NANFA-L-- OT: "Understanding tropical fish"


Subject: NANFA-L-- OT: "Understanding tropical fish"
From: Hoover, Jan J ERDC-EL-MS (Jan.J.Hoover at erdc.usace.army.mil)
Date: Sun Oct 10 2004 - 16:40:34 CDT


Sandford, G. 2000. Understanding tropical fish. Howell Book House, New
York, NY, 141 pp.
 
I found a copy of this book at one of the outlet stores. Have not had time
to read it cover-to-cover, but its one of the more unusual references that
I've seen. It is, essentially, a primer on the functional morphology of
fishes, using tropical species available in the aquarium hobby as case
examples. Some of the topics addressed are: coloration, fin structure and
function, hydrodynamics, how gills work, water regulation, how swim bladders
work, senses and sense organs (with separate digrams illustrating vision,
hearing, electro-reception, and lateral line), mouth structure and feeding
biology, reproduction, and "special strategies" like air-breathing and
electrical production. Native North American fishes are rarely mentioned
but the principles described are universally applicable to fish no matter
where they come from. Photographs are beautiful; diagrams are simple,
attractive, and easy to interpret; text is clearly written.
 
This is more than a short book on tropical fish. It is a concise, lively,
and entertaining introduction to the science of "Ichthyology."
 
I recommend getting this book. My copy was $4.00, but some retailers are
asking $14.99 (still a good price for a great addition to your fish
library).
 
- Jan Hoover
  Vicksburg, MS
 
 
 
            

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: Fri Dec 31 2004 - 11:27:41 CST