Encyclopedia of Fishes, Second Edition (Natural World) (Hardcover)

by William N. Eschmeyer (Author, Editor), John R. Paxton (Author, Editor), David S. Kirshner (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"...The combination of beautiful and dramatic pictures with good science is always a winner." -- John Lancaster in Journal Of Natural History, 1999

"...libraries needing to fill out their collections on animals will want to consider one or more of these attractive and affordable books." -- Booklist, March 1999

"Considering price, and the information presented, this book rates as a best buy and deserves space on every aquarist's bookshelf...You need only look at the list of contributors to get an idea of the scope in the book." -- Aquarium Fish Magazine

"Encyclopedia of Fishes is a thorough examination of the fascinating world of fishes, with high-quality color photos and illustrations and very readable, well-researched text by leading experts." -- The International Angler

"This book gives a magnificent view of fishes for laypersons, students, and professionals. I heartily recommend this book for all who have an interest in fish and who want an enjoyable source of information. The material is rich and the price is low." -- Joseph S. Nelson, University of Alberta, in Fisheries

"This is a spectacular book with stunning photographs, excellent illustrations by D. Kirshner, and sections by 45 authors, each an authority on some special aspect or group of fishes....This book is excellently designed and certainly well organized....At this price no one seriously interested in fishes can afford to be without a copy." -- Copeia

"This revised and updated book includes chapters on the classification of fish, their history through the ages, their habitats, adaptations and behaviour, and, most importantly, their conservation status - a hitherto much neglected subject. The book is illustrated with over 200 superb photographs and 150 excellent paintings, diagrams and distribution maps. Written in an easily understood style by an international team of experts, this beautifully produced book is a wonderful introduction to the underwater world of fishes." -- Christopher Lever in Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 1999

"Trapped in the body of this coffee-table book one can find, it's format and beauty notwithstanding, a legitimate reference source. The text stresses the mystifying diversity and adaptability of fishes, while reminding us of their vulnerability. The 24,000 species of fish comprise both the numerous and the earliest of the earth's vertebrates, and this book inspires awe through colorful illustrations and anecdotes. The style is nontechnical and should appeal to all ages, even elementary students." -- Choice

"You don't have to be Jacques Cousteau to find yourself eye to eye with a sea horse. Hundreds of photographs in "Encyclopedia of Fishes" (Academic Press) depict the habits and habitats of more kinds of fish than anyone is likely to see in a lifetime, from endearingly gaudy parrot fish to the nightmarish dragonfish (which sports a bear-trap jaw mounted on a whiplash body)."
-New Yorker Magazine (5th July 1999) -- Review

Praise for the First Edition: "I cannot imagine a book on fishes with more strikingly beautiful photographs than are found in this one. Some are truly magnificent....The fascinating facts about fishes are near endless." -- The Tuscaloosa News

Product Description
With more than 20,000 species, fishes are by far the most numerous group of all vertebrates. They are also the earliest group of backboned animals having evolved in the seas almost 500 million years ago. While they remain confined to water, fishes in all their variety now exist in an extraordinarily diverse range of habitats.
Magnificently illustrated with more than 200 spectacular color photographs and 150 original illustrations, diagrams, and maps, this indispensable encyclopedia reveals the fascinating world of fishes in an authoritative and stimulating way. The highly readable text, written by leading experts from around the world, incorporates the most recent scientific research and presents a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the complex, diverse, and often bizarre lives of fishes.

Key Features
* Magnificently illustrated in full color
* Includes hundreds of color photographs and meticulously researched diagrams and maps
* Written by an international team of world recognized authorities

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Academic Pr; 2nd edition (September 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0125476655
• ISBN-13: 978-0125476652
• Product Dimensions: 12.5 x 9.8 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #910,525 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book for anyone studying fishes, December 27, 1998

By	[e-mail] (Long Beach, California) - See all my reviews

This book was extremely helpful to me while I learned all about the fishes at the Aquarium of the Pacific. It is very concise and yet includes every order and family that I ever encountered during my studies. I recommend it wholeheartedly!

5 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 47 PhDs put this phenomenal book together., September 21, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Encyclopedia of Fishes (Hardcover)

This 1995 copyright date assures the reader s/he is getting the latest in deep-sea discoveries. Scientists can gather more information with the latest, quieter cameras. It has photos from the most beautiful to the most grotesque fishes. The text is organized, readable & enjoyable

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars an excellent book, January 9, 2007

By	Joseph Y. Wang - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Encyclopedia of Fishes (Hardcover)

It is an excellent educational book with lots of clear and beautiful photos.