The Cichlid Fishes of Western Africa [Hardcover]

Anton Lamboj (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 31, 2004

This book covers every cichlid species of Western Africa. The beloved species of West and Central Africa, from Senegal to the Congo, are discussed, as are species from the most northern and southwestern continental extremes.

In addition to the better-known and often kept species, several species that have never been featured in a book before are discussed within; additionally, several currently undescribed species are included.

Three chapters discuss the general systematic, natural habitats and care of cichlids from Western Africa. The book's main focus is the description of every species; most are illustrated with fantastic photographs. Information on the distribution, basic characteristics, ecology and breeding biology, as well as keeping and breeding in aquaria, are presented for each species when available.

The superb photography, combined with the individual descriptions, will help the identification of nearly every species.

This book is the most comprehensive and up-to-date resource currently available to scientists and aquarists interested in the cichlids of Western Africa. With 255 pages, hardcover, and more then 600 color photos, a must for cichlids lovers.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 255 pages
• Publisher: Birgit Schmettkamp Verlag (July 31, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 392881933X
• ISBN-13: 978-3928819336
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,387,024 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An exceptional book about some great fish!, February 24, 2005

By 

L. Boorman "Lisachromis" (Ontario, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Cichlid Fishes of Western Africa (Hardcover)

This book fills a void that has existed for too long - an accurate, up-to-date book on the very popular cichlids from West Africa. I was very impressed whilst reading this all-too-short book. Don't get me wrong - it is very comprehensive. I just wish it could have been longer because of the sheer artistry of writing displayed by Dr. Lamboj, accompanied by his excellent photographs that depicted the subjects discussed. One of the things I was very impressed with was the apparent lack of "fixing", or colour editing of the photographs by the author and the publisher, something that is prevalent in a lot of other books on fishes by other authors and publishers.

Each cichlid Genus discussed is grouped together with its closest relatives and tabulated into associated tribes. I find this an intriguing and very valuable guide to the relative aquarium care of the different species as one can assume that members of the same tribe are fairly similar in care requirements etc. This seems to be true in most cases.

Dr. Lamboj has the happy knack of being able to write for both the scientific and the hobbyist markets with equal proficiency. I had no difficulty in reading and following the straightforward approach adapted by the author. In short, I would heartily recommend this book to anyone with an interest in these "gems from the West".

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An exceptional book about some great fish!, May 20, 2005

By 

K. Boorman "Rhad" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Cichlid Fishes of Western Africa (Hardcover)

This book fills a void that has existed for too long - an accurate, up-to-date book on the very popular cichlids from West Africa. I was very impressed whilst reading this all-too-short book. Don't get me wrong - it is very comprehensive. I just wish it could have been longer because of the sheer artistry of writing displayed by Dr. Lamboj, accompanied by his excellent photographs that depicted the subjects discussed. One of the things I was very impressed with was the apparent lack of "fixing", or colour editing of the photographs by the author and the publisher, something that is prevalent in a lot of other books on fishes by other authors and publishers.

Each cichlid Genus discussed is grouped together with its closest relatives and tabulated into associated tribes. I find this an intriguing and very valuable guide to the relative aquarium care of the different species as one can assume that members of the same tribe are fairly similar in care requirements etc. This seems to be true in most cases.

Dr. Lamboj has the happy knack of being able to write for both the scientific and the hobbyist markets with equal proficiency. I had no difficulty in reading and following the straightforward approach adapted by the author. In short, I would heartily recommend this book to anyone with an interest in these "gems from the West".

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice book, August 2, 2009

By 

L. Macklin - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Cichlid Fishes of Western Africa (Hardcover)

To be completely honest, I haven't read it yet so I can't give any information as to the written content. The book is well-made, hardbound, and has beautiful pictures. I am a pretty good judge of fish books and from my skimming, it appears to be rather informative. I will update once I've read the book.