The Natural History of Over 160 Native European Species.
Fish are intriguing and complex creatures that fascinate natural historians and anglers around the world. European rivers, lakes reservoirs and canals are home to a huge number of fish species and here Malcolm Greenhalgh explores over 160 of them, from the primitive lamprey to the magnificent Atlantic salmon, and from the massive sturgeon to the tiny guppy.
Understanding fish is the key to finding them and the author therefore explains the appearance, range, habitat, courtship, breeding, life-cycle and feeding behaviour of each species. The specially commissioned artworks and beautiful full colour photography allows quick and easy identification of lesser-known fish.
This inspiring and informative book is organised by fish family. Closely related species are grouped together, so that minor differences in appearance or behaviour can be easily recognised. Fish species that have been introduced from other parts of the world, or that are found only rarely, are linked to their more important cousins.
Malcolm Greenhalgh takes a fresh approach to the subject, by exploring the conservation issues that threaten fish throughout Eruope, including the effects of introducing fish to areas where they would not occur naturally, as well as pollution and over-fishing. His expertise - gained through years of study and fishing - makes this book an indispensable addition to the shelves of both naturalist and angler.