individual fish or plants. But, don't let that deter you from purchasing this book. It would be a valuable companion to any fish hobbyist's library!

Excellent Diagnostic Tool for Sick Fish.......2004-07-25

The first two sections of this book provide thorough information on the basics of successfully setting-up a tank and maintaining an aquarium. The real gem is the third section which covers fish health including how to prevent disease, determine what's ailing your fish when it is sick and how to treat the illness. This is one of the few books I've seen which stresses the use and how to set-up a quarantine tank. This book has helped me save more than one fish in my tank and is worth the price for that alone.

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