Overview

With more than 29,000 species, fishes are the most diverse group of vertebrates on the planet. Of that number, more than 12,000 species are found in freshwater ecosystems, which occupy less than 1 percent of the Earth’s surface and contain only 2.4 percent of plant and animal species. But, on a hectare-for-hectare basis, freshwater ecosystems are richer in species than more extensive terrestrial and marine habitats. Examination of the distribution patterns of fishes in these fresh waters reveals much about continental movements and climate changes and has long been critical to biogeographical studies and research in ecology and evolution. Tim Berra’s seminal resource, Freshwater Fish Distribution,maps the 169 fish families that swim in fresh water around the world. Each family account includes the class, subclass, and order; a pronunciation guide to the family name; life cycle information; and interesting natural history facts. Each account is illustrated, many with historical nineteenth-century woodcuts. Now available in paperback, this heavily cited work in ichthyology and biogeography will serve as a reference for students, a research support for professors, and a helpful guide to tropical fish hobbyists and anglers.

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9780226044422

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Reviews

Whoever is looking for an overview on the distribution areas of freshwater fish families will find practical advice in this book . . . for a reasonable price. --Harro Hieronimus Bulletin of Fish Biology

A well-balanced, highly informative treatment. . . . This new edition . . . is a major accomplishment and a significant improvement over the first edition (1981). . . . Anyone with interestsin fresh water, geography, fishes, and pattern should have a copy of this book for study and reference. -- Brooks M. Burr Copela Whoever is looking for an overview on the distribution areas of freshwater fish families will find practical advice in this book . . . for a reasonable price. --Harro Hieronimus Bulletin of Fish Biology The text is a celebration of the diversity in morphology, life history, and behavior of fishes. Biological facts are extensive, well researched, and current. . . . A valuable addition to the library of any professional ichthyologist. --Stephen T. Ross Transacions of the American Fisheries Society A well-balanced, highly informative treatment. . . . This new edition . . . is a major accomplishment and a significant improvement over the first edition (1981). . . . Anyone with interests in fresh water, geography, fishes, and pattern should have a copy of this book for study and reference. --Brooks M. Burr Copela The author states the book was intended to be a reference for students, teachers, ichthyologists, zoogeographers and to other piscatorial aficionados, such as anglers and aquarists. Aquatic biologists, fish biologists, and fisheries biologists should have been included because all will find this reference useful. --Noel M. Burkheed JNABS ... is a worthwhile reference. The book is clearly written and it fulfills the objectives stated by the author. --Noel M. Burkhead for JOURNAL OF THE NORTH AMERICAN BENTTHOLOGICAL SOCIETY (January 2003)

Whoever is looking for an overview on the distribution areas of freshwater fish families will find practical advice in this book . . . for a reasonable price. -- Harro Hieronimus Bulletin of Fish Biology

Author Information

Tim M. Berra is professor emeritus of evolution, ecology, and organismal biology at the Ohio State University Mansfield.

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