An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aquarium Fish [antikvár]

Introduction ry^ he purpose of writing this book is to introduce enquiring aquarists to some species which they may not have considered keeping before. Although this initial section has some notes on setting up an aquarium, filtration systems, plants, etc, it is assumed that readers already have a basic knowledge of these things and have been keeping fish for some time but now wish to try their hand at something else: to find the next challenge, if you like. If you are just beginning in the hobby, then by all means treat this work as a reference point for all the wonderful creatures you may like to keep in the future. But before you try to keep them, go out and get yourself a good beginners' guide, which will explain fully the principles of filtration and water chemistry. Just because water is clear does not mean it is ideal for fishes - a container of sulphuric acid is also clear, but I wouldn't care to try and keep fish in it! There are also many books which deal with specific subjects: aquarium plants, marine fish, brackish water fish, and so on. Read as many as you can, and then gradually start out on your new hobby. Progress may seem slow, but when you are dealing with living creatures there are no short cuts, and the two things you cannot buy are time and patience. LEFT: The well-balanced, healttiy, mature marine aquarium will grace any home. To achieve such a set-up requires an investment, not only in monetary terms, but also in lime and patience. Fishkeeping is a challenge from the outset. You are dealing with creatures that live in an environment that is alien to us. It is necessary to learn a little physics and chemistry, as well as some biology, and to accomplish all this without killing the creatures in your charge. But provide the creatures with the environment they need, and you are part way there. Give them food that is as close to their natural foods as possible, and you have cleared another hurdle. The fish section aims to give you as much basic information as possible to enable you to keep each species and - where the information is available - breed that species too. As things stand today, many habitats are under threat. Vast areas of forest are being cut down, and this affects the water courses within them. Marshes are being drained for redevelopment, reefs being dredged up to provide coral for building. Land is at a premium, and fish are low on the list of priorities. Some species are clinging to the edge of extinction in the confines of aquarists' tanks, their natural habitats destroyed forever. Some of these creatures are included in this book. It is a sad thought that, in ten years' time, some of the creatures listed here may be known only from photographs. It is up to us to help maintain breeding stocks and encourage others to do the same. above: Good retail outlets are clean, have good quality plants, well cared for fish and experienced staff who can usually help solve any problems you may have.