A book in the PocketExpert Guide series, "Marine Fishes" authored by Scott W. Micheal profiles over 500 of the most popularly kept species in saltwater aquariums. We have had this book since it was first published and find it to be an invaluable resource we continually refer to. This publication is a quick and easy to use reference that is full of need-to-know information to learn about fish before you buy them, or that you may already have in your aquarium. A must-have book for any hobbyist.
- Description - 448 pages with full color photographs throughout.
- Price - Moderate range.
- Publisher - Microcosm Ltd.: "Like a field guide to marine aquarium fishes, the PocketExpert Guide offers a quick reference for identifying, buying, and keeping more than 500 popular species. Designed as a compact but authoritative handbook on the fishes most often seen and kept by marine aquarists, this widely acclaimed PocketExpert is a must-have reference for all saltwater hobbyists and professionals."
- Paperback - 1999 - ISBN #1890087386
Information Contained in "Marine Fishes"
- Scientific Name: The most current Latin name applied to the fish by the scientific community. Following the scientific name is the name of the "author". This is the ichthyologist or naturalist who formally described the species.
- Common Name: One or more common names are listed for each species.
- Maximum Length: This indicates the greatest length that an individual of that particular species can attain, or the longest ever recorded.
- Range: Notes the broad geographical area where each species occurs.
- Minimum Aquarium Size: This is the minimum suitable aquarium volume for an adult individual of the species.
- Foods & Feeding: Includes the type of foods generally preferred, and whether or not it may be difficult to initiate a feeding response.
- Aquarium Suitability Index: These ratings, ranging from a low of 1 to a top of 5, gives an indication of the durability, hardiness, and/or adaptability of each species.
- Reef Aquarium Compatibility: Whether the species will fit into a captive system containing corals, tridacnid clams, ornamental crustaceans, and/or other invertebrates.
- Captive Care: General comments on the relative desirability of the species as a marine aquarium subject, as well as traits and usual or unusual habits.
About the Author: As an underwater photographer for many years, Scott W. Michael is highly regarded as one of the world's foremost authorities on the behavior and care of reef fishes in aquarium systems. He regularly contributes articles to "Aquarium Fish Magazine", as well as having served as a scientific consultant to National Geographic Explorer and the Discovery Channel. He is the author of other popular books, such as "Reef Sharks & Rays of the World" (Sea Challengers), "Aquarium Sharks & Rays", and the "Reef Fishes" series.
Coming Soon from Microcosm Books: "Marine Invertebrates: 500+ Essential-To-Know Aquarium Species" PocketExpert Guide.
