Source: QLD Newsletter, Volume 4 No. 1, January 1988, pages 3–4. Authors: Ray Leggett and John R. Merrick, 1987, 241pp, $25 (from the authors). Reviewer: Bruce Hansen. View original scan (PDF)

This is the book that native-fish enthusiasts have been waiting for - and it certainly was worth the wait. The authors have combined the best features of other available texts and produced a very effective and attractive volume.

The first half is devoted to general topics including collecting, keeping, feeding, breeding, photographing, exhibiting and judging and some aspects such as live foods are covered very comprehensively indeed.

The remainder of the book deals with selected fish of established or potential aquarium suitability. The layout is excellent - each species has a page (or two) with a coloured photograph of the fish, information in note form, a concise distribution map and often a coloured habitat photograph as well. The photographs are almost universally excellent and information and nomenclature is current and accepted.

It will always be problematic selecting which species have aquarium potential - but for my money the authors have chosen very few controversial species. This book will do a lot to popularise the keeping of native fish and, what is more important, will help to ensure that they are kept well. Buy one!