H. Wilson

With more than 15,000 species, nearly a quarter of the total number of vertebrate species on Earth, freshwater fishes are extremely varied. They include the largest fish species, the beluga at over 7 meters long, and the smallest, the Paedocypris at just 8 millimeters, as well as the carnivorous, such as the piranha, and the calm, such as the Chinese algae eater. Certain species evolve rapidly, cichlids for example, while others transform very slowly, like lungfish. The fossils of these animals are very diverse in nature, sometimes just small scattered bones where sites correspond to ancient river beds or magnificent fossils of entire fish where there was once a lake. This book covers the history of these fishes over the last 250 million years by exploring the links between their biological evolution and the paleogeographic and environmental transformations of our planet, whether these be gradual or sudden. Gathers and synthetizes data from a vast number of publications regarding past freshwater assemblages and several fish lineages that invaded freshwaters Describes the work of the author's own team, concerning fauna from the Cretaceous of France, Morocco, and Thailand Presents the recent results of the tempo of diversification in freshwater environments and the evolutionary histories of clades and gar lineages

Warren, Jr.

Containing habitat information, physical descriptions, photographs, and range maps for more than 150 species of freshwater fishes that can be found in Texas, this field guide is an indispensable reference and research tool for ichthyologists, professional fisheries biologists, amateur naturalists, and anglers alike. The introductory section offers an illustrated guide to the common counts and measurements used for fish identification; a brief explanation of fish phylogeny; and a scientific key to help identify the fish families in Texas. The book includes species accounts of native and introduced fishes found in the freshwaters of Texas. Each account covers the physical characteristics, habitat, and distribution of the fish, with additional comments of interest or importance to its life history and conservation status. With the largest collection to date of color photographs, including various color phases (breeding and non-breeding colors), the book also includes range maps within the species accounts. The closing pages of the book feature a glossary and reference section. In a time when the state’s water resources are beset by issues growing in both number and complexity, this book provides information for professionals and policy makers. It also contributes to the natural history education of the public. To learn more about The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment, sponsors of this book's series, please click here.

At least 162 species of fish are known to live or spawn in the freshwaters of the Northeast, representing twenty-eight families and sixteen orders. This diversity springs from an enormous variety of freshwater habitats, including some of the largest lakes in the world; vast and complex river systems; deep, clear lakes in Maine and the Adirondack Mountains; and myriad small lakes, bogs, marshes, and streams that dot the northeast. In the most comprehensive book of its kind, Robert G. Werner offers a thorough survey and analysis, in accessible field guide form, of the region's abundant freshwater fishes. Werner's discussion of the geological history of the region serves as a critical background for understanding not only the fascinating habitats of fishes but also the extensive watersheds and drainages of the region. A reference list provides up-to-date sources, and the species descriptions contain the latest relevant data and research on specific fish. In addition, vivid color plates and extensive line drawings illustrate fish morphology and the distinctive natural colors of numerous species. As a standard resource, this guide will attract a wide audience. This book will be useful to biologists, ecologists, and zoologists and will have an indispensable appeal among anglers, environmentalists, and fisheries professionals.

"A handy guide to the freshwater fishes of California designed for amateur naturalists and anglers. Alcorn's illustrations are excellent."—Peter Moyle, author of Inland Fishes of California "Freshwater Fishes of California contributes to the better understanding of the past and present history and biology of native and non-native freshwater fishes of California. It also provides practical information on how to sample, care for and/or utilize these fishes. Moreover, it reads like a good novel that piques your interest on fish natural history and identification. It should be of value to anglers, environmentalists concerned with protection of our aquatic habitats and resource, natural history buffs, and governmental biologists and administrators."—Theodore W. Wooster, Environmental Specialist, retired, California Department of Fish and Game