Loaches: Natural History and Aquarium Care [Hardcover]

Mark MacDonald (Editor), Martin Thoene (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 2007

The popularity of loaches is on the rise as they become increasingly available at pet stores and aquarium shops, both large and small. Despite this surge in accessibility, they remain a relatively little-known group of freshwater fishes.

Loaches is the first book of its kind to give extensive focus to this diverse family of aquarium fish. Experts from nine countries contribute their knowledge, experience, and photographs to this user-friendly guide. It delves into the natural history and husbandry of over 60 species of loaches, including the specialized brook and hillstream loaches, in both their natural and aquarium habitats. It also contains technical information on providing for the care of specialized loaches, including water chemistry and tank design, a comprehensive description of disease and treatment options, and descriptions of the first successful in-tank breeding of certain species.

If you or someone you know is considering inviting loaches into your tropical aquarium, or if you own loaches but are in need of information to ensure proper care, Loaches provides expert information and guidance to one of the world's most popular types of aquarium fish.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Mark Macdonald is an editor and author of both fiction and non-fiction. He is an accomplished aquarist with many years of experience whose very first fish was a loach. He lives in Delta, British Columbia. He has brought together a dedicated group of self-taught loach experts and enthusiasts to lend their decades of knowledge and personal experience to this book.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: TFH Publications (November 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0793806208
• ISBN-13: 978-0793806201
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 8.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #401,275 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific and Unique Treatise on Loaches, August 7, 2008

By 

Ulrich (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Loaches: Natural History and Aquarium Care (Hardcover)

This is a pretty remarkable book in that its authors are a group of loach fans who knew each other from internet websites centered on loaches. Instead of the typically distant, dull text that most tropical fish books have, this book is delightfully colorful and passionate about loaches. Not only that, it is written from the perspective of ardent hobbyists who are enthused about loaches and their care in aquariums, which leads to a lot more useful, practical advice than you generally get.

The downside of such an approach by collaborative amateurs is that you would expect to see comparatively shoddy organization and lousy text quality. Fortunately, however, the project was headed up by some superb professional text editors, and the text is every bit as professional as you could hope for. What's left is the best of both worlds -- a personal, charming, and extremely helpful book about loaches that is entirely professional.

I can only hope that this model of publishing becomes more commonplace, because it produced a jewel here. If you're interested in loaches, this book is a knockout.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply the best, September 14, 2008

By 

Kenneth Gordon (Australia) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Loaches: Natural History and Aquarium Care (Hardcover)

This is simply the best book on loaches ever. No book on loaches has been written for 20 or 30years (or maybe even more!) and then this absolute gem appears! If you own even one loach, buy this book. The DIY section on how to make a flowing stream tank is priceless, and worth the cost of the book alone. The taxonomy is very up to date and the whole book is very well presented and put together.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A book by hobbyists for hobbyists, September 8, 2008

By 

Andrew J. Wallace "Andy Wallace" (Cary, NC USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Loaches: Natural History and Aquarium Care (Hardcover)

One of the most enjoyable books on tropical fish I have ever read. I particularly like that it was written by hobbyists/enthusiasts, and includes some terrific tried and true advice on keeping these interesting, fun fish.
Pictures are very good. Highly recommended.
I would love to find other similarly conceived books on the hobby.