This is an encyclopedia, not a book on how to set up aquariums. This book has decent pics (some pics are dead and dried fish which isn't all that helpful) and scientific classifications. It is great if you found a fish that you can't identify. For the most part, it will have any fish you are looking for...but every now and again, you will come across a fish not listed. Maybe this is because the book is a little outdated, but it is always good to have several encyclopedias anyway.
It does exactly what it is meant to do, which is identification of freshwater fish. It's split into regions, which makes it easy to find the fish you want. It also gives general information on all the fish using a key on the back of the book, so that you know things like if they are an egglayer or mouthbreeder. I am finding it very useful, as well as easy to use!
EXCELLENT
Exhaustive encyclopedia with thousands of pictures. Perhaps a little to large and unwieldy. Not a place on the lap and browse kind of book. Excellent reference, tho I wish it had the common names with the pictures and not at the back of the book. This may be due to space and numerous common names of certain fish. Also, some kind of indents on the edges separating areas of the world. I was a little surprise to find it did not have 3 of my wild Betta's listed and in some cases, picture quality could be better. Overall excellent but limited detail on fish species. L. SCOTT, OSAKA,JP
