The Amphibians and Reptiles of New York State: Identification, Natural History, and Conservation

Book Description

This is the first guide yet produced to the amphibians and reptiles of New York State, a large and heavily populated state that hosts a surprisingly diverse and interesting community of amphibians and reptiles. This much needed guide to the identification, distribution, natural history and conservation of the amphibians and reptiles of New York State fill a long-empty niche. The book is the first comprehensive presentation of the distributional data gathered for the New York State Amphibian and Reptile Atlas project. With more than 60,000 records compiled from 1990-1999, this extraordinary and up-to-date database provides a rich foundation for the book. This volume provides detailed narratives on the 69 species native to New York State. With a heavy emphasis on conservation biology, the book also includes chapters on threats, legal protections, habitat conservation guidelines, and conservation case studies. Also included are 67 distribution maps and 62 pages of color photographs contributed by more than 30 photographers. As a field guide or a desk reference, The Amphibians and Reptiles of New York State is indispensable for anyone interested in the vertebrate animals of the Northeast, as well as students, field researchers and natural resource professionals.

Customer Reviews:

Finally .......2007-04-02

This Book is long overdue for those of us who had to consult with the online herp atlas everytime we needed to find out if a species had been recorded in a certain county. This book is set up and flows very nicely with excellent pictures and species accounts, habitat descriptions, counties of occurance, and so on. I have been very impressed already with this book and how much easier it will make things when I need New York based data for site evaluations and habitat assessment. This book is very informative and well written and my hats off to the authors for compiling all of the data used and keeping it readible. This book is an invaluable resource and is cheap enough to keep it accessible to everyone. A must have for anyone in NY that is interested in herps, some of the information is also valid for surrounding states.

The Garter Snakes: Evolution and Ecology (Animal Natural History Series, Vol 2)

Average customer rating:

An essential reference
The only "must-have" snake book
Any garter enthusiast will want this in their library

The Garter Snakes: Evolution and Ecology (Animal Natural History Series, Vol 2)
Douglas A. Rossman , Neil B. Ford , and Richard A. Seigel
Manufacturer: University of Oklahoma Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Garter Snakes and Water Snakes (The Herpetocultural Library. Series 200)

ASIN: 0806128208

Customer Reviews:

An essential reference.......2001-08-17

For anyone interested in garter snakes, this book is the Holy Grail. Its chapters summarize a tremendous amount of work done on the genus, and make this book the one reference to consult first when doing any research on garters. It covers all thirty species, including many from Mexico and Central America for which data is limited and that I had never heard of before. I'm very pleased with it, and refer to it often.

But bear in mind that this a scientific monograph. As monographs go it is surprisingly accessible, but it does not pull any scholarly punches, and some parts of it will be beyond some readers, particularly children. The species key, for example, refers to measurements that no amateur or casual observer would be able to make, but it does so in order to be correct rather than easy.

That garter snake researchers need to own a copy of it goes without saying; amateurs with a serious interest in garters ought to buy it as well.

The only "must-have" snake book.......1999-11-21

There is far too much information in this book to be summarized in a review. Suffice it to say that the book is fascinating: the writing is clear, the conclusions sound, and the research extensive. For most other varieties of snake--other colubrids, boidae, vipers, even elapids--there is no shortage of books, and books covering even individual species are plentiful (think how many books are devoted exclusively to Boa constrictor ssp., for example). And while most of these books are worth reading once, the majority say little that all the others don't say, too. Garter snakes, however, seldom rate more than a paragraph or two in any snake book, and there are very few books devoted exclusively to garters (I can think of only one, offhand). This book, however, gives garters the attention--and gives the reader the information--that the species deserves. If one is a ratsnake enthusiast, or a python person, or mad about milksnakes, there are plenty of books worth reading, but few that are indispensable. If one is a breeder, researcher, or simply an interested layperson regarding garter snakes, however, this book is one that simply cannot be done without.

Any garter enthusiast will want this in their library.......1999-06-29

This wonderful compendium of gartersnake information is a treasure for lovers of Thamnophis. The color plates are wonderful, and the biological information is fascinating. Who would have guessed that some garters actually brumate (hibernate) in water? A great gift for any gartersnake keeper.

Average customer rating:

O'Shea,s BOAS AND PYTHONS

Boas and Pythons of the World
Mark O'Shea
Manufacturer: Princeton University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0691131007

Book Description

Few reptiles command more respect than the mighty boas and pythons. Prized for their size, relative docility, and spectacular coloration and patterning, they are the most dramatic snakes in the world. But the same snakes that many consider gentle giants--the Green Anaconda can exceed twelve yards in length--are also finely tuned killing machines. In Boas and Pythons of the World, renowned snake expert Mark O'Shea takes readers on an exciting continent-by-continent journey to look at these snakes in their native habitats. Stunning color photographs and intriguing stories from O'Shea's encounters with these snakes in the wild bring these reptiles to life.

There is a tremendous variety of boas and pythons. While the largest are measured in yards, the smallest, the Javelin Sand Boa, is no longer than thirty-two inches. And they inhabit a vast range of habitats on five continents, from stony desert to lush tropical forest. In more than one hundred detailed species accounts, Boas and Pythons of the World examines snakes as different as the cryptically patterned Madagascan Ground Boa and Australasia's beautiful Green Tree Python.

Although some of these snakes are capable of attacking and killing humans, boas and pythons are much more likely to be man's victims. Across the world, these snakes are retreating in the face of habitat destruction, hunting, and climate change. Addressing the dire risks they face, O'Shea discusses what can be done to help save what are among our most fascinating reptiles.

Snake expert Mark O'Shea's tour of the fascinating world of boas, pythons, and basal snakes--from primitive blindsnakes to the mighty anaconda
Dramatic accounts of O'Shea's personal encounters with these great snakes in their natural habitats--on five continents
Detailed information about the snakes' habitats and behaviors
Over 150 superb color photographs that capture the diverse beauty of more than 100 species, including rarely seen and endangered species
Two world maps showing the distribution of the various families of boas, pythons, and basal snakes

Customer Reviews:

O'Shea,s BOAS AND PYTHONS.......2007-05-10

Mark O'Shea,s "Boas and Pythons" is 160 pages covering boas and pythons as well as other "basal" snakes, such as the blindsnakes, closer in evolutionary terms to the lizards from whom snakes are derived. The coffee-table sized volume examines these in their geographical categories ("The Americas", Australasia and the Pacific Ocean Islands"), etc. The first part of the volume briefly describes snake evolution, anatomy, internal organ structure, diversity, the place in the suborder serpentes of the snakes described and their families. The author goes on to the subject of constriction and a discussion of snake size, myths about snakes and snakes as maneaters.

This book is directed at the amateur with an interest in herpetology, perhaps, someone whose interest in snakes stems from having watched some of the Mr. O'Shea,s TV episodes. A minimum of technical terminology is used, descriptions being clear and understandable to non-professionals. THe book is richly illustrated with photographs of most of the species. After each species is discussed, i.e., the discovery history, scale numbers, color variation and other information, the author provides a final paragraph briefly summarizing range, size, habitat, prey, egg-laying(number of eggs) or live birth and similar species. A four page index and two page bibliography for further reading appear at the end of the book. An interesting feature throughout the text are italicized paragraphs quoting the personal field experiences of O'Shea and other herpetologists with some of the snakes described.

Maps are printed on the inside front and rear covers, sketching the world's continents with colored outlines of the ranges of the families covered in O'Shea's book. One drawback to this feature is that the author, in referring to islands and nations within a species range, does not provide a detailed-enough map to locate these, i.e., the Sunda Islands. Most readers would have to refer to a world atlas to determine where these are found.

Nevertheless, O'Shea does a fine job informing and stimulating the interest of non-professionals in these families of snakes and in herpetology, in general.

Rattler!: A Natural History of Rattlesnakes

Average customer rating:

Best photography of rattlesnakes yet.
Great for complete species reference.
If you like rattlesnakes...

Rattler!: A Natural History of Rattlesnakes
Chris Mattison
Manufacturer: Blandford Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Customer Reviews:

Best photography of rattlesnakes yet........1999-01-10

If you don't read a single word in this book it's worth the price for the photos alone. The section on all the various rattlesnake species in the back of the book is also outstanding and only adds to the overall excellence of this publication. Well done Mr. Mattison.

Great for complete species reference........1998-11-22

Mattison does a great job of providing an overview of the natural history of the rattlesnake genera. Besides natural history information, the book has photos and descriptions of ALL KNOWN species (and most sub-species). I grab this book off my shelf first when looking up details on a particular rattlesnake species. Most field guides contain only the "major" rattlesnake species. This book is a great quick reference on all species. It is very well organized.

If you like rattlesnakes..........1998-03-03

you will probably like this book! The emphasis is on the scientific side of the snakes; I would have liked to have had more information about Mattison's =adventures= in getting the information and particularly getting the superb photographs that decorate the book.

Average customer rating:

Nice pictures, but...
A good book

Venomous Snakes of the World
Mark O'Shea
Manufacturer: Princeton University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0691124361

Book Description

Feared, revered, and often misunderstood, venomous snakes have been a source of legend and nightmare since time immemorial. In this comprehensive volume, author Mark O'Shea has combined expertly written, in-depth descriptions of the world's common and exotic venomous snakes, highlighted by previously unpublished gripping accounts of his adventures with snakes, including personal observations and several serious snakebite episodes.

The book begins with a description of the anatomies of venomous snakes, along with their diversity and distribution. Also included is a unique in-depth look at the various types of snake venom and the ways that each type attacks the body. A section on anti-venom, including thoughts on the looming anti-venom crisis, is also presented. Information on the adaptations of ocean-dwelling snakes and issues of snake conservation as well as an examination of venomous lizards follow.

From bamboo pitvipers to deep-diving seasnakes, and from adders and asps to terciopelos and the massasaugas, this book takes an original approach to examining these enthralling creatures. Rather than the typical taxonomic categorization, the snakes are grouped by geographic location: the Americas, Africa, Eurasia, Tropical Asia, Australasia, and the Oceans. Each section is illustrated with stunning and rare pictures, many of which were taken by the author himself.

Suitable for professional snake handlers and armchair herpetologists alike, this extremely accessible book is an enthusiastic celebration of the diversity and beauty of venomous snakes worldwide.

Explores the secret world of venomous snakes, revealing their habitats, characteristics, and hunting and feeding behaviors
Contains thrilling details of O'Shea's own encounters with snakes
Provides detailed information on venomous snake diversity, venom types, and conservation
Includes a world map illustrating venomous snake distribution and detailed accounts of more than 170 species
Features over 150 full-color photographs, many of them of extremely rare species

Customer Reviews:

Nice pictures, but..........2006-11-06

This book has some really good photos, but is more of a travelogue than a good source of information on venomous snakes. A fun read with pretty pictures. Look elsewhere for in-depth information.

A good book.......2005-11-02

Overall, this is a pretty good book. The photographs are what make it great. The text is informative, though not very techincal, so if you are looking for a more in-depth book, this may not be what you are looking for. However, for the price it is well worth it.

A Natural History of Amphibians (Princeton Paperbacks)

Average customer rating:

Superb
Good book, a lttle technical
well-written and easy to read

A Natural History of Amphibians (Princeton Paperbacks)
Robert C. Stebbins , and Nathan W. Cohen
Manufacturer: Princeton University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0691102511

Book Description

This is a book for all readers who want to learn about amphibians, the animal group that includes frogs, toads, salamanders, and caecilians. It draws on many years of classroom teaching, laboratory experience, and field observation by the authors. Robert Stebbins and Nathan Cohen lead readers on a fascinating odyssey as they explore some of nature's most interesting creatures, interspersing their own observations throughout the book. A Natural History of Amphibians can serve as a textbook for students and independent learners, as an overview of the field for professional scientists and land managers, and as an engaging introduction for general readers.

The class Amphibia contains more than 4,500 known living species. New species are being discovered so rapidly that the number may grow to more than 5,000 during our lifetimes. However, their numbers are being rapidly decimated around the globe, largely due to the encroachment of humans on amphibian habitats and from growing human-caused environmental pollution, discussed at length in the final chapter. The authors focus our attention on the "natural history" of amphibians worldwide and emphasize their interactions with their environments over time: where they live; how they reproduce; how they have been affected by evolutionary processes; what factors will determine their destinies over time. Through the experienced eyes of the authors, who are skilled observers, we come to see and understand the place of amphibians in the natural world around us.

Customer Reviews:

Superb.......2007-06-23

Amphibians usually are ignored when speaking about species that are threatened with extinction. Unlike birds and mammals, amphibians are not romanticized in the nature magazines of the popular press, due possibly in part to their physical appearance, which may not garner sympathy as compared for example to a bald eagle or an elephant. But amphibians are fascinating and beautiful creatures, and in this book their biology and evolution is discussed concisely but effectively. Those readers, such as this reviewer, who are not familiar with the subject matter but who are very curious about the biology of amphibians, will find a good introduction here, and many references can be consulted for readers who need more details.

There are many interesting discussions in the book, and many surprises for those who are new to the subject. For example, it is surprising to learn that there are salamanders that can grow to over 1.5 meters, that some amphibians keep their gills throughout their life, instead of losing them, as is typically the case for most of the species, and that amphibians usually drink by dermal absorption. The authors also describe the breathing mechanisms for amphibians, and the reasons why one observes a different frequency between the movements of the throat and the body. Readers with a background in physics in particular will appreciate this discussion, along with others such as the vision capabilities of amphibians (they focus by changing the position of the lens rather than its shape), their extraordinary auditory capabilities, and their hydroregulation. It is also amazing to learn that amphibians can survive freezing of their bodily fluids by converting liver glycogen to glucose in response to the formation of ice in their body tissue. By far the most interesting discussion in the book though is on "shoreline orientation" and what information amphibians need to carry it out.

The book ends with discussions on the survival/extinction status of amphibians, with a list of the threatened species. Convincing arguments are given for the need of the biosphere to maintain the amphibian species, but it will be interesting to see if the author's recommendations are carried out. As a statistical survey might show, humans do not seem to care too much about amphibians, and so it might be more difficult to preserve them than is the case for other animals. But to not hear a coqui frog in Puerto Rico, or to not see hordes of toads coming out in the summer rain would definitely diminish the human quality of life.

Good book, a lttle technical.......2003-11-23

I don't have a biology background but was (am) very interested in learning more about amphibians since we're setting up a neat frog pond in the back yard. So this was a book I came across and its pretty good for the lay person like me but it does get a bit technical in parts (so its probably better for beginner biology student or someone with the basics already under their belt). There are some really neat drawings in here - like those that show the different toe shapes of different salamanders and then go on to describe the different modes of locomotion. There's interesting behavioral info like territorialism in salamanders (I had no idea! they always seem so mellow!) And there's a fascinating chapter (short unfortunately) on homing and migration. There are lots of neat chapters, those are just a few items that spring to mind. I'm still looking for more books that will give me a good basic understanding of the life and times of amphibians but this was certainly a great start. I highly recommend it since it does have so much info and for the lay person like myself it gave me a chance to expand my knowledge. I'm fascinated by vernal pools and the whole migration/reproduction cycles but this was a good start.

well-written and easy to read.......2001-06-25

This book is intended for a general audience and is great for anyone who wants to know more about frogs, toads, salamanders, and caecilians. Despite this fact, I'm sure that even professional herpetologists will find this book interesting and learn something that they do not know. Chapters include: skin, breathing, food habits, voice, reproduction and declining amphibians. Overall, an interesting and highly informative book. Highly recommended!

The Year of the Turtle: A Natural History

Average customer rating:

a wonderful book about turtles that should always be in print
david is a fabulous writer and illustrator......
Carroll's book is an incredibly beautiful natural history.

The Year of the Turtle: A Natural History
David M. Carroll
Manufacturer: Camden House Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Natural History | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books

Reptiles & Amphibians | Field Guides | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0944475116

Customer Reviews:

a wonderful book about turtles that should always be in print.......2006-06-15

This is an obvious labor of love by a sympathetic and careful observer of a local population of spotted turtles in New England. The writing, illustrations and fine details bring to vivid life the most mundane activities of these gentle beasts. If you have any interest in turtles track down a copy of this book!

david is a fabulous writer and illustrator.............1998-12-20

a true example of brillance, in subject matter and illustrations....!!!!!!!!!

Carroll's book is an incredibly beautiful natural history........1998-10-09

David Carroll marvelously mixes the arts with science: true to his art, he is a refined Thoreau. His love and understanding for his subject is clearly evident.

Field Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles of the San Diego Region (California Natural History Guides)

Average customer rating:

Excellent coverage of this regions herpetological life.

Field Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles of the San Diego Region (California Natural History Guides)
Jeffrey M. Lemm
Manufacturer: University of California Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0520245741

Book Description

With its varied topography of coast, mountains, and desert, the San Diego region, considered one of the world's biodiversity hotspots, boasts a rich variety of amphibians and reptiles--from the arboreal salamander to the green sea turtle to the secretive San Diego banded gecko and the red diamond rattlesnake. More than a field guide, this up-to-date, authoritative, conservation-oriented book is the first comprehensive resource on the herpetofauna of the region, which is unfortunately also known for its high number of endangered species. Jeffrey M. Lemm gives information on identification, habitats, biology, and the conservation status of all 88 amphibian and reptile species found in the San Diego region. Many of these animals can also be found in a wide area of Southern California and Northern Baja California, making this valuable guide useful for a wide geographic area and a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts, nature-lovers, and professionals alike.

Includes a special venom section written by Sean Bush of Animal Planet's "Venom ER"
160 color photographs illustrate the major habitats and all 88 amphibians and reptiles found in the region
70 range maps pinpoint the locations of each subspecies
A new, easy-to-use taxonomic key by renowned herpetologist Jay Savage as well as line drawings of tadpoles and amphibian egg masses help make species identification simple

Customer Reviews:

Excellent coverage of this regions herpetological life........2006-12-26

If you really want to know what amphibians and reptiles live in the San diego area forget all other field guides and pick this one up. At under $20.00 for the soft cover it is really a great value. Of course the handsome hardcover edition is a must for an real reptile enthusiasts library. If you are a hard core reptile enthusiast or an amateur just getting into it you need this book. If you do not like reptiles but live in the area it is a great resource to have. Of course if you love wildlife and hike southern California, I don't need to tell you that you need to own this book. Five Solid Stars!!!

--Snake Master Myke

Texas Snakes: A Field Guide (Texas Natural History Guides)

Average customer rating:

Great Maps, oh but thats it.
Great Guide!
Texas Snakes: A Field Guide (Texas Natural History Guides)

Texas Snakes: A Field Guide (Texas Natural History Guides)
James R. Dixon , and John E. Werler
Manufacturer: University of Texas Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0292706758

Book Description

From the legendary, fear-inspiring western diamond-backed rattlesnake to the tiny, harmless plains blind snake, Texas has a greater diversity of snake species than any other state in the country. This fully illustrated field guide to Texas snakes, written by two of the state's most respected herpetologists, gives you the most current and complete information to identify and understand all 110 species and subspecies.

Texas Snakes: A Field Guide has all the resources you need to identify snakes in the wild and in your yard:

110 full-color, close-up photos that show every snake, as well as 39 detailed line drawings
110 range maps
Up-to-date species accounts that describe each snake's appearance, look-alikes, size, and habitat
A checklist of all Texas snakes and a key to the species
Reliable information on poisonous snakes and preventing and treating snakebites
Concise guides to snake conservation, classification, and identification

Drawn from the authors' monumental, definitive Texas Snakes: Identification, Distribution, and Natural History, this field guide is your must-have source for identifying any snake you see in Texas.

Customer Reviews:

Great Maps, oh but thats it........2006-07-10

The maps in this book are of exceptional detail narrowing ranges down to countys which is hard to get in many smaller field guides. However this is about the extent of this books worth. Although the pictures are descent they are by no means fantastic or worth writing home about and there are not very many of each animal, usually just one example, which any herper knows is not enough. My suggestion get Tennants Lone Star Field Guide to Texas Snakes thats a far better read.

Great Guide!.......2006-04-29

This is a great guide - we are currently moving from Northwest Arkansas to Liberty County, Texas, and this guide will be very helpful in helping us to identify snakes we are not used to, and helping our four children to know which snakes are bad snakes. The pictures are beautiful, and I like that under most pictures, there is a label identifying where the snake was found (some poisonous in Liberty and Polk Counties!!!).

The only thing we do not like about the guide is that it isn't divided into regions of Texas - Texas is a huge state and it would be easier to look up a snake quickly if it were divided into regions of Texas rather than families of snakes. The poisonous snakes do have their own section, though, which is good. There is also good information about snakes in the front of the book. The descriptions of each snake are very thorough and we like reading about the habitats of different snakes.

We hope to find more wildlife guides like this one on Texas snakes.

Texas Snakes: A Field Guide (Texas Natural History Guides).......2006-03-10

This is a must have book for everyone that lives in Texas whether you are into snakes or not. I've refered many to this book just to identify snakes in their yards, and is a must have when hiking or camping. I have an older version that looks like it's been thru the washing machine because I've used it so much. When this newest edition came out, I had to have it, and was pleasantly surpised with a few additions such as current Texas laws and regulations concerning reptiles. It's field guide size makes it perfect to throw into your glove box or backpack to keep handy. It has great pictures, discriptions, and ranges of every single snake in the state of Texas. Buy and enjoy!

The Discus: An Owner's Guide to A Happy Healthy Pet (Owner's Guides ( Pets ))

Average customer rating:

Absolute Rubbish
Just the basics
Just as it Says
A good book really for a beginner
Absolutely Terrible

The Discus: An Owner's Guide to A Happy Healthy Pet (Owner's Guides ( Pets ))
Mic Hargrove
Manufacturer: Hungry Minds
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Fish & Aquariums | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1582451125

Book Description

Written by tropical fish experts with over 30 years experience, The Discus includes all the information a new fish keeper needs to begin this exciting hobby: how to select a tank; proper water conditions; nutrition; and breeding your own beautiful fish. Like all the titles in the Owner's Guide series, The Discus is filled with info-packed sidebars and striking color photos. This book helps make keeping Discus a fun and rewarding experience for the hobbyist.

Customer Reviews:

Absolute Rubbish.......2006-06-05

I bought this book thinking I will get more knowledge about Discus keeping .But after going through the book I changed my opinion and think buying this book was absolute waste of money and time. Information given in the book is too general for any aquarium fish and not for Discus fish in particular. Not worth spending you precious money and time.

Just the basics.......2004-04-28

This is a great book if you know next to nothing about discus. It gives you all the specs you may need to know to keep healthy beautiful discus and even the basics on breeding with some nice pictures. It also repeats alot of information for reference purposes. However, if you need a detailed discription of the care of discus you will be diapointed with this one. I recomend you purchase it with another more detailed book that may overlook the more simple aspects of discus care.

Just as it Says.......2003-12-31

This book is, as it implies for the beginning discus keeper. I will go as far as to say that this book isn't only for beginning discus keepers, but for stark new aquarium keepers of any fish. There are only a few chapters that are related directly to discus fish, and of these most of the information is VERY general insomuch that it only relates to GENERAL fishkeeping. If you are NEW to the hobby I would recommend this book, but if you are experianced at all find another, more in depth study of the discus:)

A good book really for a beginner.......2002-10-15

I saw this book when i went to the internet to do research on some information about keeping discus.At that time i was planning to own one but have no experience with discus and know very little about tropical fish which i thought only need air supply to survive.Many people on the net said this book was good and is very useful when it comes to problems with the discus so i went to buy it.I learnt many new things about it like heaters,different filtrations,UV lights,tank water like pH,ammonia,hardness and nitrites and nitrates.It was really useful even in the diseases section where they tell us how to deal with sickness of the fish.But overall it was really not that good as it did not go into detail about chillers and heaters and also some websites it listed at the back of the book have already closed.
These are some bad points so i only gave 3 stars but it is really worth buying for a beginner.

Absolutely Terrible.......2001-07-10

This book is a complete waste of money. I'd give it a negative number of stars if I could. What's so bad about it then? It is simply a beginners guide to aquarium keeping (and not a very good one at that) with a few mentions of discus thrown in to make it sound as if it is a discus book.

The photographs are OK as far as photography goes, but most of the fish pictured are poor specimens including the malformed discus pictured on the cover. Many of the photos are re-used in different parts of the book, occasionally in reverse as if there was an attempt to disguise the fact that the pictures were being re-used. The captions have nothing to do with the photos. There is a picture of a fish with holes in it's head and another of a fish with early stages of fin rot, but neither of these pictures are used in the section on diseases and the captions do not point out these defects. There is no identification of the strains being pictured and virtually no photos of wild specimens to help in identifying the 2 species and 5 subspecies that are briefly described in the text.

There is a section on the history of the discus, but important names such as Jack Wattley, Carrol Friswold, and Gene Wolfsheimer are conspicuous by their absence.

A lot of the information is redundant and contradictory. For example on page 39 we find "One way to estimate which size heater your aquarium will need is to allow 5 watts per gallon. For example, a 55-gallon aquarium would need a heater that is at least 275 watts". Meanwhile, on page 54 we read "A heater should supply 2 watts per gallon. So, a 55-gallon aquarium would need at least a 110-watt heater". Now which do think the authors would have you use? Of course they also don't mention that nobody actually manufactures heaters of those wattages (they can readily be found in 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 200, 250 and 300 watts).

On the whole, this is one of those books that seems to regurgitate a bunch of stuff that has become "standard knowledge" in the aquarium hobby, without really knowing why these things have become so (or the science behind it). On page 80 in a side box on bare tank set-ups, we are admonished that these are "less cozy for your fish", whatever that is supposed to mean. I doubt that "coziness" is anything we can measure or the fish can give us feedback on in the same way that they behave if their water is too warm.

On page 47 there is an extremely poor and misleading diagram of the nitrogen cyle. It implies that the major source of ammonia in the aquarium is the fungal and bacterial decomposition of fish "wastes" (feces?). The major source of ammonia is: it is directly exhaled into the water from fishes gills. There is also no mention of the relationship of pH to ammonia ionization, which is critical to be aware of in the low pH of a discus tank, particularly with regards to water changes and the usually accompanying rise in pH.

There are a lot of other points I could raise, but time constraints prevent me. In summary, this book is a complete waste of money. Just about any book would be better, but if price is a concern the T. Giovanetti book is far better in this price range. I haven't seen M. Sweeney's discus book, but I have seen other things she has written and although I don't really care for her, even her book has got to be better than this one. Even better, spend a little extra and get something by B. Degen, J. Wattley, or J. Quarles. With the price of discus being what it is, if you can afford to keep them, you can afford one of the better books.

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