Keeping and Breeding Amphibians : Caecilians, Newts, Salamanders, Frogs and Toads [Hardcover]

Chris Mattison (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1993

Provides comprehensive details of the care and breeding in captivity of frogs, toads, newts and salamanders. The book also demonstrates new techniques and equipment which have revived this hobby and facilitated the keeping of species not previously thought possible.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Mattison, author of the acclaimed The Care of Reptiles and Amphibians in Captivity (see "Grooming Your Pet Care Collection," LJ 2/1/93, p. 49-53) and an internationally recognized authority in this field, has produced yet another informative handbook for the dedicated herpetoculturalist. The first section covers the general biology of amphibians, accommodations, the complexities of feeding and breeding, and medical care (as the author wryly notes, "Taking a sick newt to the local vet is unlikely to result in a cure or even very much sympathy"). The second part reviews specific care and breeding requirements of a wide variety of commercially available frogs, toads, newts, and salamanders, as well as exotics such as the mysterious wormlike order of caecilians, all enhanced by Mattison's striking color photographs. A list of international specialist societies and publications and a key to metric conversions are also included. Highly recommended for academic libraries as well as public libraries where hobbyists' interest warrants.
- Jennifer King, Monmouth Cty. Lib., Manalapan, N.J.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Blandford Pr (October 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0713723289
• ISBN-13: 978-0713723281
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,473,149 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Buy it !, December 22, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: Keeping and Breeding Amphibians : Caecilians, Newts, Salamanders, Frogs and Toads (Hardcover)

Amphibians are creatures which live their lives partly in water and partly on land, generally with a larval aquatic phase and an adult life on land. This can pose particular problems when it comes to their care in captivity. Compared to other branches of animal husbandry, the keeping of amphibians is still in its infancy and there is a vital need for more information - for the beginner and advanced enthusiast.

In Keeping and Breeding Amphibians, noted herpetologist Chris Mattison provides expert guidance on the care and breeding of newts, salamanders, frogs, toads and caecilians. Much of the information is available for the first time in this ground-breaking book which is an essential guide for both the amateur and the professional.

The first section of the book deals with general principles of biology, accom- modation, equipment, environment control, indoor and outdoor vivaria, food, breeding and general care and health. Then each of the three amphibian orders is dealt with in detail, with a chapter on each of the eighteen main families of species suitable for keeping in captivity. The text is illustrated throughout with superb colour photographs taken by the author.

The need for a responsible attitude to keeping amphibians in captivity underlies the wealth of information in Keeping and Breeding Amphibians. With many species under threat in their natural habitats, this book is a major step towards ensuring that the pet trade may eventually be able to be based upon captive-bred species, so that no species need be taken from the wild.

3.0 out of 5 stars I recommend it for frog owners., October 16, 2006

By 

J. Rosenquist (Marion, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Keeping and Breeding Amphibians : Caecilians, Newts, Salamanders, Frogs and Toads (Hardcover)

I think it's a good book, however, I was disappointed with the great lack of information provided on the care of salamanders, newts, and caecilians. There is though, a lot of good information on the care of frogs and toads.