Fishes as pets and aquaria Books

Book SynopsisEverything the first time fish-keeper needs to know to set up a tank. Clear, easy-to-follow instructions help you create and develop your aquarium - whether it''s coldwater, tropical or marine. Charts and tables show how to deal with ailments and diseases, and there''s a guide to the most common fish. There are profiles of over 100 tropical, marine and coldwater fish, as well as plants and invertebrates.Table of ContentsIntroduction 6; 1 What type of aquarium do you want? 8; Coldwater, tropical or marine?; styles of aquarium; cost implications; the demands on your time; conservation and care; your duty; 2 Choosing and locating the tank 22; Aquarium size; aquarium designs; tank construction; aquarium furniture; positioning the aquarium; 3 Equipment 32; Filtration; aeration; heating; lighting; 4 Aquarium Decoration 50; Materials; plants; aquascaping; 5 Setting up your first aquarium 80; Safety issues; water preparation; tank set ups, step by step; tank maturation; 6 Water Quality 100; Water testing; the nitrogen cycle; new tank syndrome; 7 Choosing the fish 114; Fish adaptations; compatibility; buying fish; freshwater fish profiles; introducing fish; 8 Basic fish care 162; Feeding; cleaning regimes; equipment maintenance; problem solving; 9 Health Care 176; Fish anatomy; what makes a healthy fish; disease diagnosis; treating sick fish; quarantining; 10 Breeding 188; Fish reproduction; seperating fish; fry rearing; 11 Marine fish care 198; Marine basics; marine equipment; marine decor; salt mixing; tank set ups; livestock profiles; Index.

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Book SynopsisHenry Gilbey is a well-known angler, and his love for fishing has led him to write numerous books, present various programmes, take incredible photographs, and offer invaluable advice on this subject. His work takes him all around the world to seek out the most photographic places to fish. He also writes and photographs for numerous publications including The Field, Sea Angler, Trout Fisherman, and many others.

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Book SynopsisAt last, a fantastically illustrated new addition to the classic nature guide series.A Golden Guide to Sharks, like all the books in the series, presents a general overview of its subject in accessible prose, illuminated by detailed illustrations of the species discussed. It''s directness enables it to be appreciated by young and mature audiences alike.

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Book SynopsisJUDGY FISH GAME - Judgy Fish by Brass monkey is the ultimate party game for adults who prefer their fish served with a side of sass! Say goodbye to boring old 'Go Fish' and hello to a hilariously competitive game where players compete to craft the best (aka, funniest) insults imaginable for hundreds of overly-critical fish. These aquatic critics are hell-bent on mercilessly judging everything in sight, and it's up to you to bring the laughter! From cheeky quips to downright savage burns, it's a battle of wits where no one is safe from the sharp tongues of the Judgy Fish. INCLUDES - Suitable for 2 to 4 (or more) players, this game pits friends against each other in a battle of wit and humor. With 75 double-sided Fish cards, 150 Sentence cards, and 150 Object cards, the possibilities for roasting are as vast as the ocean itself. So gather your school, sharpen your insults, and let the Judgy Fish reign supreme in a game night that promises laughter as deep as the sea! GREAT FOR PARTIES - Judgy Fish by Brass Monkey is a hilarious and interactive experience that keeps everyone engaged and entertained, making it the perfect icebreaker for any gathering. Plus, with its easy-to-learn rules and quick gameplay, even newcomers can jump right in and join the fun. So whether you're hosting a small get-together or a raucous bash, this game is guaranteed to keep the laughs flowing and the good times rolling all night long.     PERFECT FOR GIFTING - Perfect for anyone with a sharp wit and a love for hilarious party games, Judgy Fish is the ultimate gift for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion. It's a refreshing break from typical gifts, offering hours of entertainment and bonding with friends and family. Plus, its unique concept and easy-to-grasp gameplay make it suitable for players of all ages and backgrounds. So if you want to give a gift that's guaranteed to bring joy and laughter, look no further.     BRASS MONKEY - We bridge the gap between kitschy roadside souvenirs and elegant fine china, offering a curated collection of well-designed products infused with a delightful sense of humor. Our mission is to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, crafting items that seamlessly blend functionality with whimsy. From quirky guides to stylish essentials, we specialize in creating must-have treasures that add joy and personality to everyday life.

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Book SynopsisCANVAS TOTE - Say goodbye to boring old bags and hello to a hilarious homage to vintage fish artwork. Each fish is sporting its own unique personality and a wink that says, I'm ready for my close-up! It's like taking a trip to the aquarium, but without the smell of fish food. Perfect for carrying your essentials with style and a splash of humor, this tote bag is sure to make waves wherever you go. Perfect for grocery runs or beach days, this tote bag is sure to turn heads wherever it travels. VINTAGE INSPIRED - Featuring a delightful collection of retro fish artwork, each fish is a whimsical masterpiece that adds a touch of nostalgia to your everyday carry. These vintage fish images are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and a surge of envy from anyone who sees them. It's like carrying a part of the ocean with you wherever you go, adding a splash of color and charm to your ensemble. HIGH QUALITY - Made from durable canvas material, it's built to withstand the rigors of dail

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Book SynopsisThe essential reference guide to keeping the most popular pet species and breeds, including hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, rabbits, birds, reptiles and fish, with more than 750 photographs

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Book SynopsisClear step-by-step photographs and easy-to-follow instructions for planning, building, stocking and maintaining your aquarium.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Sharks, Skates, and Rays of British Columbia is an indispensable guide to an incredible and misunderstood group of animals. In addition to a guidebook that will introduce BC residents to the many fascinating species that live in or visit our waters, this book also contains an introduction to key scientific and conservation principles associated with sharks and their relatives. Full of great information and beautiful photographs, this book is a must-have for marine biologists and fish lovers alike!" -- Dr David Shiffman, Marine conservation biologist, former Simon Fraser University Liber Ero Postdoctoral Research Fellow"The more we come to know about and appreciate the lives of some of our lesser-known sea creatures the better we, as a society, can protect theirand ourfuture. Kudos to Gordon and Jackie for the considerable time, effort, and expertise that goes into generating such a publication, and Andy's photographic vision that brings the species to life. The smart use of "Quick Bite" references allows us a glimpse of the importance of these species to local First Nations and provides the reader with meaningful local coastal connections. I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity read this and realize it will be valuable to researchers, commercial fishermen, and the publicespecially children." W.E. Lorne Clayton, Executive director, Canadian Highly Migratory Species Foundation, and co-owner, IEC International"Who knew that there could be so many different sharks, skates, rays and chimeras in British Columbia waters! This eye-opening handbook and field guide, which combines amazing photographs and insightful species information, provides just the type of information most valued by divers, naturalists, commercial and sport fishers, fish biologists and managers, or indeed anyone interested in marine life. Sharks, skates and their relatives are truly fascinating creatures, and this handbook highlights their diversity off the west coast of Canada." Dr. Steven Campana, Professor of Fisheries, Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Iceland"Detailed, thorough, comprehensive and wonderfully illustrated. This compendium of up-to-date information on sharks, skates, rays and chimaeras of British Columbia is authored by well-known and respected scientists with a wealth of personal experiences and expertise. The background biological information is easily understandable, the treatment of each species provides a guide to understanding the unexpectedly wide and surprising diversity of this group of animals in Canadian waters, and the exceptional photographs by Andy Murch make this a standout addition to any library for scientists and non-scientists alike." Dr. Jeffrey C. Carrier, Professor emeritus of biology, Albion College, and senior editor of Biology of Sharks and Their Relatives"The authors have assembled an impressive compendium. After spending a lifetime at sea commercial fishing, I find this book provides valuable insight for ecological and fisheries scientists, managers and resource harvesters to consider when assessing how best to conserve and sustain these important species. The authors' contributions to this subject reflect years of experience and dedication to improving our understanding and relationship with aquatic ecosystems." Brian Mose, Executive director, Deep Sea Trawlers Association" Sharks, Skates, Rays and Chimeras of British Columbia is a long-overdue book on a diverse group of species found on our coast. This handbook is accessible to any reader and strikes the perfect balance of scientific detail, history, conservation, imagery and useful facts. Despite the comprehensive review, it left me contemplating how little we truly understand. Anyone interested in the natural history of British Columbia's marine life should have this on their shelf." Scott Wallace, Senior research scientist, David Suzuki Foundation

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Book SynopsisA home aquarium seems a peaceful place. Gazing at its inhabitants as they swim slowly through their small universe is a soothing, even hypnotic, experience. But this seeming tranquillity is only surface deep. Like their wild counterparts, these tiny...Trade Review'A book written for hobbyists that is also useful for professionals.' Well, yes, this might be one: written by an ethnologist to popularize facts from the scientific literature. * Fisheries *Although serious and scientific in tone, the book is written in a way that even high school students working on a science project could understand. Reebs also describes some experiments that could be replicated in a home aquarium... Recommended for all public libraries as well as high school and college libraries where there is interest in behavioral ecology or fishes. * Library Journal *Stephan Reebs provides a delightful, brief, and accessible answer to any who may doubt the complexity and sophistication of the behavior of fishes.... I found the book thoroughly enjoyable and highly educational. I imagine it will appeal to both aquarists and academicians and to anyone else captivated by the behavior of our aquatic relatives. Reebs does an excellent job of describing the academic research that has generated our current knowledge and does so with an infectious sense of wonder at the remarkable behavior of fishes. -- Tamra C. Mendelson, University of Maryland * Copeia *Another top book for inquisitive anglers. Reebs is a professor of biology at the Universite de Moncton, Canada, and an avid fish collector, experimenter, and aquarium hobbyist. Through Reebs describes the sensory systems of fish, he dwells primarily on social aspects of fish behavior, including their learning abilities, feeding behavior, and spawning. Though directed to a broad audience of fish fans, this book hold many insights into understanding game fish. -- Steve Quinn * In-Fisherman *The acoustic world of fishes, their sense of touch at a distance and the ability of some to interpret and exploit electric and geo-magnetic fields will be unfamiliar to many, but no longer to anyone with access to this book... Many reading Reebs's book will be struck by the parallels between the behavior of fish and those of 'higher' organisms such as birds and mammals. Fish Behavior is a fine and well-referenced book; it teaches us to look at our fellow vertebrates with a new respect. -- Richard Shelton * Times Literary Supplement *This attractive little book was written by Reebs primarily for the benefit of aquarium owners and other fish fanciers.... Reebs, through his superb writing ability and clever illustrations, has done an outstanding job. * Choice *

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Book SynopsisPart science, part environmental history, and part personal journey of the author, Michael K. Steinberg, and those he interviewed during his travels. The work takes a broad perspective that examines the status of brook trout in the eastern United States, employing a ‘landscape’ approach.Trade ReviewThis multifaceted book is part personal memoir, part recovery narrative, part road travelogue, part environmental and natural history, part love letter to moving waters, and part fly fishing adventure. An excellent book!" - Robert DeMott, author of Angling Days: A Fly Fisher's Journals

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewMargery Harnick joins the pantheon of extraordinary photographers. In her latest book, dedicated to those exotic, mysterious, and gloriously beautiful Japanese koi, she captures the almost religious essence of these mythic creatures. And Sheldon Harnick's haiku verses celebrate a culture which, incredibly, traces its origins to Paleolithic times. -- Harold Prince (Producer, director)In this masterful book, Margie, Matt and Sheldon Harnick weave together their disparate crafts. Through their luminous photos and his beautiful poetry, they frame the mighty Koi and get after its essence. You'll never see Koi fish the same way again. -- Lin-Manuel Miranda (Creator: "Hamilton")This book of astonishing photos of koi by Margery, transformations by Matthew and haiku by Sheldon Harnick is easily the most exquisite family endeavor i ever saw. That this gorgeous book was created by a family is testament to what we could all do if we were all family in this way. I haven't stopped talking about this book, these images and their power. You have to see it! -- Marsha Norman (Playwright, librettist: "night, Mother", "The Color Purple")Margery and Sheldon Harnick bring the exuberance of their 51-year marriage to this vibrant exploration of the exotic koi fish, a spectacular photographic journey that captures the couple's shared enthusiasm and bottomless spirit. Along with their son Matthew, the Harnicks uncover the enduring myth and mystery of the koi, with colorful portraits and enchanting prose. -- Marlo Thomas (Actress: stage, screen, television)Sheldon, Margery and Matt Harnick's "KOI" is lyrically and visually beautiful, timelessly poignant and teeming with magic and joy. I defy you not to see the world with fresh eyes after you've experienced this heaven-sent dose of enchantment. It is a total treat for the heart, mind, and eyes. -- David Rockwell (Architect, set designer)Koi: A Modern Folktaleis a magnificent read, and the exquisite photographs by Margery Gray Harnick and Matt Harnick help elevate the book to a higher level. It truly transports the reader to different realms, and it touches their reading audience on an emotional level, thus leaving them in total awe of the koi. -- Markos Papadatos, Digital JournalThis is a delightful book that can be enjoyed by readers young and old. It would make a fantastic gift. -- Beth Fish ReadsA lovely new legend mimicking the stories of old, with absolutely stunning photographs, that brings the wonders of koi to readers of all ages. -- Feathered Quill Book Reviews

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Book SynopsisAquaponics is a revolutionary system for growing plants by fertilising them with the waste water from fish in a sustainable closed system. This definitive do-it-yourself home manual gives you various tools you need to create your own aquaponic system and enjoy healthy, safe, fresh and delicious food.Table of ContentsIntroduction; The Soviet Example; Superpower Similarities; The Collapse Gap; Collapse Mitigation; Adaptation; Career Opportunities; Conclusion; Index.

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Book SynopsisFeaturing a variety of card-sized prints of hard-fighting bluewater game fish, this exquisite card collection reproduces the beauty of these sublime creatures. With six species of fish--the blue marlin, sailfish, swordfish, bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna, and dolphinfish--this card set makes a perfect gift for passionate inshore and offshore anglers. Each illustration is reproduced from an original painting, finely printed on high-quality paper stock, and presented in a colorful and sturdy keepsake box.

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Book SynopsisFeaturing an array of the most popular freshwater gamefish of the United States and Canada, this exquisitely reproduced 18-card collection is an ideal set for a passionate angler. Illustrated in magnificent detail and based on photography from more than 20 years of traveling and fly-fishing the continent, each elegantly printed set contains six distinct freshwater gamefish. From the largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, and muskellunge, this attractive assortment--complete with a handsome box and envelopes--is the perfect gift for any fishing aficionado.Trade Review"Amazing illustrations... [His] fish shimmer on the pages." -- Publishers Weekly"Tomelleri's illustrations just have to be seen to be believed." -- John Gierach, author of "Trout Bum""Stunning." -- David Allen Sibley, author, "The Sibley Guide to Birds""The best fish illustrator I've ever seen. Period." -- Gary Soucie, Audubon Magazine"Magnificent. His illustrations are exactly right." -- Nick Lyons, author, "Full Creel"

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Book SynopsisTable of ContentsIntroduction 1 About This Book 1 Foolish Assumptions 2 Icons Used in This Book 3 Where to Go from Here 4 Part 1: Getting Started with Freshwater Aquarium Basics 5 Chapter 1: Taking the Plunge: Just the Essentials 7 Focusing on the Tank, Stand, Accessories, and Equipment 8 Knowing where to put your tank 8 Looking at the tank and stand options 9 Figuring out what (besides fish) to put in your aquarium 9 Considering aquarium equipment 9 Determining what you really need 10 Caring for Your New Aquatic Pets 10 Eyeing differences in species 10 Assessing which types of fish are best for you 10 Buying fish — what you need to know 11 Feeding your fish — what types of food to buy 11 Taking care of sick fish 12 Understanding Water, Chemicals, and Live Plants 12 Grasping everything water 12 Using chemicals to improve your aquarium conditions 12 Testing your water 13 Getting a system going 13 Adding live plants 13 Fixing common problems 13 Expanding Your Aquarium Hobby 13 Breeding your fish: Yes or no? 13 Keeping track of your progress 14 Broadening your hobby 14 Contemplating other types of aquarium structures 14 Chapter 2: The Practice of Aquarium Keeping 15 Recognizing the Amazing Benefits of Owning an Aquarium 16 Identifying Aquarium Water Systems 18 Freshwater systems 19 Saltwater systems 21 Brackish systems 22 Organization Is the Key to Success 23 Chapter 3: Finding a Good Location 25 Making Sure Your Floor Is Sound 26 Taking Room Temperature and Its Effects into Consideration 26 Wicked windows 27 Deadly doors 28 High Traffic Areas, Children, and Pets (Spell D-I-S-A-S-T-E-R) 28 Contemplating Your Water Source When Placing Your Aquarium 30 Thinking about Other Household Items 30 Furniture and space 30 Electrical outlets and TVs 31 Overhead lighting 32 Cleaning considerations 32 Chapter 4: The Tank and Stand 33 Buying a Tank: What You Need to Know 33 Water is heavy 34 Watching the tendency to overspend 35 Checking out starter kits 35 Size matters — gauging space requirements 36 Taking people into consideration 37 Deciding where to buy 38 Examining the Different Types of Aquariums Available 39 Glass aquariums 40 Acrylic aquariums 41 Plastic aquariums (bowls and small tanks) 42 Rimless tanks 42 Considering Different and Unusual Aquarium Styles 43 Wall-mounted aquariums 43 In-wall tanks 43 Furniture aquariums 44 Tower aquariums 44 Indoor pond barrels 45 All-in-one tanks 45 Betta tanks and water gardens 45 Special tanks from the pros 45 Choosing the Right Tank 46 Tank size 46 Tank shape 47 Carrying capacity 47 Picking the Right Stand 47 Wooden cabinet stands 48 Angle and wrought iron stands 48 Aluminum stands 49 Do-it-yourself stands 49 Material-based stands 49 Bow-front stands 49 Moving an Aquarium 50 Chapter 5: Aquascaping Your Aquarium: What to Add and Not Add in Your Tank 51 Taking Clues from Your Fish’s Natural Environment 52 Getting the Lowdown on Substrates 53 Starting with the basics: Gravel, aqua soil, and fluorite 54 Thinking about pH with your substrates 54 Knowing which substrates to avoid 55 Being aware of gravel size and the perils of sand 56 Adding new substrate to your system 56 Using established substrate 57 Considering Rocks, Wood, and Artificial Plants 57 Rocks for freshwater tanks 58 Wood for a freshwater tank 58 Plastic plants 60 Contemplating Other Aquarium Decorations 62 Keeping safety first 62 Eyeing plastic divers and other oddities 62 Aquascaping Tips and Tricks 63 Chapter 6: Selecting the Equipment and Other Stuff Your Aquarium Needs 67 Taking the Mystery out of Filters 68 Mechanical filtration 69 Biological filtration 69 Chemical filtration 70 Sifting through Filtration Systems 70 Undergravel filters 71 Sponge filters 71 Corner filters 72 Power filters 72 Canister filters 73 Fluidized bed filters 74 Diatom filters 74 Wet/dry filters 75 Natural filtration with plants 75 An underground filter’s best friend — powerheads 76 Gauging Heaters and Thermometers 77 Submersible heaters 77 Nonsubmersible heaters 77 Digital heaters 77 Heating your aquarium: Thermometers 78 Making Bubbles with Airstones and Pumps 79 Air pumps 79 Airstones and other bubble makers 80 Connecting Tubing, Valves, and Tees 81 Air-line tubing 81 Gang valves and tees 82 Creating the Best Lighting 83 Looking at bulb types 84 Making a hood choice 85 Part 2: Taking a Closer Look at Fish and How to Care for Them 87 Chapter 7: Fish Anatomy 101 89 Understanding What Makes a Fish Go 90 The dorsal fin 90 The caudal fin 91 The anal fin 91 The pectoral fins 92 The pelvic fins 92 The adipose fin 92 Swimming movement 92 Breathing In and Out — Respiration 93 The gill method 93 The labyrinth organ method 94 Getting Acquainted with the Senses 95 Sight 95 Hearing 97 Smelling 97 Tasting 97 Feeling 98 Comprehending Osmosis and the Salt-to-Water Ratio 98 Fish that don’t drink water 99 Fish that need to drink water 99 Recognizing Traits to Identify Fish 99 Body shape 100 Taxonomy 100 The swim bladder 102 Color and its purpose 102 Chapter 8: Figuring Out What Kind of Fish to Buy 105 Looking Closer at Freshwater Fish 106 Anabantids 106 Cyprinodonts and livebearers 108 Catfish (plecos, cories, and one special Cypriniforme) 112 Characins 114 Unusual characins 117 Loaches 119 African cichlids 120 American cichlids 121 Cyprinids 125 Freshwater tropical invertebrates 127 Contemplating Coldwater Fish and Invertebrates 129 Koi (Cyprinus carpio) 129 Goldfish (Carassius auratus) 129 White cloud mountain minnows (Tanichthys albonubes) 132 Coldwater invertebrates 132 Thinking about Captive-Bred Species 134 Buying Fish Online 135 Chapter 9: Working with a Fish Dealer to Purchase Your Fish 137 Choosing a Quality Fish Dealer 138 Searching for a fish store 138 The importance of great service 140 The store’s appearance 140 Dealer Practices: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly 142 Do Bee dealers 143 Don’t Bee dealers 143 Wanna Bee dealers 144 Developing a Good Relationship with Your Fish Dealer 145 Selecting Healthy Fish 145 Start simply and do your homework 145 Look for signs of good health 146 Know your fish’s behavior 146 Understand how big the fish will grow 147 Avoid the first fish off the boat 148 Don’t be Doctor Doolittle 148 Getting the Right Fish without Going Overboard 149 Chapter 10: Feeding Your Wet Pets — Diet and Nutrition 151 Understanding Basic Nutrition 151 Recognizing what your fish need 152 Being aware of overfeeding 153 Underfeeding is just as bad 153 Feeding just what your fish need 153 Knowing What Type of Eater You Have 155 Taking action when they stop eating 155 Meeting your carnivores’ desires 156 Going leafy and feeding vegetarians 156 Feeding fish that eat anything that falls into the tank 157 Identifying the Different Types of Food 157 Prepackaged foods 157 Frozen foods 158 Freeze-dried foods 158 Spirulina 159 Live food — the stuff they really love and want 159 Brine shrimp 160 Infusoria 161 Rotifers 161 Tubifex, bloodworms, mosquito larvae, and earthworms (yuck!) 161 Feeding Fry 162 Microworms 162 Liquid, powdered, and growth foods 162 Chapter 11: Recognizing Diseases and Treatments 163 An Ounce of Prevention 163 Your daily review 164 Your weekly to-do list 165 Monthly checklist 168 Identifying Common Ailments and Cures 168 Common bacterial infection 169 Constipation 169 Dropsy 169 Fin rot 169 Fish louse 170 Freshwater velvet 170 Freshwater ich 170 Fungus 171 Gill parasites 171 Hole in the head 171 Intestinal parasites 172 Large skin parasites 172 Mouth fungus 172 Pop-eye 172 Septicemia 173 Skin flukes 173 Slimy skin disease 173 Swim bladder disease 174 Tuberculosis (TB) 174 Keeping an Eye Open for Frequent Causes of Disease 174 Carbon dioxide poisoning 175 Poor water quality 175 Metal poisoning 175 Chemical poisoning 175 Improper diet 176 Overfeeding 176 Frightened fish 176 Relying on a Tried-and-True Home Remedy: Giving a Salt Bath 177 Playing Detective: The Sherlock Holmes Method 177 Using Quarantine Tanks 178 Grasping the purpose and advantages of quarantining 178 Knowing how much time to quarantine 179 Keeping good records: Writing it all down 179 Focusing on the tank 179 Setting Up a Hospital Tank 180 Understanding Medications 180 Part 3: The Background Players: Water, Chemicals, and Plants 183 Chapter 12: All Water Isn’t Created Equal 185 Comparing Different Water Types 186 Tap water 186 Rainwater 188 The advantages of bottled water (not Perrier) 189 Well water (don’t count on it) 189 Collecting Water from Bodies of Water (Why You Want to Forget This Bad Idea) 190 Adding Water to Your Aquarium 190 Using a garden hose 190 Using a Python 191 Moving water the old-fashioned way 191 Chapter 13: Considering Those Crazy Chemicals 193 Understanding Chemical Use 194 Knowing when to use (and not use) chemicals 194 Following instructions to the letter 194 Knowing Which Chemicals You Need to Start Your Aquarium 195 Glass cleaner 195 Dechlorinator 195 Water conditioner 196 Cycling chemicals 196 Bacteria in a bottle 197 Bacteria on a medium 197 Maintaining Your Aquarium: Chemicals to Use 197 Using the Right Chemicals for Your Plants 198 Create your own rainforest 198 Plant growth 199 Root tabs 199 Algae control 199 Naming Chemicals Your Fish Need for Medication 200 Chapter 14: The Nitrogen Cycle and Water Testing 201 Eliminating Fish Waste 201 Conditioning Your Tank 202 Starting the Nitrogen Cycle 203 Encouraging nitrosamonas (good bacteria number one) 203 Promoting nitrobacter (good bacteria number two) 205 Monitoring through the conditioning period 205 Speeding things up a bit 206 Preventing new tank syndrome 207 Testing Ammonia, Nitrites, Nitrates, and pH 207 Changing the water regularly 207 Maintaining proper pH levels 208 Testing Hardness (dH) 210 Chapter 15: Putting It All Together 211 Setting Up Your Tropical Freshwater System 212 Setting Up a Small Plant Tank 214 Setting Up Your Coldwater System 215 Setting Up Your Simple Indoor Goldfish Pond 216 Chapter 16: What You Need to Know: Live Plants for Aquariums 217 Understanding What Live Plants Do for Your Aquarium 218 Identifying Different Plant Types 220 Ferns and mosses 221 Floating plants 221 Stem plants 221 Rooted plants 221 Cuttings 222 Maintaining Plant-Friendly Aquarium Conditions 222 Temperature requirements 222 Substrate for rooting 223 Filtration 223 Feeding 223 Lighting 224 Other supplements 224 Purchasing and Transporting Your Plants 224 Taking from the wild 224 Buying from a dealer 225 Buying online 225 Getting plants home in one piece 226 Achieving acclimation 226 Noticing Potential Plant Problems 227 Recognizing signs of poor plant health and what to do about them 227 Algae 228 Medications 228 Planting Techniques and Aquascaping 229 Chapter 17: Choosing Plant Species for Your Tank 231 Considering Foreground Plants 232 Baby tears (Micranthemum umbrosum) 232 Brazilian micro sword (Lilaeopsis brasiliensis) 233 Cryptocoryne (Cryptocoryne wendetti) 233 Dwarf anubias (Anubias nana) 234 Dwarf four-leaf clover (Marsilia hirsute) 234 Java moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri) 235 Madagascar lace (Aponogeton fenestralis) 235 Pearl grass (Hemianthus micranthemoides) 236 Looking at Midwater Plants 237 Aquatic banana plant (Nymphoides aquatica) 237 Coffeefolia (Anusbis barteri) 237 Dwarf sagittaria (Sagittaria subulata) 237 Water wisteria (Hygrophila difformis) 238 Contemplating Background Plants 238 Amazon sword (Echinodorus amazonicus) 238 Carolina fanwort (Cambomba caroliniana) 239 Corkscrew val (Vallisneria spiralis) 239 Elodea (Egeria densa) 240 Giant anubias (Anubias barteri) 241 Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) 241 Oriental sword (Echinodorus oriental) 242 Red ludwigia (Ludwigia mullertii) 243 Red-stem milfoil (Myriophyllum matogrossensis) 244 Stargrass (Heteranthera zosterifolia) 244 Going with Floating Plants 244 Amazon frogbit (Limnobium laevigatum) 245 Duckweed (Lemna minor) 245 Envisioning Pond Plants 245 Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) 246 Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) 246 Starting with Some Easy Plants 247 Part 4: Breeding and Other Fun Stuff 249 Chapter 18: Being Prepared When Trouble Strikes 251 Tackling Physical Fish Problems 252 Separating fighting fish 252 Solving the aggression problem 252 Looking at the injured 253 Dealing with a stuck fish 253 Correcting Feeding Problems 253 Getting your fish to eat 253 Addressing a food hog 253 Dislodging items eaten by your fish 254 Cleaning up the aftermath 254 Addressing Equipment Problems 254 Handling uneven stands and tanks 254 Fixing a clogged filter 254 Analyzing heater problems 254 Lighting falling into the tank 255 Exploding light bulbs 255 Flickering lighting 255 Facing Tank and Decoration Problems 256 Checking for leaks 256 Getting your fish to safety 256 Repairing a small crack 256 When an entire side of your aquarium breaks 257 Uprooted plants and decorations 257 What to do when you lose power 257 Confronting Water Problems 257 Solving green algae problems 258 Controlling chemical problems 258 Cooling a tank that’s too hot 258 Warming a tank that’s too cold 259 Chapter 19: Setting Up the Breeding Tank 261 Deciding to Breed Your Aquarium Fish 262 Breaking new barriers 262 Gaining new knowledge and enjoyment 263 Conserving the environment 263 Choosing Your Equipment for Breeding 263 The aquarium 264 Putting a lid on the whole thing 264 Decorations 264 Substrate 265 Spawning grates 265 Turning up the heat 266 Filtration 266 Plants for safety, spawning, and inspiration 267 Getting the Water Right 269 pH and dH control 269 Water temperature 269 Cleanliness 269 Chapter 20: Ready, Set, Spawn 271 Introducing the Bride and Groom 272 Dealing with aggressive males 274 Setting up the second date 274 Yay, my fish really like each other! 274 Darn, my fish hate each other! 274 Understanding Breeding Types 277 Livebearers 277 The egglayers 277 Saving Everyone from Everyone Else 279 Saving Mom and Dad from Mom and Dad 279 Saving the kids from Mom and Dad 280 Saving the kids from each other 281 Raising the Fry 281 Stepping up to brine shrimp 282 Giving them a real home 282 Picking new stock 282 Understanding Genetics 282 Choosing the best 283 Obtaining variation the good way 283 Obtaining variation through mutation 283 Creating strains through inbreeding 283 Choosing the Right Species for You 284 Breeding livebearers 284 Other fun fish to breed 285 Chapter 21: Recording Data and Photographing Fish 289 Keeping a Logbook 289 Making Your Fish the Stars They Were Meant to Be 290 Knowing Where to Take Pictures 291 Photographing Your Fish with Digital Photography 292 Recording fish 293 Printing your work 293 Sharing your work online 294 Photographing Your Fish the Old-Fashioned Way 294 Film cameras 294 The film 295 Lenses 296 Considering Lighting 297 Relying on lighting 297 Making your fish shine 299 Focusing Your Camera 300 Understanding Composition Techniques 300 Using the rule of thirds 301 Panning the scene 301 Setting up for close-ups 302 Shooting the Tank 302 Building your own photography tank 303 Using different backgrounds 304 Chapter 22: Expanding Your Hobby in Fun Ways 305 Entering a Fish Show 305 Getting to Know the Types of Shows 307 Participating in exhibitions 307 Understanding competition classes 307 Preparing Your Fish for the Show 308 The holding tank 308 Water conditions 309 Tank considerations 309 Knowing what the judges are looking for 310 Transporting Fish to and from a Show 312 Remembering to Have Fun 313 Joining an Aquarium Club 314 Volunteering at an Aquarium or Zoo 314 Writing an Article 315 Setting Up a Tank for a Worthy Cause 316 Sharing Your Love of Aquariums and Science with Others 317 Chapter 23: Advancing Your Hobby: Other Types of Aquarium Systems 319 Trying a Brackish Aquarium Setup 319 Considering a Marine Aquarium System 320 Identifying the types of marine systems 321 Setting up a simple marine aquarium 322 Setting up a coldwater fish-only marine system 323 Comparing Freshwater and Saltwater Systems 324 Adaptability 324 Availability 325 Cost 325 Beauty and friendliness 325 Equipment 326 Part 5: The Part of Tens 327 Chapter 24: Ten Cool Aquarium Gadgets 329 Aquarium Claws (Those Handy Picker-Upper Doodads) to Move Decor 329 Algae Cleaners to Keep Dry 330 Extendable Fish Nets, the Long and Short of It 331 A Tool Box for Storing Stuff 331 Light Timers for the Win 332 Aquarium Sealer (Flood Insurance) 332 Aquascaping Tools to Make You a Star 332 Digital Water Testing Makes It Easy 333 Automatic Gravel Cleaners Do the Job 333 Aquarium Smart Controllers (Spy on Your Fish) 334 Chapter 25: Ten Ways to Kill Your Fish without Even Trying 335 Go Away on Vacation and Forget Them 335 Play Doctor without a License 336 Give Your Cat a Sushi Bar 336 Stuff Your Fish with Seven-Course Meals 337 Mix Apples and Oranges 337 Add Too Many Fish (the Shoehorn Syndrome) 338 Don’t Do Your Homework 338 Let the Neighbor’s Unruly Kid Play with Your Fish 338 Become a Hypochondriac Hobbyist 339 Buy Used or Cheap Equipment 339 Chapter 26: Ten Scientific Fish Laws 341 The Fish Law of Thermodynamics 341 The Fish Law of Metamorphosis 342 The Fish Law of Motion 342 The Fish Law of Anti-Matter 343 The Fish Law of Nutrition 343 The Fish Law of Company 344 The Fish Law of Potential Energy 344 The Fish Law of Psychic Felines 344 The Fish Law of Aggression 345 The Fish Law of Time 345 Chapter 27: Ten Aquatic New Year’s Resolutions 347 Feed the Fish the Good Stuff 347 Clean the Tank Frequently 348 Reduce Celibacy 348 Remove Algae 348 Monitor Filter Mediums 348 Turn on the Lights 349 Use My Test Kits 349 Pay Attention to My Fish 349 Redecorate the Tank 349 Share with Others 350 Index 351

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Book SynopsisDive into the wonderful world of saltwater fish Setting up and keeping a healthy, thriving saltwater aquariumand the gorgeous creatures that live within ittakes a lot more know-how than you might realize. Fortunately, this friendly and informative guide is here to make having a slice of the salty life in your own home easier than ever! This fully updated edition of Saltwater Aquariums For Dummies explains in plain English how to care for a variety of marine fish and invertebrates, upkeep a tank, feed your saltwater friends, and stay informed of the latest technology in luxury tanks! Understand aquarium set up best practicesMaintain a thriving aquatic environmentBuild the luxury saltwater tank of your dreamsBe inspired by a full-color insert Whether you're looking for basic information on how to set-up, start, and maintain a saltwater aquarium or alreadyown one and want to whet your appetite with the latest tips, tricks, and design ideas, this book covers the gamut! Table of ContentsIntroduction 1 Part 1: Getting Started with Saltwater Aquarium Basics 5 Chapter 1: Taking Your First Salty Steps 7 Chapter 2: Some Things Fishy 17 Chapter 3: Choosing the Best Fish for You 41 Chapter 4: Looking Closer at Invertebrates 67 Chapter 5: Going from the Dealer to Your Home 93 Part 2: Setting Up Your Aquarium 101 Chapter 6: Selecting the Best Aquarium That Meets Your Needs 103 Chapter 7: Figuring Out Filters 115 Chapter 8: Heating and Lighting Your Aquarium 141 Chapter 9: Decorating Your Tank — Fishy Furnishings and Finishing Touches 159 Chapter 10: Partial to Salt — The Brackish Aquarium 185 Chapter 11: Getting Your Aquarium Up and Running 193 Part 3: Taking Proper Care of Your Aquarium 201 Chapter 12: Tackling the Nitrogen Cycle 203 Chapter 13: Considering Chemistry: Salt, Acidity, and Gases 211 Chapter 14: The Lowdown on Algae 221 Chapter 15: Keeping Your Aquarium Clean and Handling Issues 233 Part 4: Caring for Your Fish 247 Chapter 16: Feeding Your Fish 249 Chapter 17: Preventing Stress 263 Chapter 18: Playing Fish Doctor — Diseases and Treatments 273 Chapter 19: Observing Your Fish 285 Part 5: The Part of Tens 293 Chapter 20: Ten Fish to Avoid 295 Chapter 21: Ten Invertebrates to Avoid 299 Chapter 22: Ten (Plus More) Simple Metric Conversions 303 Chapter 23: Ten Great Public Saltwater Aquariums 307 Part 6: The Appendixes 311 Appendix A: Additional Resources Every Saltwater Aquarist Needs 313 Appendix B: Glossary 317 Index 323

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Book SynopsisThe essential guide to creating your own underwater world.Sunken Gardens is packed with everything you need to plan, design, and maintain a planted freshwater aquarium. Karen Randall shares her years of expertise and makes this enchanting hobby accessible to everyone. You’ll learn everything from the biology of aquatic plants and basic aquarium chemistry to tank maintenance and troubleshooting. Plant profiles highlight the best options for a range of tank situations, and a chapter devoted to aquascaping styles provides basic design principles and inspiring examples. With hundreds of color photographs and clear, reliable advice, Sunken Gardens is an essential introduction to a fascinating pastime.

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Book SynopsisThe only constant in fishing is that the fish are still trying to avoid being caught as hard today as they were 100 or 1,000 years ago. To improve as anglers, we must be willing to change and evolve."It's More Than Fishing is a how-to guide for Texas coastal fishing that addresses a number of key aspects of coastal angling, including the basics of patterning, fishing the Texas surf, choosing lures and baits, and what to keep in mind when hiring a fishing guide. In addition to these how-to elements, It's More Than Fishing also includes insight and information from marine biologist anglers about coastal and marine conservation. Author Patrick D. Murray has spent more than two decades as a marine conservation professional, and he emphasizes the critical role of recreational anglers in protecting marine resources. Each chapter begins with a handy summary to guide readers through the information, making it easy to jump around.Throughout the book, Murray reminds the reader that angling is part science, but it's also part art. Similar to yoga, culinary pursuits, and martial arts, angling is an evolving skill that has been in practice for centuries. Successful fishing requires a mixture of knowledge, practice, patience, and skill. Murray believes that if anglers view their pursuit as an art, they will only invest in developing their skills, but their passion for fishing and ocean resources will increase along with their catches.Trade Review“Pat Murray is my favorite fishing writer. This book brings my appreciation of his writing to a new level because we get to see the man who passionately loves fishing and who even more passionately loves conserving fish and their habitat in his element. This book will not only give you deep insight into catching specks and reds, it will inspire you truly appreciate the God-given gift that is coastal fishing.”- Chester Moore, wildlife journalist and editor in chief, Texas Fish & Game “If you want to catch more fish out of the Gulf, proceed to checkout right now. Murray’s simple yet cerebral conversation delicately balances focused details with broad concepts that make you want to set the book down and proceed immediately to the boat ramp, but you can’t because the writing is so damn good. Witty, insightful, experience-driven and somehow loaded with fresh new perspectives on one of mankind’s oldest pursuits, this book is the ¼ oz. gold spoon of fishing literature.”- Jesse Griffiths, author of Afield, A Chef's Guide to Preparing & Cooking Wild Game & Fish “Pat Murray’s latest book is an articulate and ordered brain dump that will have any avid saltwater angler nodding in agreement. A pleasant and easy read that is a combination of how to and what to do with a valuable dose of conservation philosophy thrown in for good measure.”- Larry McKinney, senior executive director, Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies

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Book SynopsisWhile on vacation in 1980, biologist Barbara Brennessel and her family came across an amazing sight: hundreds of small silver fish migrating from the Atlantic Ocean, across a channel connecting two ponds in the town of Wellfleet on Cape Cod. She later learned that these tiny river herring were important for the ecology and economy of the region and that volunteers were counting fewer and fewer fish migrating each year.The Alewives’ Tale describes the plight of alewives and blueback herring, two fish species that have similar life histories and are difficult to distinguish by sight. Collectively referred to as river herring, they have been economically important since colonial times as food, fertilizer, and bait. In recent years they have attracted much attention from environmentalists, especially as attempts are being made, on and beyond Cape Cod, to restore the rivers, streams, ponds, lakes, and estuaries that are crucial for their reproduction and survival.Brennessel provides an overview of the biology of the fish—from fertilized eggs to large schools of adults that migrate in the Atlantic Ocean—while describing the habitats at different stages of their life history. She explores the causes of the dramatic decline of river herring since the mid-twentieth century and the various efforts to restore these iconic fish to the historic populations that treated many onlookers to spectacular inland migrations each spring.

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Book SynopsisThe second edition of Fishes of Arkansas, in development for more than a decade, is an extensive revision and expansion of the first edition, including reclassifications, taxonomic changes, and descriptions of more than thirty new species. An invaluable reference for anyone interested in the state's fish population-from professional ichthyologists, fisheries biologists, and managers of aquatic resources, to amateur naturalists and anglers-this new edition provides updated taxonomic keys as well as detailed descriptions, photographs, and line drawings to aid identification of the state's 241 fish species. There is also much information on the distribution and biology of each species, including descriptions of habitat, foods eaten, reproductive biology, and conservation status.This project and the preparation of this publication was funded in part by a grant from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

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Book SynopsisThis book is a comprehensive identification guide to the 222 species of fishes in Florida’s fresh waters. Each species is presented with color photographs, key characteristics for identification, comparisons to similar species, habitat descriptions, and dot distribution maps.Florida's unique mix of species includes some of the world's favorite sport fishes, the Tarpon and Largemouth Bass. This guide also features three species native only to Florida-the Seminole Killifish, Flagfish, and Okaloosa Darter-and the smallest freshwater fish in North America, the Least Killifish. Ranging from the panhandle to the Everglades, their habitats include springs, creeks, rivers, lakes, ponds, swamps, marshes, and man-made canals.As Florida's human population grows, the state's freshwater environments are being changed in ways that threaten its native fishes. This book provides important information on the diversity, distribution, and environmental needs of both native and nonindigenous species, helping us monitor and take care of Florida's water and its aquatic inhabitants.

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Book SynopsisLiving work of art, consumer commodity, scientific hero and environmental menace: the humble goldfish is the ultimate human cultural artefact. A creature of supposedly little memory and short lifespan, it has universal appeal. In ancient China, goldfish were saved from predators in acts of religious reverence and selectively bred for their glittering grace. In the East, they became the subject of exquisite art, regarded as living flowers that moved, while in the West, they became ubiquitous residents of the Victorian parlour. Cheap and eminently available, today they are bred by the millions for the growing domestic pet market, while also proving to be important to laboratory studies of perception, vision and intelligence. In this illuminating homage to the goldfish, Anna Marie Roos challenges the cultural preconceptions of a creature often thought to be common and disposable, as she blends art and science to trace the surprising and intriguing history of this much-loved animal.

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Book SynopsisFrom huge sharks to pet goldfish, there are thousands of amazing fish all over the world. Each type of fish is very different, but now you can find out exactly what makes a fish a fish!

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