Freshwater Fish Book

"The male Bitterling selects a Mussel that becomes the centre of his territory, which he defends vigorously while looking out for passing females until one that is ready to lay her eggs accepts his invitation to mate."Angler and natural historian Malcolm Greenhalgh's study of native European freshwater fish, their habitats, breeding and behaviour--including the extraordinary symbiotic relationship between the Bitterling and the freshwater Mussel--is a delightful and definitive illustrated guide to the complex jigsaw of life in Europe's lakes and rivers. From the well-known to the obscure, the Pike to the Danube Gudgeon, over 160 species are featured, with each individual profile of habits and habitats richly illustrated with photographs and Stuart Carter's beautiful painted studies.Evolutionary analysis and illustrated overviews of river, lake and canal aquatic communities put the species in context, perfectly complementing the detailed information on the characteristics that distinguish individual specimens. Drawing on a lifetime's experience in the field, Greenhalgh's guide to fish identification is a detailed, authoritative aid to discriminating between tricky pairings like the Roach and Rudd and a welcome invitation to explore the diversity of European freshwater fauna. Maintaining an elegant balance between a readable, coffee-table book and a serious reference work, the result is a treat for amateur and professional, angler and naturalist alike. --Alex HankinRead More