What's the definitive resource for freshwater aquaria?

August 13, 2007 7:51 AM

What is the most authoritative resource for finding the ideal water conditions and general care of freshwater aquarium fish?

I've been using this guide in picking out species of fish that are suitable for my new aquarium (which is warmer than most species like at 80 deg. F). The book is very specific, listing ideal temp., pH, water hardness, behavioral information, breeding advice, compatible tankmates, feeding, etc. It's nice, but doesn't list all of the fish that I've seen in my local fish shop. Also, I've seen information that contradicts the book in online databases. I'm more apt to trust a print reference, but I'm still nagged by the idea that I'm not using the best resource possible.

Is there a book with scientific authority that offers comprehensive details on all freshwater aquarium species?

posted by cowbellemoo to pets & animals (4 comments total)

I worked in a couple of aquarium stores and most of the guys I worked with swore by Axelrod's books as the go-to guides for freshwater fish. I had one of the atlases for years but loaned it out and never got it back. Here's one of his many books.
posted by jquinby at 8:49 AM on August 13, 2007

Yeah, Dr. Axelrod's is one of the best on the market. Amazon.com is listing some used copies for as cheap as US$50.

The mini-atlas is the abridged version. It's more useful for the ordinary person, and covers most fish you're going to encounter in the tropical fish trade. It goes for around US$30.

Also, this British fish website seems pretty good and free if you go and check in the section marked "fish". It doesn't have a ton of info, but it looks like what they do have is correct (always a dicey proposition when people talk about fish on the internet)
posted by Pseudoephedrine at 11:46 AM on August 13, 2007

try fishforums (dot) net. lots of good accurate frshwater fish & aquarium info.
posted by troubleon14thst at 11:06 PM on August 13, 2007

All very helpful. Thanks!
posted by cowbellemoo at 5:58 AM on August 14, 2007