Source: QLD Newsletter, Volume 3 No. 2, March 1987, page 3. Editor: R.M. McDowall, A.H. & A.W. Reed Pty Ltd, Sydney, 1980, 208pp. Reviewer: Bruce Hansen. View original scan (PDF)

This was an important transitional work between the old-style field guide approach and the modern more scientific volumes on native freshwater fishes. Chapters by well known experts including Hoese, Ivantsoff and Merrick evidenced the authority of the information contained. The text is detailed and informative and, although taxonomy has changed since in many instances, all species of that geographical region are covered.

The line drawings included with the text are excellent and a central block of generally excellent colour photographs complete the illustrations. From an aquarist’s point of view, many of the more desirable species from the northern drainage systems of Australia are excluded and the nomenclature of the past make it a little disappointing today. Each fish is covered under useful headings and the information is easy to find.

All things considered, a useful book and a milestone in native fish publications.