5 comments about Rainbowfish Complete Owner's Manual.

1. As a new fan and keeper of rainbowfish, I am eager to learn as much as I can about these very lovely creatures. Whereas I found Gerald Allen's book interesting, it is geared more towards the scientific community than the home aquarist who aims to provide her or his fish the best possible care. Derek Lambert's Rainbowfishes book is also good but, in my opinion, this title by Gunther Schmida for Barron's fits my needs much better.
   
   Mr. Schmida describes many species, including some I have not encountered even in the more specialized shops or online. The color photos, including a nice series of shots showing Red Rainbowfish spawning and the males of other species displaying, are exciting. The information is written in a knowledgeable yet approachable style, as if the author truly wants to share with the reader. At the end is an index which includes both the popular and scientific names of the fish included. (Note to reviewer wass29 in Moline, IL: see p.22 for information on M. praecox "dwarf neon rainbowfish," the fish you are seeking.) All in all, there is much to like about this small but useful book!
   
   However, there is inconsistency in how quantities are presented. For instance, lengths of fish and recommended tanks are given in both metric and English measurements, very useful for those of us in the US. However, temperatures are given only in Celsius and that is an obstacle to my immediate understanding as I read. Given that this book was translated for the American audience by an American publisher, it is only reasonable to expect it to use the form of measurements we use in the US. If it were published in Europe or Australia, certainly I would not complain.
   
   Also, in the species' descriptions, Mr. Schmida recommends tanks of at least 157 gallons (an uncommon size) to hold certain species, even M. boesemani. However, for other species of the same size or larger he does not make such detailed recommendations. He does not explain why this unusually-sized tank is needed. Could it be because of the individual fish's size or because a school of a certain number is recommended or perhaps for some other reason? I take his tank specifications with a grain of salt.
   
   Even with these concerns of mine, I find this to be an excellent resource for those of us who are enthralled with these beauties from Australasia. I have been using a copy from my local library and now I am ready to purchase my own, I like it so well.



2. This book is a great addition to any collection. It has valuable information about rainbowfish and some of the different varieties out there, it is a quick informative book to read. However I felt it did not have enough information on all of the different varieties of rainbowfish. I didn't see anything on Dwarf Neon Rainbofish (a very popular one at the fish store where I work part time), also it did not describe all of the fish very well and the info on tank sizes and fish recommendations was incorrect. Even with its shortcomings I own and enjoy it anyways



3. This book has wonderful pictures and information about the different kinds of rainbowfish.. For anyone that is trying to research which specific rainbowfish they should like to keep it's definately a good choice.. The drawbacks are that the pictures and grouped together on seperate pages from the actual information that pertains to the specific species.. It's only a small gripe however.. I also think that some of the information can be a bit sketchy and there is a portion of the book dedicated to standard aquarium set up which I don't feel should be included in a fish specific book.. That's just my opinion though and if you are new to aquarium keeping it can be very helpful..



4. If you are a beginner at keeping rainbows, this is a very commendable book. It covers all of the basics for keeping and breeding rainbows and you can't ask for more than that from a beginner's book. Also, it provides references for seeking further information. It is leagues above the stacks of picture postcard pamphlets being passed off as "informative" books in the hobby. Still, like most books targeted at a relatively small tropical fish market segment, it is filled with many pictures and few words. A 15 - 30 minute read and you will have digested most, if not all, of the information in this micro-tome. After that, it's an inexpensive reference to the names of many species of rainbow with many excellent photographs and drawings of many species.

   However, the editors seemed to have been rather overzealous. In places the text runs just short of the information you would expect, practically begging questions, and I suspect that the author's original text had the information and the editors decided to cut it to save pages. The information in aquarium set-up and maintenance sections is especially abrupt. It's not that the data is incorrect , but a little information can be dangerous. For example, it mentions that carbon is one of the things you can use in a filter but it doesn't discuss the reasons for, or virtues and problems of, using carbon in filters. It appears the editors allowed the author about one sentence for the topic of carbon -- not enough to do justice to the topic but it keeps down the price of a book with lots of color photographs.

   Did I mention the photographs and drawings are absolutely excellent?




5. As a rainbowfish enthusiast, I didn't expect much from this short book, but ordered it because it was the newest available book on the subject. I was delighted about the amount of information packed into its 64 pages.

   The authoritative reference on the subject is Gerald R. Allen's "Rainbowfish: in Nature and the Aquarium," but this book is nearly impossible to find lately. Derek Lambert's short 1998 book "Rainbow Fishes : Keeping & Breeding Them in Captivity" had wonderful photography, but little new species information.

   This new book by Gunther Schmida is similar in format and photography to Lambert's book, but unlike the Lambert book, this one includes lots of new rainbowfish information. The pictures and descriptions of dozens of new rainbowfish species (not described in the other works) make this book a must-have for serious rainbowfish enthusiasts. It also includes a number of tips and advice not found in other books on the subject.

   The photography in the book is top-notch, and the author includes a few tips about how he gets the pictures.

   I only have a few criticisms of the book. This book is translated from German and there are a number of editing mistakes and improper metric/english conversions. There is also a short sidebar discussing legal issues regarding keeping an aquarium, but no indication on what country's laws the advice is based upon. This is important because this is a book sold in America, written by a German living in Australia!

   But overall I recommend the book. If you could get only one book on Rainbowfish (and can find it!) get the Gerald Allen book. Otherwise get this one, or do what i did, and buy both!

3 comments about General Care and Maintenance of Popular Monitors & Tegus (The Herpetocultural Library Series).

1. This book has a lot of good information in it but it reads like a science journal. It was also written like 10 years ago so much of it is outdated (particularly in regards to breeding success). It is however a good companion piece to "Monitors and Tegus (Complete Pet Owner's Manual)" by R.D. Bartlett.



2. This book has a wealth of information within it, and describes every aspect of monitor ownership. And I have seen no greater book written on Savannah monitors in particular. But, if you are interested in obtaining or own a different species of monitor, such as a water or peach-throat, the book doesn't dwell on them too long. Simply a paragraph or two deals with other individual species. Which is OK, but it doesn't discuss all the special requirements of other species, which can be important, in its generalized chapters. Yet, if its savannahs your interested in, which are by far the easiest and most commonly kept, this IS the book for you! Don't miss it!
   --Lauren



3. Did you know that the Argentine Black & White tegus, as you can read in this book, eat a larger variety of food than the Colombian tegus and can hibernate? It is all in this great book on tegus and monitors. Here is another example of this great book: "The Argentine Black and White tegu is the most desirable of all tegus" (p. 142 in Michael Balsai's book on monitors and tegus). Am I glad I found an Argentine tegu at Agama! Please read this book if you like tegus and other big lizards, it is fantastic!

2 comments about The Betta Handbook (Barron's Pet Handbooks).

1. This book has tons of information in it if you are writing a detailed report on the background, history and subtypes of bettas. It has a great deal about wild bettas and types of bettas. It wasn't until over half-way through the book that it actually told me information on keeping the betta splenden as a pet, and then it went back to the history lesson again.
   The information that he provided about food types for Bettas was the most helpful part in the whole book.



2. If you can only get 1 book about Bettas this should be it. Dr. Goldstein is an expert and although I do disagree with some of his thoughts on the need to keep Betta variety names to a strict scientific form, I realise his intentions are good as well as valid. His overview of the Betta world is most complete and the many less known "wild" betta species receive excellent coverage in his effort. I do wish it had more photos of the more recent varieties that have been developed such as the Crowntail and Halfmoon but the descriptions are very good and a web directory guides readers to sites which will fill in the gaps. Any of Dr. Goldsteins books are an excellent addition to the Betta or other tropical fish fanciers library. I've been keeping Bettas for more than 40 years now and Dr. Goldstein's books were there every step of the way. This book will most definitely enhance your pleasure in keeping these fascinating little fish!

No comments about Lizards (Complete Pet Owner's Manual).

3 comments about Geckos (Complete Pet Owner's Manual).

1. We bought this when we were thinking of buying a gecko as a pet because they are so cute and because of the Geico commercials.... he he he... found out alot about gecko's...good book, but we went with love birds instead... ;)



2. A great book for the animal lover in us all



3. This book details the captive care and matinence of geckos.This book can get you through your first lizard or answer a quick question for the advanced herpetologist. So if I were you I would buy this book to see if geckos are right for you or see how to better the care of yours.

1 comments about The General Care and Maintenance of Common Kingsnakes (The Herpetocultural Library).

1. This book is very informative. If you have or are thinking of picking up a common kingsnake, pick up this book, it will give you a great foundation and really help you to get going

1 comments about Burmese Pythons: Plus Reticulated Pythons And Related Species (Herpetocultural Library).

1. This book contains some great info on caring for these large serpents and it also contains a section on serious considerations before purchasing a giant snake which is great to see.

1 comments about Salamanders and Newts As a New Pet.

1. This book is ideal for the salamander or newt neophyte-anyone who is just starting to keep these slimy but endearing critters as pets. Written by an author with dozens of pet books to his name, and published by T.F.H. Publications, one of the world's largest publishers of pet books, this slim volume covers all major topics that the would-be salamander and newt owner needs to know. It discusses the natural history of newts and salamanders, specifics on how to house them safely, what they eat and how and where to find or buy it, hygiene and health issues, reproduction, and more. The book also includes color photographs of a variety of salamanders and newts from around the world, including all major families and species found in the United States. Some of the photographs are startling; picture a tiger salamander eating a field mouse, for example. The book also includes several pages about the axolotl, a formerly exotic species that has become one of the most popular amphibian pets. This book is a great buy for the price, and is perfectly adequate for the beginner, although it may not do for the serious salamander breeder. Pick up this inexpensive volume before you even THINK about picking up that spotted thing that's crawling around under the log.

2 comments about Rosy, Rubber, and Sand Boas (Reptile and Amphibian Keeper's Guide).

1. This handy little paperback contains good information on the erycine boas (sand, rubber, and rosy). For the price, I can't complain.
   
   While it may provide enough information for others, it left ME with wanting more in-depth information about all three - and their other cousin the Cameroon Burrowing Boa. My ideal erycine boa book would be five times as long, in-depth, and replete with photos. I can never get enough. As the first review said, more information on disposition, handling, history, etc. would be a start.
   
   I still recommend this book given the low price, information included, and scarcity of similar books.



2. A good general book on the various species of rosy, rubber and sand boas. wish there was more detailed info on behavior, natural feeding habits and disposition. However, it is a great book for general knowledge on each species and how to identify, breeding, handling and care. Great photos.

5 comments about What's Wrong With My Snake? A User-Friendly Home Medical Reference Manual (The Herpetocultural Library) (The Herpetocultural Library).

1. I enjoy having this book. I wish I had stumbled upon it sooner. It would have helped me to solve some of my more puzzling predicaments that I had to figure out on my own. That having been said - this book contains mostly medical problems that can be avioded by proper husbandry, and doesn't get too specific. I have used this book several times, although it never really told me much I didn't know or suspect. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is thinking of getting a snake, or lizard too really. I have kept herps for a decade now and only got the book a year or so ago, so I'd already read about and learned a lot through experience and other herp reading, but this does give more information than care sheets, or generalized herp books. I would have liked it better if it had more problems covered, as several times I have thought to check the book, only to find no mention of my specific problem. But for the most common problems the book covers prevention, home treatment, and vet treatment. It is a must-have for any reptile owner, or prospective reptile owner.



2. If you're like me, you're at a point where the "Keeping blank Snake" books are getting *very* repetetive (how many times do you have to read how warm to keep a python...?) and textbooks are more than you need. However, it is nice to get new information about your pet. This is an excellent book for that. Nothing ground breaking or earth shattering, but an excellent resource for illness, and, better, something a little bit different and good to read and learn about.



3. It's a great book, there really isn't much else to say about it. If you're even thinking about getting a snake, buy this.



4. I have been raising and breeding snakes for over 30 years and I found this book to be very helpfull for most ailments and has good suggestions for treatment. I would have really liked more color pictures, but for the price it will be hard to beat.



5. I bought this book on a whim. I was trying to find something that addressed all the problems that snake owners encounter. This book is wonderful with very clear descriptions of illnesses and injuries. You are able to look at your snake, and then immidiately look it up in the book. It gives you immidiate treatment, whether you need a vet's help or not. It covers all the most common antibiotics, their doses, and purpose. This is a MUST have for anyone with a snake, or an entire collection. This is the only book I found that covered just about everything I have ever needed to know about snake care and preventative care.