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Here
is a list of some books (and not only) that I have recently read.
1.
H.DEBELIUS & H.A.BAENSCH
"MARINE ATLAS"
by
MERGUS Publications, Published in 1997, 1213 pages. A remarkable volume which begins with a wealth of information about
keeping marine species successfully. Although in some topics the
book is a bit outdated, still the information included is correct
and will allow the reader to start his marine "venture"
correctly. Then starts the main Atlas which lists some of the marine
species (for example, triggers and lionfhishes - two very common
species in the hobby are not included). While reading it very
carefully there is no mention of a second volume of the "Marine
Atlas". After searching many on line bookstores I couldn't fins
any such reference. The photos and information on the marine species
included in this marine atlas are - naturally - superb. This is
guaranteed by the two experienced authors, nevertheless sometimes
you are nicely surprised by the quality of the photos in this
volume. All in all it is a great book for reference and
identification purposes and is a nice companion to the three volumes
of the freshwater Atlas. If you can't find the second volume it is
recommended to opt for another Atlas since a "half-Atlas"
is of very limited use.
2.
M.A.MOE Jr. "THE
MARINE AQUARIUM HANDBOOK - BEGINNER TO BREEDER" by
GREEN TURTLE Publications, Published in 1992, 320 pages. This
is a classic. A book which should be included in the library of every
serious marine fish keeper. Actually it is an "updated"
version of the older classic but the information is always first
class, accurate and checked by the author. Don't look for fancy
photos in this book, there aren't many. The ones you will see are
used to highlight the points or show the application of the
information given. The first man to spawn the clownfish in captivity
has given his best in this book. All matters are thoroughly covered
and in most of them the newest information is inserted in the old
text which allows the reader to make a comparison between the
present and the past (and understand the tremendous developments
during these years). The text is easy to understand and doesn't
require an academic degree. It is a book written by a scientist -
hobbyist for other hobbyists and it definitely serves this purpose.
3.
DR. BURGESS'S "ATLAS OF MARINE
AQUARIUM FISHES" by TFH PUBLICATIONS, 3rd Edition,
786 pages.
Packed with more than
4000 photos this massive volume includes almost every tropical (and
not only) marine fish known. The photos are surprisingly good and
there are usually more than one photo per species. The information
for each species is rather limited (in the form of symbols) and
leaves much to be desired but (as the author states in the
introduction) the purpose of this Atlas is to help the hobbyist
identify his fish. A very good alternative to book nr.1 (highly
recommended if vol.2 of Baensch Marine Atlas can't be found).
4.
DISK MILLS "THE
INTERPET ENCYCLOPEDIA OF THE MARINE AQUARIUM" by
Salamander Books Limited. Being an African cichlid -
addicted hobbyist means that your library will be loaded with books
on Africans. It also means you like colors and fishes. Well, this
book is meant for every hobbyist who has the same likes. Full color
detailed pictures of many fish available in the tropical marine
hobby. Sometimes, when I browse this book I think of giving it a
try. Every information is neatly arranged and everything is covered
(from behavior to feeding and tank space). Very useful and detailed
information on how to effectively set up a marine tank - even a non
- tropical one.
5.
RUDIE H. KUITER "GUIDE
TO SEA FISHES OF AUSTRALIA" by
NEW HOLLAND Publications. A small format guide with a
big content. Over 950 species described, every species with a full
color picture, a location map, and the basic information about its
habits. As I said, I am a Malawi fan not a marine one. Yet, I have
spent hours enjoying this book.
6.
JOHN H. TOLLOCK "YOUR
FIRST MARINE AQUARIUM" by
BARRON'S. A another small format guide which is one
of the few books that stands by its title. It has all the basic
information for a novice to start his marine aquarium but it is not
enough to support him in solving advanced problems - but this is not
its aim. There are photos of several species and a compatibility
table which is handy and very useful. The author believes in the
"keep it simple" approach (which I like very much) and it
seems that I will follow his basic ideas when I will start my own
tank.
7.
RON SHIMEK "THE
CORAL REEF AQUARIUM" by
HOWELL BOOK HOUSE Publications. A nice book which
covers the basics on creating and maintaining a coral reef aquarium.
Of course, a coral reef tank is much more difficult than a fish -
only marine tank which means that this book could never cover
everything in its 125 pages. I know of books double that size
dealing with parts of reef keeping only. However, you will get the
basic principles that you have to know and I think that you will be
able to start your first reef tank by following the guidelines
listed in it. Surely, as you advance you will need a more detailed
book but this small book can keep you company during your early
steps.
Very nice photos and descriptions of quite a few invertebrates, fish
and algae.
More books in next page...
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