"Reef Fishes - Volume 1: A Guide To Their Identification, Behavior, and Captive Care" by Scott W. Michael takes the form of five announced volumes in a series, to be followed by a final photographic index of all species previously covered. If this first book is any indication, this series of reference guides will set the standard for many years to come regarding the identification, behavior, and captive care of our marine pets. I give this book a 10, and recommend it to anyone that has or is thinking about having a saltwater aquarium or reef tank system.
- Description - 624 pages with over 1058 full-color photographs and illustrations, and the Foreward written by Dr. John E. Randall, Senior Ichthyologist Emeritus of the Bishop Museum in Honolulu, Hawaii.
- Price - Moderate to high range.
- Publisher - T.H.F. Publications; Co-Published by Microcosm Ltd.
- ISBN # 1890087211 (Hardcover)
- ISBN # 1890087459 (Softcover)
With "Reef Fishes - Volume 1" Scott Michael has undertaken a challenge that has long eluded the marine aquarium publishing community. That challenge has been to produce a work that not only provides vibrant and startling photographs, but to also guide the neophyte as well as advanced aquarist. At once I was impressed with the overall "feel" of the work. Heavy bond and glossy paper make this a book to withstand the test of time, not to mention the occasional splashing that usually occurs when using reference books. The layout and composition are excellent and the text of this volume is divided into four basic chapters, enabling the reader quick and painless access to the information required.
In this book Scott has established a concise format that allows the reader to acquire valuable background on all reef fishes prior to focusing on the specific species being researched. Topics include the reef ecosystem, survival adaptations, predator/prey relationships and a unique, inside look at the fishes history and anatomy. Following chapters deal with taxonomy or the classifying of reef fishes, giving family names as well as subfamilies to each. Coral reef inhabitants occupy the next full chapter. Many charts and diagrams are provided to help illustrate Mr. Michael's observations as well as magnificent photographs, relevant to the topics being discussed. Once having read and absorbed this background, the reader is next to discover the true value of this endeavor; the individual aquarium needs and requirements for the fishes themselves.
Each family covered details these important topics: classification and biology, food and feeding behavior, social organization, sexuality and reproduction followed by captive care. Captive care outlines feeding within a closed environment, compatibility and troubleshooting. Each sub-family is then broken down with it's own photo representation and pertinent information.
All in all, "
Reef Fishes - Volume 1" is an obvious labor of love by both the author and publisher. There have been many photo and coffee-table books regarding reef fishes. Never before though have I seen so much information contained and presented in such a manner. This series of books, commencing with Volume 1, holds the promise of filling a gap long endured by the aquarium trade and the marine hobbyist.
Scott Michael has achieved what many other divers and research marine biologists have only touched upon. By combining his love for the oceans and reefs with his intimate familiarity with the subject matter, we the marine hobbyist finally have the tool we need to accurately and intelligently acquire new pets and better care for those we already have. Thank you Scott for your vision, and thank you Microcosm for bringing that vision to print.
~ Don Carner
About the Author: A coral reef researcher, one of the world's leading underwater reef photographers, a lifelong marine fishkeeper and former aquarium store owner, Scott W. Michael is highly regarded as an authoritive expert on the behavior and care of reef fishes. He is a regular contributor and columnist for
Aquarium Fish Magazine, and has served as a scientific consultant to National Geographic Explorer and the Discovery Channel. Other popular books he has authored include "Reef Sharks and Rays of the World", "Aquarium Sharks & Rays", and the bestselling "Marine Fishes" PocketExpert Guide.
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