A Field Guide by Chad Thomas, Timothy H. Bonner, and Bobby G. Whiteside, Foreword by Fran Gelwick, Preface by Series Editor Andrew Sansom
I never knew what fascinating organisms fish were until I took an introductory ichthyology course from one of the authors, Dr. Bobby Whiteside. He was an animated teacher who loved taking us out into the field as well as confounding us on fish identification during our labs. I’ve enjoyed watching fish ever since! This is a great guide with clear pictures and well written text to help you identify the fish you find in backyard creeks, streams, rivers and lakes, whether you are watching them, catching bait fish, or just fishing.
From the publisher: “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.
Flexibound with flaps, 5 1/2x8 1/2. 220 pp, 215 color photos; 1 color, 161 b&w maps; 1 line art. 22 color figs.; App. Gloss. Bib. Index. June 2007
About the authors: CHAD THOMAS began working on this field guide while employed as a research scientist in the Department of Biology at Texas State University in San Marcos. He is currently an intern and contractor at Texas State. TIMOTHY H. BONNER is an assistant professor of biology at the Aquatic Station at Texas State University. BOBBY G. WHITESIDEis Distinguished Professor of Biology Emeritus at Texas State University.
River Books, sponsored by the River Systems Institute at Texas State University
What people are saying about this book
"I hope many people read this guide and not only learn names and locations of Texas fishes but also gather insight into responsible choices about the uses of our natural water bodies."—from the foreword by Fran Gelwick
" . . . as thorough a description of the identifying characteristics of fishes as I have seen . . . both a field guide to identification and an ichthyology laboratory manual. . . . Texas has needed a publication like this for many years."—David Bass, Lower Colorado River Authority”
