5 comments about Simon & Schuster'S Guide To Freshwater And Marine Aquarium Fishes.

1. Check the publication date for this book. I had a copy of this one in high school! Good pictures (especially of East Atlantic animals) but forget the care information - hopelessly outdated.



2. and book for the determined aquarist. However, this book is geared more toward aquarium species than ones found in the ocean or freshwater lakes. For instance, the Asian pufferfish is a species that has never been mentioned in any field guide, except this one. Without a doubt, it is an aquarium hybrid. There are not very many species of betas, fightingfish, or goldfish covered here. A person looking for heavy coverage of that will be slightly disappointed.
   The other fishes covered, such as puffers, triggerfish, or cowfish, have more species listed, and more details given. People interested in pufferfish (such as me), will find this guide useful. The only downside that takes away one star is that some species are hybrids, including betas and goldfish. Most triggerfish and cowfish are authentic species.
   If you are looking for a field guide to take along with you on a scuba diving trip to the Caribbean, forget it. This is not the one. However, if you are searching for fish to put in your aquarium, this book is definetely for you..



3. I bought this book as a fish familiarization reference after setting up my aquarium with another book and am glad I did. To say this is a bad intro book on aquariums is an understatement. Anyone considering fish as a hobby would immediatly change their mind upon reading the introduction to this book (which covers setting up an aquarium). For one thing it is way too scientific with diagrams of how pumps work and loads of discussion on things you don't need to know in detail and glaring lack of easy to understand explanations on what you do need to know.

   I read a 40 page Wal-Mart book on setting up an aquarium that was 100 times better than this guide in that respect. So, if you're setting up a new aquarium and want to know (in English) how to set up an aquarium, or want to know information on aquarium products, chemicals, techniques, etc. don't use this book to do it. Any of a dozen short, "so you want to buy a fish" guides will do. You don't need to 4 pages of when/how/why to quarentine fish in order to set up your first aquarium. And even if you did, this book doesn't describe the "how-to's" well enough anyway.

   This book IS a pretty good guide to freshwater and saltwater fishes, plants, reptiles, and invertibrates (like crabs, starfish, etc.) It covers about 300 specimens in total, 88 of which are freshwater fish and about 100 salt water fish. The rest fall into the other categories. It's not comprehensive by any means. There's ONE entry for Goldfish, for instance, even though there are dozens of readily available variations of goldfish. The one entry will give you generally what you need for the entire family, but it won't show you pictures of the many flavors available. Many generally available fish are also not in the book at all - but most are.

   This book does, however, cover a good range of common freshwater and saltwater aquarium fish. And each entry discusses what you need to know about that fish such as required temperature, food, characteristics, behavior and what other fish (or fish types) it gets along with. All this information is necessary to have a happy community (or species) aquarium.

   This book does Not adequately cover breeding fish and other expert topics. Its claim as "A guide for beginners and experts alike" is a bit of an overstatement in that regard. (At least that's my opinion.)

   My conclusion is that I like it for what I got it for - pictures of possible additions to my aquarium with a general description of needs, behavior, etc of each fish. I didn't buy it as a comprehensive guide or a guide to setting up my aquarium. In my opinion, if you want that information go elsewhere. There may even be better pictoral fish guides, but I liked the compact size of the book and the easy to swallow ($$) price tag. Happy Fish Keeping




4. Awesome reference guide (I have a 1977 edition).

   Over 300 full-color photos of freshwater & marine fishes, plants, reptiles and invertibrates. Includes common names, scientific names, families, distribution in the wild (where do these things live), a good verbal description, as well as a good photo, pH, temperature, water hardness, light and other pertinent info about where it lives, and what it needs in an aquarium, feeding info (a bit sketchy there, unless you are already knowledgable), as well as behavioral and compatability information (a MUST for keeping social fishes with others, and keeping those that don't get along apart from each other!)

   Basic aquarium knowledge is not required to enjoy the book, but to use the technical stuff for fish keeping, one must have some other background info (another book on the basics, or several trips and brain picking of a reputable pet shop employee is helpful!)

   Basic chemistry knowledge (especially dilutions [YES! There really is a use for all that math you took through jr. college!] for the disease treatment section is a must of using this to treat diseases)

   Fish diseases section is small, but to the point, and covers most common diseases one will see in aquarium fishes, especially fresh water.

   If you want to keep a salt water aquarium, this is a good reference, but you'll also need a great salt water aqaurium book!

   My edition also does not cover Chloramines, which were added to our tap water after the book was published - use GOOD, distilled bottled water whenever possible, or perhaps a reverse osmosis system w/ filteration, if your house is so equipped. For salt water, I've found it best to change out water directly from the ocean (away from the coastline and rivers), but then too you risk getting diseases in your aquarium that way... I did keep a star fish (sea star)and a Spanish Shawl nudibrach in a goldfish bowl this way for about 3 years, then when we moved sent them back to the ocean... They were awesome, but required we change the water abuot every 2-3 days.

   This is an awesome book, great pictures, but I'd suggest also getting another to supplement this one... My supplement is about 30+ years old, and is no longer in print, and I've not seen one in years.




5. YES, as title says - Simon and Schuster's Nature Guide Series - and I have several, are extremely easy to use. They do not contain alot of details about subjects - but enough to identify different aquarium fishes. And the pictures are quite good.
   I have enjoyed this book and utilized it often to identify many fish.

2 comments about Natural Pet Healing: Our Psychic, Spiritual Connection.

1. Until I got about half way through the book, I felt frustration at the number of times I'd read the same thing...but in different places. This work should have been better edited for easier reading. In addition, on p. 44, there is a subtitle within the "Chakra Healing and Chi" chapter called 'Astral Healing.' This information was excellent. However, the prior chapter, titled "Distance Healing, Astral Healing, and Thought Forms" should have included the astral healing information that followed in the next chapter. I found this kind of disorder difficult to sift through at times as well as irritating. The writing is a bit simplistic as well, which didn't make for titillating reading.
   
   However, by the time I got half way through the book, I realized I was reading something very special. I read many metaphysical books by many authors, but rarely can I "feel" the author. This book was different. I could feel Von Braschler throughout the book, almost his pure spirit emanating from the pages, and the simple nature of the prose and disorder began to become inconsequential since the message became most important.
   
   His respect for animals is evident throughout the book. He is able to convey healing methods simply and with conviction, possibly even for the most scientifically oriented. One of the points I most appreciate is how he mentions that we must treat pets with the same respect reserved for people, that they deserve respect, that they are equally valuable, not beneath humans. However, he counters that in the process of treating pets "like people" we must allow them to be what and who they are; dogs must be allowed to sniff and bark and be dogs, not to become our dress-up dolls.
   
   There is a great deal of valuable information in this book if a reader is looking to refine energetic healing skills. The author addresses several forms of healing through direct touch in addition to healing from a distance. He includes the use of extra tools such as crystals, stones, candles, sound and music. He also includes valuable illustrations such as the location of animals' chakras, pressure and paw reflex points, and the muscular system. These illustrations in one book are almost worth the price of the book alone.
   
   A final note - a better title would have been: "Natural Pet and Plant Healing," for Von Braschler includes the care and healing of plants in his writing, almost as much as he writes about pets. With this title, it would reach more people who could learn from Von Braschler, a special person with very special energy to share.



2. One of the hardest things we experience, is having to watch those close to us suffer. Using a healing touch is one way in which we can take an active role in easing our loved ones pain. But what of our beloved pets and plants?

   I have never seen it before, nor did it occur to me that touch healing and other alternative approaches, can be used on our pets as well. In Natural Pet Healing by Von Braschler, readers are shown how best to apply the principles of touch healing to pets as well as plants. Since people and animals react differently, this guide is highly necessary to have before attempting to apply any methods of healing to pets, even if you are already an adept healer. The author is a trained energy healer who specializes in working with animals, making this a work of love.

   Anyone who is a lover of nature, especially animals has felt the deep connection that is made between a pet and it's human. There are small ways that pets communicate with us to help us meet their needs. What we often don't consider is that we can communicate with them on more levels than we may have been aware of. I am guilty of spoiling my pets and I am sure most with a connection to nature's creatures, are guilty as well. It is not something we would consider changing. But what if you could be shown extra special ways to let your pet know you love them, or even to ease their suffering in times of pain?

   Not only will you receive step-by-step instructions on how to use your hands and the energy within to help heal your pets; but you will also be given instructions and advice on how to apply many other techniques. These include, but are not limited to: Empathetic and Astral healing, projecting through forms, message techniques, crystals and other props, voice healing and so much more.

   Throughout you will be treated to heartwarming stories, concerning the life experiences of Van Braschler as he has applied and succeeded with these practices. As an extra special bonus, all the personal profits from this work are to be donated to pet charities.

   Natural Pet Healing is a must read for anyone who owns a pet. After you have read this book, you will be able to take your relationship with your animal companions to new and deeply moving levels.

No comments about Blue-Fronted Amazon Parrots.

1 comments about The Golden Retriever (Terra Nova Series).

1. I picked up this book to get some general information, and the content exceeded my expectations. Very thorough and comprehensive. I was able to learn about my goldens many facts that I had not known and was not aware I should know!! I would recommend this book to any golden owner, as it is, in my opinion, a very valuable general information and refereence book.

No comments about Puppy Care and Training (Dog Owner's Guide).

No comments about Thurber's Dogs.

2 comments about Here, Pretty Girl.

1. For anyone who owns a greyhound or is part of a rescue group trying to "capture" an escapee, you will really relate to this book. This scenario is "status quo" when trying to bring back home a grey who has decided to explore his/her new world. It was touching to read this.



2. "Here Pretty Girl" is a wonderful adventure. It is heartwarming, funny, and absolutely delightful. I was kept on the edge of my seat, hoping that Sabrina would be rescued before it was too late. The author does a great job of drawing the reader into the story. I was rooting for Joanie, Mary, Nancy, Cindy and of course, Sabrina.

No comments about Dog Wisdom.

5 comments about Dogalog.

1. The Greyhound information is way off base in this publication! I have owned greyhounds for over 11 years and can tell you that Fogle does not know this breed. Greyhounds CAN be good companions to children, CAN live in urban areas with no problem, do NOT require vast amounts of exercise, and are NOT suitable for outdoor living in most climates. What a disappointment this book is! Save your money and find a better book.



2. This book has great photograhy in it. Each listed breed includes a brief history, standard weight and height, first and current uses, and other names for the breed. It also includes up to six "tags" that describe its personality and other characteristics, such as whether it is best-suited for cold or warm weather, if it requires a lot of grooming, ease of obedience training, how much exercise is needed, whether it is comfortable living in an urban setting, et cetera.
   
   However, while it DOES include some of the more rare breeds (such as the Dandie Ditmont Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler), it DOES NOT include some of the more common breeds (such as the American Eskimo Dog). What I seem to dislike most is that much of the category classification is flawed. For example: Staffordshire Terriers are grouped with "terriers," though they are "mastiffs." This is because there is no "mastiff" category included, which then places bulldogs and the likes with "livestock dogs" (because of their guarding abilities). "Scent hounds" and "sight hounds" are not separated.....
   
   All things considered, however, this is great as a quick reference guide. I bought it as a secondary book to share with my clients. If you have the money and you want DETAILED, completely accurate information, buy Bonnie Wilcox's "The Atlas of Dog Breeds of the World" (my primary resource book). It is THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE book of dog breeds I've ever found. Next best (and about one third of the price) would probably be "The NEW Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds" (emphasis on the NEW) published by Dorling Kingsley.



3. With its clever title and thick, square layout, "Dogalog" grabs your attention right away on the shelves of your favorite bookstore, and a cursory perusal in the aisles will likely sway dog lovers to grab a copy.
   
   Although a functional, if not totally accurate (as others have noted already) resource, the book's strengths are its array of colorful photos and quick facts on dog breeds. Hence, this book is more for entertainment than education.
   
   Younger dog fanciers will especially enjoy flipping through the book. Anyone looking for information on what type of canine to adopt or rescue, however, will find a starting place here, but should expand his or her research to more in-depth sources.



4. O.K. "The Complete Dog Book " it is not but as an additional reference point about our wonderful canine friends it is valuable. We bought this book years back when we were looking to buy a family dog that was good with kids. At the time the children were young(er)and it was perfect for them to participate in the process of finding the right dog for our family. Small book ,small hands, it was ideal for them. It served it's purpose and more as the children were educated about certain things like the classification of dogs etc. The pictures are outstanding and the basic facts suffice for starters. As a complimentary book for understanding our canine companions it is a good book, especially for youngsters. Recommended for dog lovers who need HELP in finding the right breed for the family, but not as the sole reference point.



5. If you want to find out what breed fits you best, this is the book for you. But as a dog history nerd, this book is not the best. The larger version is "The Encyclopedia of the Dog" by Bruce Fogle and also has not correct information, saying that the Labrador Retriever comes from England!!!! That is not correct, and is even more false than saying it came from Labrador, Canada (it came from Nova Scotia). There are also some other problems with it. The condensed version (this book) is just a worse version, being smaller with not as many breeds, and the best ones picked out (like the Dingo, which has an intersting history). All the history sections of the breeds mainly talk about where the dog came from, not the dogs it descended from like the larger version.

2 comments about THE AKITA (Book of the Breed Series).

1. This book presented with a 1 star review so I was a bit dubious about buying it, however, once I received it I was extremely glad I did. From a showing and breeding point of view, I would have to say that this is one of, if not the, best books of the Akita I have purchased so far. I highly recommend it.



2. I want an Akita,so I wanted this book.When I ordered it,All it talked about is how to hunt with it!5 thumbs down!