Book Review: Emperor Of The Amazon - by Dr. David
Sands |
| Daphne Layley |
ecently I had
the opportunity to read the updated 2005 limited edition
reprint of David’s book, Emperor Of The Amazon, which
is the handbook of Phractocephalus hemioliopterus,
the Amazonian Red-tailed Catfish. That a book should have
been written specifically about one species is quite significant
and clearly demonstrates the importance of this catfish
and the esteem in which it is held. The book answers all
the questions any owner of one of these catfish could possibly
ask about the conditions needed to maintain these fish in
a healthy and humane manner. It contains detailed advice
regarding water quality, water changes, filtration, feeding,
tank size pro rata to fish size, health problems, transporting
and acclimatising. I feel that all this information would
be equally useful to enthusiasts who are keeping other large
species of Amazonian catfish. There is an interesting chapter
on the fishes in their natural habitat and their importance
as a food fish within the Amazon basin and the commercial
fisheries of the region.
The book comes spiral bound, with a soft cover. Although
it’s not cheap, at £40, the information it
contains is priceless. It is well researched, easily understandable
and clearly written without being overly scientific. If
you are considering keeping one of these fish, buy this
book first!
Dr. David Sands can be contacted
on 01257 249960 or E-mailed at drdavidsands@aol.com. He
will be pleased to send you a copy, £3 postage &
packing, but remember, it is a limited edition, so don’t
leave it too long.
First published in the Southern Counties Catfish Rescue
Society newsletter 2005
Daphne Layley 25/08/2005
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