The New Encyclopedia of the Saltwater Aquarium

by Jennings, Greg

• ISBN13: 9781554071821
• ISBN10: 1554071828
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2007-02-16
• Publisher: Firefly Books Ltd

Summary

A comprehensive guide to creating a reef environment in the home aquarium.Designed with the beginning hobbyist in mind, this richly illustrated reference introduces the hobby of marine aquariums in a practical way. Explaining the technology and terminology clearly, Greg Jennings relates the aquarium setting to that of the natural saltwater environment and offers fascinating insights into the biology and the behavior of the most popular marine fish.Over 150 species of reef fish, invertebrates and algae are described: their distribution in the wild, size, behavior, diet, aquarium requirements and compatibility. A large, full color photograph appears for each featured species, with personal recommendations on the fish considered best for the beginner.The New Encyclopedia of the Saltwater Aquarium covers: The natural history of saltwater fish The pros and cons of the latest in equipment and technology Saltwater aquarium setup and maintenance - starting out, water quality and temperature, tank decor, lighting and filters Feeding, general care and health matters An extensive illustrated selection of saltwater fish, invertebrates and algae.A glossary, suggestions for further reading and a list of useful websites round out this complete reference.

Author Biography

Greg Jennings is the consulting editor of 500 Freshwater Aquarium Fish. He has been actively involved in fish-keeping for more than 40 years and has visited many of the locations around the world where popular hobbyist species originate.

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Natural History Of Saltwater Fish

What is a Saltwater Fish?

Naming Fish 3 entries

Coral Reefs 4 entries

Saltwater Aquarium Setup And Maintenance

Early Beginnings and Modern Technology Starting Out 4 entries

Maintaining Water Quality 6 entries

Aquarium Lighting 2 entries

Tank Decor 3 entries

Setting Up 7 entries

Feeding and General Care 4 entries

Health Matters 5 entries

Tropical Saltwater Fish

Moray and Snake Eels 7 entries

Squirrelfish and Soldier Fish 3 entries

Seahorses 3 entries

Lionfish and Scorpionfish 7 entries

Anthias and Gropers 27 entries

Cardinalfish 7 entries

Butterflyfish 61 entries

Angelfish 35 entries

Hawkfish 8 entries

Fairy Basslets and Rammas 1 entry

Anemonefish and Damselfish 36 entries

Dragonets and Mandarinfish 2 entries

Wrasses 19 entries

Blennies 3 entries

Gobies 22 entries

Dartfish 2 entries

Surgeonfish, Tangs, and Unicornfish 27 entries

Moorish Idol Rabbitfish 6 entries

Batfish and Spadefish 3 entries

Triggerfish 14 entries

Filefish 7 entries

Boxfish and Their Relatives 6 entries

Pufferfish 10 entries

Porcupinefish 2 entries

Miscellaneous Fish 30 entries

Invertebrates And Algae

Corals, Sea Anemones, Sponges 5 entries

Segmented Worms Crustaceans 3 entries

Mollusks 5 entries

Echinoderms 3 entries

Sea Squirts Marine Algae 5 entries

Invertebrate Pests

Glossary

Further Reading/Useful Websites

Index

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.

Excerpts

INTRODUCTIONInterest in saltwater aquaria has grown greatly over recent years for a number of reasons. Firstly, there is the obvious fact that these fish are interesting to keep and, even if they are not especially colorful in all cases, they are frequently bizarre in appearance.There is also tremendous scope within the hobby. You may decide to opt for a species-only setup, perhaps containing just an individual fish, which you can tame to the extent that it will come to recognize you and take food from your fingers, or a group that will live together in harmony. Alternatively, you may prefer to build a mixed community aquarium, where a number of different species can be housed together.The other possibility is to keep not just fish but also a range of invertebrates in what is often described as a reef tank. This can be a microcosm of reef life and can have a similar structure, since the tank is decorated with natural rock. Although this type of aquarium places more demands on the fishkeeper, the end result can be very striking. Colorful crustaceans and fish create movement here in the company of live corals, sea anemones, starfish, and sponges, not overlooking other reef invertebrates such as clams.As nature programs on television have brought the beauty and fascination of the reef directly into people's homes, it is not very surprising that there has been a growth of interest in recreating this environment in miniature. It is perhaps also not entirely unexpected that some of the keenest saltwater aquarium enthusiasts are also enthusiastic divers who have experienced the world's reefs at first hand.