David Alderton’s investigation of anabantoids, the Asiatic gouramis—the bettas and gouramis, including Siamese fighting fish, paradisefish, kissing gouramis, begins with a look at the origins of these adaptable and widely varying fishes in their Asiatic homelands, where they’ve been popular for hundreds of years. Given the considerable size range of this group of fishes, from the tiny licorice gourami (only 1.5 in or 4 cm in length) to the giant gourami (about 28 in or 70 cm), there are great differences to be considered by the fish keeper, all of which are addressed by Alderton in this color guide. The anabantoids is also a large group of fishes, with one hundred varieties/species available in most pet and hobby stores. The book provides photographs and images of dozens of the most popular examples. Chapter two is devoted to “The Different Groups,” and the author explains how the classifications of anabantoids work and then proceeds to discuss the members of each family. In all, eighteen genuses are described in detail, including their natural ranges, physical characteristics, abilities, behaviors, and breeding facts. The author discusses the specific traits of the anabantoids, including their unique labyrinth organs, swim bladders, hearing ability, lateral line, and locomotion. The section on care discusses the selection and positioning of the aquarium, planting, flooring, water, filtration, heating, and lighting. The guide gives specific advice on feeding habits and food, including foraging and hunting techniques of certain anabantoids and the various kinds of food (prepared diets, green food, live food) that are best for individual species. For readers interested in breeding bettas and gouramis, the chapter on reproduction will prove exceptionally helpful, giving expert guidance on preparing for and encouraging spawning behavior, nest building, and rearing the fry. The author also provides information on color genetics for breeding Betta splendens. The general health of the Asian gouramis is covered in a chapter called “Lifespan and Diseases,” including a primer on preventing and managing parasitic illness, bacterial and fungal diseases, dietary problems, and more. In the book’s final chapter “Popular Anabantoids,” the author presents a full-page of text and photographs for twenty-six different species of the families Belontiidae, Anabantidae, Osphronemidae, Helostomatidae, and Luciocephalidae. Resources and glossary conclude the volume.

Here's everything the aquarium keeper must know to maintain a magnificent tank at home: what to buy, how to care for it, and how to troubleshoot. More than 200 species of tropical fish receive detailed attention. Set up different tanks for a variety of fish and effects, and learn to use the full range of available paraphernalia.

The most complete owner's manual for keeping all types of freshwater and saltwater fish in indoor tropical and coldwater aquariums and outdoor ponds. Choose the right fish for any water temperature--tropical or coldwater--and for all types of environments, including indoor aquariums or outdoor ponds. Know the difference between keeping saltwater fish and freshwater fish, including differences in aquarium setups, and feeding and caring for your pet fish. Learn to tell whether your fish are healthy and find out everything you need to breed them successfully. The Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish contains a huge photographic color reference directory of more than 800 of the most popular fish, not only showing you what they look like, but also giving you key information you need, such as how big they will grow, whether they integrate with different fish, what food they eat, and what water type and temperature they prefer.

The authoritative information and advice you need, illustrated throughout with full-color photographs--now revised and redesigned to be even more reader-friendly! Known as the "Siamese Fighting Fish," the beautiful Betta, with vivid colors and long fins (in males), has enchanting elegance and grace. Yet Bettas can fight and bite, so it's best to keep just one in a tank. This guide helps you with everything from preparing for your Betta to maintaining an environment where it will thrive. It covers: * Setting up an interesting aquarium * Plants for the Betta tank * Choosing non-aggressive tankmates * Maintaining a healthy tank and healthy fish * Feeding your Betta * Breeding your Betta Keeping a Betta is the perfect introduction to keeping tropical fish, a relaxing, rewarding hobby everyone can enjoy.

This brand-new, full-color reference is a foundational text for veterinarians and veterinary students learning about companion exotic animal diseases. Organized by body system, Current Therapy in Exotic Pet Practice walks students through the most relevant information concerning the diagnosis and treatment of exotic animals - including the most relevant information on anatomy, physical examination, diagnostic testing, disease conditions, therapeutics, epidemiology of diseases, and zoonoses. Topics such as captive care, current standards of care for all exotic species, veterinary clinical epidemiology, and the effective prevention and management of infectious diseases are also included. Expert guidance on treating various disease conditions provides authoritative support for veterinarians who are less experienced in companion exotic pet care. Renowned authors and editors carefully selected topics of real clinical importance. Detailed coverage on how to identify and treat diseases (from common to rare) helps alleviate apprehension a veterinarian may feel when treating an unfamiliar species. Includes the latest information from the current scientific literature and addresses hot topics associated with treating companion exotic animals today. Vivid full-color images demonstrate the unique anatomic and medical features of each group of animals covered.

You saved your Betta's life from the pet store. Now learn how to make your Betta into the most comfortable, safe, and cared-for fish in the world.