Best for | Product |
---|---|
Best Overall | 500 Freshwater Aquarium Fish |
Best for Affordability | The World Encyclopedia Of Fish and Shellfish |
Best for Aquarium Keepers | Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish |
Best for Kids | Fish for Kids: A Junior Scientist’s Guide to Diverse Habitats, Colorful Species, and Life Underwater |
Best About Marine Fish | Marine Fishes: 500+ Essential-To-Know Aquarium Species |
Best About Reef Fish | A Field Guide to Tropical Reef Fishes of the Indo-Pacific |
Knowledge is key, especially when it comes to learning more about fish, whether you are interested in learning more about the fish species you own in your aquarium, or you love learning more about fish.
What better way to learn about fish than from books? There are plenty of fish books that offer you knowledge on the different types of fish, their care requirements, and how you can care for them in an aquarium. There are books on freshwater and marine fish, the different fish in the ocean, and tropical and cold-water fish. The list is endless, and there is a book available for everyone.
We have compiled a list of some of the best fish books you can find that we believe you will enjoy. These books are guaranteed to pique your interest and provide you with more knowledge on fish and aquatics.
- Check Amazon
- Over 500 pages of information on 1250 different marine and freshwater fish species
- Great book if you are looking to expand your knowledge on the different fish species
- Check Amazon
- Available in both a Kindle and paperback edition
- Must-read for beginner aquarium-keepers
- Fish for Kids: A Junior Scientist s Guide to Diverse Habitats, Colorful Species, and Life UnderwaterCheck Amazon
- Provides information on the diverse habitats of fish
- Filled with fun facts
- 88 pages of easy-to-read texts and colorful illustrations of fish
- Check Amazon
- Written by aquarium professionals
- 448 pages of information and pictures on the different marine aquarium fish species
- Check Amazon
- A standard reference for anglers, scientists, and divers for over 30 years
- Provides in-depth detail on the classification of different fish, the behavior and ecology of reef fishes
A-Z Animals Top Picks for Books About Fish
#1 Best Overall: 500 Freshwater Aquarium Fish by Greg Jennings
The best overall fish book we have reviewed in this article is 500 Freshwater Aquarium Fish by Greg Jennings.
This book features 528 pages of information on the different freshwater fish that you will find in both the aquarium hobby and the wild. It’s easy to read and navigate while providing you with knowledge on some of the most popular freshwater fish, with information on their dietary requirements, behavior, breeding, and recommendations on setting up a freshwater aquarium. You will find this book available as both a hardcover and paperback, and it is highly rated.
This is the latest edition, and about 120 of the fish’s names have been updated in accordance with the latest updates and DNA information. It includes information on fish such as cichlids, catfish, cyprinids, gourami, and livebearers to name a few. If you are a beginner interested in learning more about freshwater aquarium fish, then this is definitely a book you want to check out.
However, this book is only pocket-sized. Also, some of the photos are not of the best quality.
Pros and Cons of 500 Freshwater Aquarium Fish by Greg Jennings
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
This book provides information on different species of freshwater fish — both in the wild and in aquariums. | The book is only pocket-sized. |
It talks about their dietary requirements, behavior, breeding, and recommendations on setting up a freshwater aquarium. | Some of the photos are not the best quality. |
It includes updated information on cichlids, catfish, cyprinids, gourami, and livebearers. | |
There are paperback and hardcover editions available. |
2. Best for Affordability: The World Encyclopedia of Fish and Shellfish by Daniel Gilpin, Amy-Jane Beer, and Derek Hall
The most affordable book on the list is The World Encyclopedia of Fish and Shellfish by Daniel Gilpin, Amy-Jane Beer, and Derek Hall.
This highly-rated book is available as a hardcover with 512 pages of information on 1,250 different marine and freshwater fish species. It covers the different species and a natural history introduction with a detailed guide to the diverse life of fish found in ponds, lakes, rivers, and oceans around the world, all for an affordable price.
This is a great book if you are looking to expand your knowledge on the different fish species that can be found across the globe and learn about the fascinating waters they inhabit, with the bonus of colorful pictures to help you not only learn more about the specific fish species but also give you a visual on how they look.
Pros and Cons of The World Encyclopedia of Fish and Shellfish by Daniel Gilpin, Amy-Jane Beer, and Derek Hall
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
This book provides information on 1,250 different marine and freshwater fish species. | None |
It features colorful pictures as a visual guide to the different species. | |
It provides a detailed guide to fish found in ponds, lakes, rivers, and oceans around the world. |
- Over 500 pages of information on 1250 different marine and freshwater fish species
- Great book if you are looking to expand your knowledge on the different fish species
3. Best for Aquarium Keepers: Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish by David Alderton
In our opinion, the best book for aquarium keepers is Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish by David Alderton.
Available in Kindle, hardcover, and paperback editions, this detailed and highly-rated 400-page book on aquarium and pond fish written by David Alderton has all the information you need on choosing the right fish for different water temperatures. It is a must-read for beginner aquarium keepers and provides plenty of information on indoor tropical aquariums, cold-water aquariums, and outdoor ponds along with fish species that will do best in the different environments.
It goes into detail on the different aquarium set-ups, along with feeding and caring for pet fish, with color photographs for reference and what food the fish eat, how to successfully breed them, and the type of water temperature and the environment they need to thrive.
However, although this book is a great starting point, some reviewers feel that it is not detailed enough to be a fully comprehensive guide.
Pros and Cons of Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish by David Alderton
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
This book provides a detailed guide to aquarium and pond fish. | It is not detailed enough to be a fully comprehensive guide. |
It offers information on indoor tropical aquariums, cold-water aquariums, and outdoor ponds. | |
It includes full-color photographs. | |
It talks about feeding and caring for pet fish, how to breed them, and the type of water temperature and the environment they need to thrive. |
- Available in both a Kindle and paperback edition
- Must-read for beginner aquarium-keepers
4. Best for Kids: Fish For Kids: A Junior Scientist’s Guide to Diverse Habitats, Colorful Species, and Life Underwater by Kevin Kurtz
If you are looking for a book for your kids then we suggest Fish For Kids: A Junior Scientist’s Guide to Diverse Habitats, Colorful Species, and Life Underwater by Kevin Kurtz.
This book provides information on the diverse habitats of fish. It features interactive learning and complete fish identification profiles on freshwater and saltwater fish. It has 88 pages of easy-to-read texts and colorful illustrations of fish such as goldfish, neon tetras, great white sharks, and even eels. Your kids will be intrigued by the knowledge this book has for young minds, along with activities and tips for keeping your own aquarium if you are interested in fueling your kid’s passion for learning about fish and their habitats. This book is suitable for children aged between eight and 11 years old. Plus, there are Kindle, paperback, and hardcover editions available.
Unfortunately, some customers feel that this book is a little too wordy for young children.
Pros and Cons of Fish For Kids: A Junior Scientist’s Guide to Diverse Habitats, Colorful Species, and Life Underwater by Kevin Kurtz
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
This book provides information on the diverse habitats of fish. | It is a little too wordy for some children. |
It provides complete profiles on freshwater and saltwater fish. | |
It has easy-to-read text. | |
There are colorful illustrations throughout the book. | |
It is suitable for children aged between eight and 11 years old. | |
There are Kindle, paperback, and hardcover editions available. |
- Provides information on the diverse habitats of fish
- Filled with fun facts
- 88 pages of easy-to-read texts and colorful illustrations of fish
5. Best About Marine Fish: Marine Fishes: 500+ Essential-to-Know Aquarium Species by Scott W. Michael
The best book about marine fish is Marine Fishes: 500+ Essential-to-Know Aquarium Species by Scott W. Michael.
This highly-rated book is available as a paperback and includes 448 pages of information and full-color pictures on the different marine aquarium fish species written by Scott W. Michael. It’s a field guide to marine fishes that do well in aquariums, with information on identifying, buying, and keeping over 500 different saltwater species.
The book has been written by aquarium professionals and a team of marine enthusiasts, so you will be getting detailed knowledge of marine fish species. It goes into detail on the minimum aquarium sizes for each fish, their dietary requirements, and reef aquarium compatibility. All 29 major marine fish families are included in the book, such as angelfish, cardinal fish, triggerfish, wrasses, and surgeon fish.
However, it should be noted that this book is only a pocket-sized guide.
Pros and Cons of Marine Fishes: 500+ Essential-to-Know Aquarium Species by Scott W. Michael
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
This book profiles more than 500 different species of marine fish. | It is only a pocket-sized guide. |
It features full-color photographs throughout. | |
It provides information on identifying, buying, and keeping aquarium fish. | |
It includes details on all 29 major marine fish families. |
- Written by aquarium professionals
- 448 pages of information and pictures on the different marine aquarium fish species
6. Best About Reef Fish: A Field Guide to Tropical Reef Fishes of the Indo-Pacific by Gerald R Allen (Author), Roger Swainston (Illustrator), and Jill Ruse (Illustrator)
In our opinion, the best book about reef fish is A Field Guide to Tropical Reef Fishes of the Indo-Pacific by Gerald R Allen (Author), Roger Swainston (Illustrator), and Jill Ruse (Illustrator).
This 316-page book on the different tropical reef fishes written by Gerald R. Allen is fully illustrated and is the fifth edition of the book that has been revised. It has trusted knowledge and has become a standard reference for anglers, scientists, and divers for over 30 years. This new edition covers around 1,670 different species of fish that inhabit the tropical seas of Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Southern Pacific Islands.
It is informative and provides in-depth detail on the classification of different fish, the behavior and ecology of reef fish, along with biology of tropical reef fish. Each fish species covered in this book includes full-color illustrations by a marine artist and each illustration shows both male and female examples of the fish.
The only drawback to this book is that most of the images are illustrations rather than actual photographs.
Pros and Cons of A Field Guide to Tropical Reef Fishes of the Indo-Pacific by Gerald R Allen (Author), Roger Swainston (Illustrator), and Jill Ruse (Illustrator)
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
This book covers around 1,670 different species of fish that inhabit the tropical seas of Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Southern Pacific Islands. | Most of the images are illustrations rather than photographs. |
It is fully illustrated. | |
It provides in-depth detail on the classification of different fish. | |
It talks about the behavior and biology of reef fish. |
- A standard reference for anglers, scientists, and divers for over 30 years
- Provides in-depth detail on the classification of different fish, the behavior and ecology of reef fishes
Choosing the Best: What to Look For
Before purchasing a fish book, you should first consider these two factors: the type and illustrations in the book.
Type
Each fish book will contain information on various different fish species, their ecology, characteristics, and information on their natural habitats. The type of fish book you buy is important because the topic should interest you. If you are looking for a book that goes into detail on freshwater aquarium fish, then a book on tropical reef fish may not interest you. Whereas if you are looking for a book for kids, then you should choose a book that is kid-friendly and is easy to read, and filled with activities and information that will appeal to kids.
Illustrations
Some books can go into so much detail, that it can become a bore or difficult to read if the information is not broken up with pictures to give you a visual of the fish, their habitat, and what the author is writing about. If you are someone who enjoys looking at pictures of fish, you may want to consider purchasing a fish book that includes pictures for reference.
Best for | Product |
---|---|
Best Overall | 500 Freshwater Aquarium Fish |
Best for Affordability | The World Encyclopedia Of Fish and Shellfish |
Best for Aquarium Keepers | Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish |
Best for Kids | Fish for Kids: A Junior Scientist’s Guide to Diverse Habitats, Colorful Species, and Life Underwater |
Best About Marine Fish | Marine Fishes: 500+ Essential-To-Know Aquarium Species |
Best About Reef Fish | A Field Guide to Tropical Reef Fishes of the Indo-Pacific |
The Best Books About Fish: Reviewed and Ranked FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How many species of fish are there?
There are around 33,000 different species of fish around the world found in various habitats and diverse ecosystems. Each continent has there own native species of fish. Each fish has their own classification and characteristics that make them unique.
What are common types of pet fish?
The two most common pet fish in the aquarium hobby include the goldfish and the betta fish, also known as the Siamese fighting fish. They are found throughout the world and fancy goldfish and betta fish are specifically bred to be pets and have been domesticated for decades.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.