Tropical Fishlopaedia: A Complete Guide to Fish Care

I really have enjoyed this book. It goes into detail on several points concerning aquarium fish that other books typically leave out. I learned something new every few paragraphs. It does lack a significant amount of pictures, but makes up for it with the amount of information that it includes. It has a what if...? section, on fish health, which is helpful. If you don't enjoy a lot of reading, this book isn't for you, however you may find it helpful, in that it gives you a heads up when information appears later on in the book, so you can skip ahead.

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.

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!

The information in this book is slightly hard to read, due to technical language, however, the content is thorough and very useful for the new aquarist. Covers only the essentials for tank set-up, but gives thoroughly detailed information about the different aspects of fish keeping. The authors have a genuine care for fish, and this is reflected in their writing of fish keeping standards. Very professional/practical advice.

This book is intented to be guide and/or mentor to the new aquarist, and an ally to the experience aquarist. It is not a picture book, but rather an excellent reference book that is easy to read. It guides the reader through the aquarium set-up what to look for and what to avoid. The types of fish that can be placed together and the accompanying plants. The section of "What ifs" answers many of the questions that a beginner may ask. The experienced aquarist will find it valuable as it brings the most current theories of fishkeeping to the front. The authors give advise how to solve the common and not so common problems, and will mention the implications of each approach. This is a book that will remain next to the aquarium at all times.