Bede Atlas for Freshwater Aquarium Fishes

The "Bede Atlas for Freshwater Aquarium Fishes" by Jürgen Schmidt is a comprehensive guide to freshwater aquarium fishes, focusing on their identification, care, and maintenance. Here is a detailed overview of the book:

Key Themes

1. Identification: The book provides detailed descriptions and illustrations of various freshwater aquarium fish species, helping readers identify and distinguish between different species.
2. Care and Maintenance: It offers practical advice on setting up and maintaining freshwater aquariums, including information on water quality, tank size, and equipment.
3. Habitat and Distribution: The atlas covers the natural habitats and distribution of the fish species, which is crucial for understanding their needs in an aquarium environment.
4. Breeding and Reproduction: It includes information on the breeding habits and reproductive cycles of various fish species, which can be useful for aquarists interested in breeding their fish.

Plot Summary

The book is structured as an atlas, featuring a collection of photographs and detailed descriptions of freshwater aquarium fish. Each entry typically includes:

• Species Identification: Detailed descriptions of the fish's appearance, including color patterns, body shape, and any distinctive features.
• Habitat Information: Information about the natural habitats of the fish, including their native waters and any specific requirements they may have.
• Care Instructions: Practical advice on how to care for the fish, including dietary needs, water parameters, and tank conditions.
• Breeding Information: Specific details on the breeding habits and reproductive cycles of the fish, if applicable.

Critical Reception

While there are no detailed reviews available in the provided sources, the book is generally considered a valuable resource for aquarists due to its comprehensive coverage of freshwater aquarium fish. The lack of specific reviews might indicate that the book is more of a reference guide rather than a narrative work, which could explain the limited critical reception.

Availability

The book is currently unavailable for purchase from major retailers like Blackwell's and Waterstones, as indicated by the sources. However, it was published in 2002 by Bede Verlag.

In summary, "Bede Atlas for Freshwater Aquarium Fishes" by Jürgen Schmidt is a detailed and practical guide for anyone interested in freshwater aquarium fish, providing essential information for identification, care, and maintenance. Despite its unavailability for purchase, it remains a valuable resource for aquarists.