Clownfishes (Paperback)

~ (Author) "The natural tropical realm of the clownfishes stretches across some 12 time zones, a vast expanse touching three continents, numerous seas and countless islands from..." (more)
Key Phrases: clownfish larvae, larval clowns, ocellaris clowns, Clark's Clownfish, Saddleback Clownfish, Pink Skunk Clownfish (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Perhaps the most endearing of all reef creatures, the droll and exotically pigmented clownfish is a favorite of marine aquarists, divers, and amateur naturalists the world over. Now, one of the pioneers in the captive breeding of clownfishes in home aquariums has written the first in-depth hobbyists handbook on the husbandry of these fascinating marine species. Chapters include: Clownfishes in the Wild, Fish and Anemone Species with Photographic Identification Guides, Anemone Preservation, Selecting Breeding Stock, Orchestrating the Spawn, Larval Rearing, Propagation as a Cottage Industry.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: TFH Publications (April 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1890087041
• ISBN-13: 978-1890087043
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Note: Gift-wrapping is not available for this item.
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #274,805 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best introductory book on breeding marine fish. Period., June 17, 1999

By	Gary Collins ([e-mail]) (Mobile, AL) - See all my reviews

I have purchased and read a half dozen books that cover the question of breeding marine fish, including books by Martin Moe, Frank Hoff, and others. None of them have presented their information in the readable manner that Clownfishes does.

The sections on individual species of Clownfishes and Anemones were very helpful, including some great pictures of anemones both in tanks and in the wild. Ratings of difficulty in each phase of the breeding process are included for selected species.

"Articles" in boxes outside the text provide simple, step-by-step procedures for doing just about everything: culturing algae, culturing rotifers, setting up various tanks (brood stock, larval, growout, etc.), preparing your own foods, tricks of the trade for handling various little chores, hints on how to sell the fish you raise, and ways of doing it all with a minimum of fuss and cost.

While the main purpose of this book was not to tell someone how to setup a tank or teach about basic saltwater aquarium keeping, I found several explanations in the book to be easier to understand than those found in books by Tullock, Delbeek and Sprung, and Moe.

It is probably superfluous at this point, but I highly recommend this book - to anyone interested in breeding marine fish in particular, and to salt water hobbyists in general.

32 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive guide, nice photos, November 18, 1999

By	Angel Lee "Liocorno Amethyst Moonstone" (Cleveland, OH United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

This is an excellent guide to raising clownfishes. I love the numerous full-color photos. The book starts out with a nice overview of the benefits of raising clownfish & information on life in their natural habitat.

Next, there is a list featuring detailed information on each of the host anemones. Anemone care & physiology are also covered. I found the chapter on species selection very helpful. Each of the different species is described in detail.

There is also great information on choosing companion fish. General care of fish including aquarium setup, feeding, keeping your fish healthy & treating diseases is next. A section on breeding clownfish is invaluable.

Clownfish reproduction & spawning as well as care & feeding of the eggs, larva & young fish are thoroughly covered. With its expert information this book would make a wonderful addition to any marine aquarist's library.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Helpful For The Clownfish Hobbyist, August 30, 2000

By	Ryan Penny (Prince George, BC CANADA) - See all my reviews

This is an excellent book for the marine hobbyist who is looking to keep and rear clownfish. It goes over many of the basics and goes into great detail of anenomes, species, spawning and care of the young. The beginner and even the advanced clownfish hobbyist will find this book helpful and informative, it is a definite recommendation.