4 comments about An Entirely Synthetic Fish: How Rainbow Trout Beguiled America and Overran the World.

1. When he was a high school student, my wife and I took Anders and his family fishing in our favorite British Columbia coastal river. He was already an accomplished fisherman, lover of the outdoors, and pleasant companion.
   
   Two nights of reading are the equivalent of an excellent college course in the history and propagation management of trout in North America. Particularly interesting is the effect "public choice theory" has had on this course of events. One of the author's principal points is that laws are enacted assuming the administrating agencies will act rationally and in the public good. In reality however, their staffs are led subconsciously and consciously towards ends which meet their own perceived needs and this has greatly influenced the process.



2. In the few months since its publication, Anders Halverson's An Entirely Synthetic Fish has capture imaginations of a wide ranging audience - from avid fly fishers to the Diane Rehm Show, and rightfully so. In An Entirely Sythetic Fish, Halvers deftly tells the tale of how well intended programs have gone utterly wrong, putting the treasures of trout anglers at risk, while simultaneously spreading the joy of trout fishing around the globe.
   
   The story of the rainbow trout is one of tinkering, and along the way we lost some of the parts. It begins in 1872 on California's McCloud River, where Spencer Baird, Livingston Stone and the fledgling United States Fish Commission sought to restore America's dwindling fish stocks, as well as American cultural virility, through the new science of fish culture. What started in the American West quickly became a global enterprise.
   
   The native home of the rainbow spans the Pacific Rim, from Kamchatka to Mexico. Yet, through the waves of aesthetics, politics, and sporting organizations rainbow trout now swim on every continent, save Antarctica. In exploring that journey, Halverson tells a tale that is as much environmental history as it is American political history. We learn as much about key players like Stone as we do the fish itself, and how it was been steered by cultural values and financial gain, angler preferences and ecological manipulation. As an ecologist Halverson researched an engaging story filled with depth and critical insight and told with the deft skill of an accomplished journalist.
   
   Halverson adds a refreshing and crucial perspective to that history. If you are interested in fishing history, fish biology, environmetnal or political history or simply want to read an intriguing story of the intricate relations between humans and animals this is a must read.



3. Sometime within the past ten years or so I became interested in native fish. I have nothing against any species, I just like to see fish that are "supposed" to be in a watershed, in that watershed, not some other species occupying that water. This desire to find native species in their native range has taken my fishing buddy and me to some out-of-the-way little creeks--we're talking about places in the middle of the desert 100 miles from the nearest town. Creeks whose widths are measured in inches, not feet. But it doesn't seem to matter where we go, how far away from "civilization" we get, we still come across water stocked with non-native species. Many of these places were stocked long before motorized travel was possible. And I've wondered what possessed people to stock fish in such places.
   
   Anders Halverson's new book, An Entirely Synthetic Fish: How Rainbow Trout Beguiled America and Overran the World, answers that question for me. In a fascinating look at the social and political maneuverings of the late nineteenth century through the present, Anders' meticulous research lays bare some interesting tidbits of the stocking policies of the United States.
   
   One such gem is that the government was worried about the strength of the nation's men: that they had "notoriously less hardihood and endurance than the generation which preceded [their:] own" (George Perkins Marsh, congressman and diplomat from the mid-1800's). This description was given in a report by Marsh under the auspices of the Legislature of Vermont on the Artificial Propagation of Fish. He further stated that "the sports of the chase" (angling being one of them) was a way to increase the hardiness of the Americans. At this time, many waterways were already seeing a decline in fish numbers and the artificial propagation of fish was seen as a way to increase those numbers. With the urge to increase the robustness of its men, and the decline fish population the underpinnings were there for the introduction of non-native species.
   
   Last year Eccles (from the Turning Over Small Stones blog) and I had a discussion about the terms "Fish and Game" and "Fish and Wildlife" as used in various agencies: Why were the terms "fish" and "game" separate? Shouldn't it just be Game or Wildlife, as in "Utah Game" or "US Wildlife Service" since fish are a type of game and fish are a type of wildlife? Anders informs us that by the 1870s congress formed the United States Fish Commission to help tackle the problem of declining fish stocks, thus becoming the first governmental agency involved with animal husbandry in the US. At a later time, the "game" and "wildlife" were added as the agency expanded. So, in my mind at least, this solves the mystery.
   
   How the rainbow trout became the darling of the US Fish Commission, and just about every other angling agency in the world, is an interesting tale that Anders starts in San Francisco in 1872 with Livingston Stone looking for spawning salmon. He eventually found the McCloud River and began propagating salmon. By 1879 they were looking for a place on the McCloud to begin propagating trout as well. And they did, with astounding success.
   
   Besides the historical ventures Anders skillfully and delightfully takes the reader on, he also dissects the biology of the stocking programs, covering the hardiness of a stock that is constantly used for breeding to whirling disease. He discusses the loss of native species and the response (or lack of it) of individual state fish and game departments, how some of them have switched from stocking to conservation.
   
   This brings up an interesting problem that many fish and game departments need to tackle: what is their responsibility when sportsmen (who pay for licenses whose money is then possibly used to bankroll conservation and restoration instead of stocking), clamor for more catchable fish?
   
   Through all of these topics Anders uses a reporters zeal for facts (there are approximately 475 sources listed in the bibliography) and detachment, thereby keeping an even keel on reporting the facts and not stepping on a soapbox to expound one particular side over another. Even with this professional detachment, there is a keen sense of understanding and compassion shown for the stories he tells. For, if nothing else (but there is a lot of "else"), the book is full of stories told with the storyteller's art.



4. This book blew me away. Incredible storytelling, amazing history. I'll never look at trout the same way again. If you like to fish or have any interest at all in environmental history and our relationship with the natural world, this book is a must read. I'd highly recommend it.

5 comments about The Bearded Dragon Manual (Advanced Vivarium Systems).

1. This is a wonderful book for any Bearded Dragon owner! I give a thumbs up!



2. I have personally Been keeping bearded dragons for over 6 years, I also have many different books on bearded dragons. This book is ok, not the best but i have read worse. The book is a little behind times and will give you some out of date information. this book is full of good information and has alot of very detailed and beautiful pictures. All in all there are better Bearded dragon books out on the market, but this one is better than most.



3. this book is loaded with useful and quality information. It includes all sucjects needed for maintaining a healthy dragon. it has all of the subjects from diet to habitat.



4. I got this book after I got the dragon. I wish I had the book first. I found out I don't like the little buggers and gave the thing away to a friend with the book in tow. Book is well written and easy to read. It shows all the concerns a dragon owner should be aware of and proper care and maintenance. It might be a little outdated, with the new foods that are ready to eat that are produced for them. Also, not a lot on personalities, but I didn't expect much on that either.



5. This book is an easy read that provides excellent information on the care of Bearded Dragons. Before you get your dragon, get this book! It could mean the difference between a happy healthy lizard and a dead one.
   
   Already have a dragon? Get the book anyway. You could still learn some things that will make your pet's life better.

5 comments about Corn Snakes: The Comprehensive Owner's Guide (Herpetocultural Library, The).

1. Great book to get you started learning about corn snakes. I just bought my first corn snake,and this book anwsered a lot of questions I had. A must book for beginers or people thinking about getting a corn snake.



2. item is fine. Did not ship when promised. I paid extra for expedited shipping and did not get it.



3. This book has great information on care of corn snakes, in fact for me it went overboard with the breeding of them, which is not bad, just more information than I could absorb. The authors (whom I have seen lecture as well) are passionate about the breeding and keeping of corn snake. This is a must for anyone considering keeping one of these guys as a pet



4. Helps you to know even more about your snakes even if you already know alot this book will help you to know alot more..



5. This book well serves the novice looking to acquire his or her first corn snake. If you follow the advice in this book your snake will do great. Are there other opinions out there? Sure. I recommend reading EVERYTHING you can find about corn snakes. A well read snake keeper is a smarter snake keeper. That said, Kathy Love has been breeding corns for a long time, and knows what she is doing. Bill and Kathy's book is written in a pretty casual style, without a lot of technical jargon and is easily understood by even a complete new-comer to the reptile keeping hobby.

1 comments about Aquarium Care of Goldfish (Animal Planet Pet Care Library).

1. I think this book has become very handy with trying to learn more things on how to keep our fish alive longer and help them be healthy..Very good book. I would highly recommend gold fish lovers to get this book here.

5 comments about Lake Malawi Cichlids (Complete Pet Owner's Manual).

1. This little book contains some really great information on Malawi cichlids, and has some really awesome pictures too. I love These great books that do not have a lot of unnecessary info, but covers just enough of some different species in a nicely detailed book.Thanks-Jenny Adkison Hallettsville, Tx



2. This book has a great overview of how to setup a Malawi Cichlid tank. It also has some specific information about some of the more popular cichlid species. This is a great book for anyone looking to setup a Cichlid tank or for people who would like some more specific information on Malawi Cichlids.



3. Good little book, but some stunning errors in husbandry descriptions which could be a potential disaster for beginning Mbuna keepers. I highly recommend that aquarists look for at least a second opinion before choosing individual species as described in this book.



4. This is THE best little cichlid book for Lake Malawi. But don't let the word little fool you, this book is packed with information on dozens of Lake Malawi cichlids. I especially like that the book breaks down the lake's cichlids into the two main categories of mbuna and Haplochromines. There are over 100 excellent color photos of the most popular species accompanied by descriptions of natural habitat, size, husbandry requirements, diet, and breeding. I always take this book with me when I go to a fish auction or my local aquarium society meeting. There are other books that contain information on more species but none that gives you this much information at such a great price!



5. Book Lake Malawi Cichlids describes natural habitats of Lake Malawi, different groups of cichlids and gives very good instructions how to set up aquarium that will match fish's natural requirements. It contains beautiful photos (some of them also taken in the nature!) and descriptions of some aquariums cichlids. It contains a lot of information given in very understandable way, I missed that in many other more comprehensive books. I recommend this book to all beginners and also to more advanced aquarists.

5 comments about The Lizard King: The True Crimes and Passions of the World's Greatest Reptile Smugglers.

1. 1st--I'm amazed to see Bill Love commenting on a reptile book. It'd be like seeing Jimmy Hendrix commenting on someone's guitar album.
   
   I've been keeping reptiles since I was 12 or 13, and I remember some of these events, and characters. When I was an adolescent, Strictly Reptile's nickname was Sickly Reptiles...that place had a distinctly unsavory reputation attached to it (apparently it's back in business and I'm unaware of any improvement in it's rep). The author mostly avoids demonizing people--even the Nostrands. The subject is treated fairly well, but I was disappointed that the author didn't delve into the mortality rate of the seized animals. One thing that's always angered me about USFW is the fate of far too many animals taken in the course of an investigation. They mostly die, in large part due to the fact there's not a good enough network in place to care for them. USFW hypes itself on protecting endangered species, but the animals they seize don't seem to fare well under their care, which is a depressing irony.
   
   The saga of strictly's is fairly well known, as is the busting of Wong (which I found hysterical) but it's good to have it all written down in one place, and I appreciate the mostly even handed treatment that the author gives the subject. I just wish the writing were clearer--timelines can jump around, as can focus, particularly in the earlier chapters. The characters are odd, and sympathetic at times, even the bad guys. Black and white simplicity is eschewed in favor of a more detailed approach to both the criminals and the LEOs and agencies, something refreshing.



2. Who knew selling snakes was so lucrative? The Lizard King: The True Crimes and Passions of the World's Greatest Reptile Smugglers goes inside the exotic world of reptile smuggling. I've read other books about the wildlife trade, who consumes what, and why (notably Richard Ellis' Tiger Bone & Rhino Horn: The Destruction of Wildlife for Traditional Chinese Medicine). Christy takes a fresh perspective. He goes beyond the headlines and statistics and take use deep into the criminal syndicates and personalities engaged in the trade. He really makes his characters come alive: the reptile smuggler who curses out agents but loves his family passionately; the Asian wildlife kingpin who reeks of smooth confidence; and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife agent who cares about animals and the rules. All are unforgettable individuals who are so fascinating yet so real.
   
   Overall, The Lizard King is a fun, quick read. At times, the book reads like a Mario Puzzo novel - except that it's all true, based on Christy's extensive interviews with the main people involved in the drama. I recommend this book for anybody who cares about wildlife or anybody who loves to read a crimes novel.



3. Overall I really liked this book. It contained many intertwined stories about how the history of the reptile keeping hobby got to be what it is today. I was amazed at the audacity of the smugglers in their lack of humanity and care for their cargo and the lengths that they would go to for profit and notoriety.
   
   However, I didn't feel that the actual writing was very smooth or flowing, as the author jumped around in the story and some of transitions to new ideas seemed choppy and discordant. Otherwise, based on the considerable research done for this book, and the fascinating information that was imparted, I would recommend this to anyone interested in the "behind the scenes" aspect of the reptile hobby. It had a lot to offer in the shock value department, and contained sordid details on individuals and companies that are still around today that might not be easily accessible in any other avenue.
   
   I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 only based on the writing style, as the content itself was remarkable.



4. Christy does an amazing job at describing the reptile trade, and its foes, as it is. While he, rightly in my opinion, praises some actors in the book who are fighting for causes they believe in, he overall gives an objective view of the players and does not attempt to take a biased view on the subject, or cast the smugglers as inherently evil.
   
   The book focuses on reptile smugglers, by definition those who profit on taking wild animals from their native habitats for people's amusement. Naturally, these individuals will not come off as likeable by most. Yet Christy surprisingly manages to portray them as humans too, explain where they came from and why they are in this business.
   
   Christy also repeatedly shows the lackadaisical, shoe-string budgeted, and feebly-enforced nature of our (US) wildlife protection laws. You will come out better informed about the incredible odds the USFWS and allied agencies face when trying to take on poachers, wildlife smugglers, etc. in the important work that they do.
   
   I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in reptiles, the pet business, wildlife protection, or animal rights. It is incredibly well-written and like several other reviewers I couldn't put it down and finished it in less than one day. If you're interested in any of the subjects I mentioned, you surely will enjoy this book.



5. I am a professional reptile breeder, so I wanted to see for myself what this book was about. I was fascinated from beginning to end. There is so much history of the reptile industry included in the book. It was interesting to see how the industry changed over the years, with all the new species that became available, and when the demand for rare and exotic color morphs started. It really is an eye-opener for people that have no idea how big the reptile hobby and industry is, or how much money is involved. I'm sure I'm biased because of my profession, but I thought it was a great book, with a lot of research going into it. I think that people with an interest in reptiles will find the book the most appealing, but even a casual-reader with no particular interest in reptiles would find this book a great read.

5 comments about Iguanas for Dummies.

1. An excellent book for all those who are new to the Iguana scene. I found it very informative and easy to understand. I would recommend it to all new owners of these beautiful creatures.



2. The book itself is very handy and helpful. Shows you what to take into consideration when deciding to take one of the green ''beasts'' under your roof.
   
   I recommend it to anyone who is thinking of buying a little big Iggy



3. This book is just what I needed for my Iguana. My daughter gave me her Iguana because she moved and couldn't take the Iguana with her and she was going to abandon it. I had no idea on how to take care of an Iguana. I do now. This book came in handy and I love the "for Dummies" books. They're excellent books and great for referring back to.



4. There is a reason that many reptile rescues require iguana adopters to purchase this book. Melissa Kaplan's book is the bible for iguana care. If you read this book and follow it's instructions, your little green friend will live a long and healthy life! The book is also extremely useful if you are debating getting an iguana. You should definitely read it before bringing one home (the level of care an iguana requires might discourage you from getting one).



5. "most", "some"... Facts need to be added to support her views, which is what her writings come down to... her views. Stick with other books if you are looking for the way to properly care for your little green friend. Check out 'Green Iguana: The Ultimate Owner's Manual by James W., III Hatfield' Hatfield relies less on shock value and exaggerations, facts are important.

5 comments about Natural Terrariums (Complete Herp Care).

1. If you want to try creating a beautiful biome for your pet herp, this is the book for you. There is so much info packed into this little volume, and the author covers all aspects from enclosure type to appropriate rocks for particular habitats to plants and watering. He also covers the basics of about six different types of biomes with great tips for keeping your terrarium a living, breathing microcosm.
   
   My goal is to build the most natural habitat for my future pet, and this book contained the most useful information to help me accomplish my goal.



2. I was a bit disappointed when I received this book due to its very small size. The price definitely did not reflect what I was expecting. However upon opening and reading the book, I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of information it contained. While it did not contain all the information I needed, it is definitely a good starter guide for creating a vivarium. It really works well for me because I have a number of different habitats in my home, but if you are looking for something really specific for one or two animals, you may want to look for something geared more toward your animal. Again a great started guide.



3. If you are interested in small amphibian life, this book helps you create the ideal habitat that is not only for looks, but functions as a true biotope keeping itself clean using natural bacteria filtration. A natural environment allows you to enjoy your pets, observing behaviors. Quality of life and lifespan are assured in a natural biotope and a quality environment increases the chances that they will breed in captivity! This book will help you create the rainforest of your dreams!



4. This book is good for basic information regarding the construction of terrariums and vivariums, but really wasn't what I was looking for. There were only a couple bits of useful information that I hadn't already found through searching the Internet. I have yet to find a good, detailed book dealing with the complexities of constructing a vivarium. All that I have read including this book cover only the simplest of concepts.



5. This is a pretty good book for the price. It is a little too heavily oriented towards the reptiles only. I would have liked to see more vivarium information. Some information, like not to use magnolia leaves, is just plain wrong. Also, there is nothing on background construction.

5 comments about Green Iguana: The Ultimate Owner's Manual.

1. To all IGUANA fans!
   Do you want a happy healthy IGUANA? Then please go ahead and purchase this large book. I can really recomment this Iguana book. It's very detailed and includes very important information which I have so far not experienced in any other Iguana books. Special section on taming and training. Don't miss it its a must to read this book in my eyes and its very amusing to read it as well besides the very interesting information. Enjoy



2. If you are a new iguana owner you must read this material. The author covers the bases of every possible situation and give detail on everything you need to know. Not hard to comprehend at all. Great read. Thanks.



3. Loved this book, it is so full of valuable information. It completely surpasses all the other iguana books I have gotten in the past. Great addition to any iguana household.



4. I've bought 6 different books on iguanas and they all took from this one. This book contains more information than I've been able to find anywhere else.



5. I loved this book, it has so much helpful information, and you could tell that the author really cared about Iguanas.

5 comments about Rhacodactylus: The Complete Guide to their Selection and Care.

1. This Book is a must have for anyone who is thinking of owning a Rhac species. It has eveything you will ever need to raise your animals. I got this book just before my month old Gargoyle gecko came. I read it in 1 day. I t has every type of Rhac and even if you are only interested in owning one species it is facsinating to read about all the others. It has great sections in care, housing, handleing, and everythign else! I recommend to everyone. It is worth the money many times over! Buy It you Won't be dispointed!



2. This book is fantastic if you need the basics to advanced details on the Rhacodactylus family; written to be understood by even young hobbyists without being childish for the adults. Though it already needs to updated on the morphs of Crested Geckos at the very least. Rhacs have already at least matched the Leopard Gecko in popularity and diversity through captive breeding.



3. This book is a description in very specific details of the rhacodactylus family. I find it very important to know where these animals come from, how to maintain them in the most naturalistic way possible, etc. This book is a must need for Rhacodactylus keepers!
   
   5 big thumbs up!



4. The nature of human beings is to explore, to examine, and to try to understand everything around us. This book benefits our instinctual search for information about the natural ecosystems around us. It provides us with an insight into the world of some of the rarest and most beautiful creatures in the world and lays bare the world in which they live. Anyone who has an interest in herpetology or is simply hoping to delve into the amazing world of reptile study can gain so much from this book and from Phillipe De Vosjoli's other outstanding and contemplative works.



5. This is by far the best book in print on Rhac's. It covers Crested, Gargoyle, Chahoua, and the Giant Leachianus Geckos among others. It has sections on all aspects of careing for them including breeding. Many helpful photos to demonstrate the various color and structure morphs (especially of the Crested Geckos). The only thing that could be added here (maybe in a second edition) is what combinations of different morphs are likely to produce what morphs. Also some info on on temperature sex determination for incubation temps would be helpful in the future after more research is done in this area. The Authors all have plenty of first hand experience and some of the largest collections of these geckos in the world. All in all, the best book available on Rhac's at this time.