Freshwater Fish of Britain and Ireland

Sixty-two species of fish may be caught in fresh and estuarine waters within the British Isles, and all can be accurately identified using the dianostic keys to families and species in this book. Most of the fish are illustrated by accurate line-drawings and colour photographs. Identification is assisted by additional text summarising important external features, general body size, habitat, reproduction, food, distribution, and use for angling and commercial fishing.

In addition to the keys for identifying families and species of adult fish, keys to family-level are also provided for the eggs and small (post-larval) stages, and the scales of adult fish; the scales are illustrated with photogrpahs and line drawings emphasising the most important diagnostic features.

Apart from providing suitable keys for identification, a notable feature of the book is a series of maps based on current knowledge about the distribution of each species in Britain and Ireland, underlining the relative rarity of some species and urgent need for conservation. This topic is emphasised in the text, reflecting the author's own extensive knowledge and first-hand experience. All those with an interest in fish will find the maps and text concerning conservation particularly valuable, including a brief section on legislation affecting fish and fisheries, introduced in chronological order.

Author: Peter S Maitland
Publisher: Freshwater Biological Association
Extra Details: Pictorial Card Covers.248 Pages.Illustrated with Colour Photos and B&W artworks.