Elasmobranch Books

Discussion in 'Oddball fish' started by Reedfish, Sep 5, 2017.

  1. Reedfish

    Reedfish Moderator

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    Two books from my collection that may be of interest to Ray and Shark enthusiasts:

    FullSizeRen9der.jpg

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    Full species desciption of all known species with distribution maps etc.
    Also a few introductory chapters on shark biology etc

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    Monograph of all known Ray species, including fresh water species.
    Slightly different format
    Introductory chapter and then page by page entry on each species covered

    Neither of these books was cheap, but well worth it for anyone interested in the magnificent fish
     
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  3. SalmonAfrica

    SalmonAfrica Batfish

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    I've had a long and hard think about buying the ray book, @Reedfish, but from what I gathered, it's not comprehensive in terms of biology, ecology etc. which is pretty important to me. Much like a colourful checklist. A book I'd still want in my collection, but not worth the money at the moment.

    Is the shark book much different? It looks similar to Fishes of the World (by Nelson), but the inclusion of colour images is a nice addition.

    I haven't got a lot of books on elasmobranchs specifically, but rather they're included among other taxa. I should consider adding some more specialised books, just to round out what I have :tt2:

    There's a book called Aquarium Sharks & Rays by Scott W. Michael that is on my wishlist. Apparently a very comprehensive book, well worth the buy, even if a little outdated (I don't know if newer editions exist beyond 2003). Ever seen it around?

    Regards,
     
  4. OP
    Reedfish

    Reedfish Moderator

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    @SalmonAfrica

    The Shark book probably has more comprehensive info on ecology etc in the introductory chapters.
    The Ray book does have brief notes but it looks more like a field guide.

    I have seen the Aquarium Sharks & Rays, but as you say, it's long out of print, and is therefore quite expensive.

    Do you have a lot of fish related books?
     
  5. MariaS

    MariaS Retired Moderator

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    Those books look awesome @Reedfish.... I really need to have a look and see where they are available..

    From what I have read Dr Ross's book on Stingrays is considered to be "the bible" on stingrays.. I would love to be able to get that book

    I have not seen it but I see it be referred to by most serious ray keepers and from what I gather is very comprehensive in every aspect including treatments, etc

    Has either of you seen this book?
     
  6. OP
    Reedfish

    Reedfish Moderator

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    @SalmonAfrica
    Just found a copy of Micheal's Sharks online.
    Prob is I have just spent a fortune on a book on Cephalopods. My Mrs not going to be happy with me :oops:

    @MariaS
    I have a copy of Ross's book.
    It's very good. I would say essential to anyone who keeps Rays
     
  7. SalmonAfrica

    SalmonAfrica Batfish

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    @Reedfish one might say I have a small library, but that comes with the academic territory and some degree of putting effort into collecting.

    These days I'm finding it harder to justify buying books, for a few reasons. Most of the better books, as you'd know, are so expensive. If it's written by anyone worthwhile, it's going to carry a heavier price tag. Secondly, many of the newer books being pushed out are being written by 'anybodies' - especially now that online stores are allowing ebook sales. These can be a hit and miss with regards to how valuable they are. Finally, the internet is such a vast, quickly accessible resource that often contends with dated book resources.

    On that last point, though, I find that I have access to certain information that you don't really come across on the net, and this is through the more specialised books. And it's these types that I spend a long time researching and ultimately buying. Well, those, and second hand books at fair prices.

    Which Cephalopod book did you get?
     
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    Reedfish

    Reedfish Moderator

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    @SalmonAfrica
    I also have a massive library.
    Not only fish books. I am also interested in all sorts of wildlife (from mammals to bacteria!)
    Plants, botany and gardening. Astronomy. etc
    The list goes on!

    TBH, I still prefer printed books over info on the net.
    For one, I will always have access to it. There is good info on the net, but it's transient. There used to be a fantastic website on a group of succulents I am interested in. One day it disappeared. I have since discovered that the site owner went through a bad patch in his life and was no longer interested in maintaining his website. So all that info is gone. What a waste!
    The other thing I like with books, is even ones published by "anybodies", there is still some sort of peer review.
    So although there may be mistakes, there isn't a load of hear-say that becomes gospel. For eg Rays tolerate 100ppm nitrates because someone said it on a forum and that bad info then becomes mindlessly accepted as common practice.
    Also, I spend all day in front of a computer. When I get home from work it's the last thing I want to do.

    Fortunately in the UK, we have access to loads of second hand books.
    There is a website called ABE books. It's a portal for 2nd hand dealers to advertise.
    If you know what you want, and have a budget, it's easy just to keep an eye out, and when a copy becomes available you order it. For eg, the Cephalopod book I got goes for about £350 a copy. But I managed to find one for £125. Well worth it
    https://www.abebooks.co.uk/servlet/SearchResults?kn=9783925919329&sts=t
    Though looking now I see there are a few cheaper copies in the USA. (Edit: These look like well used copies. Mine is as new).
     
  9. SalmonAfrica

    SalmonAfrica Batfish

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    I hear you about diversity. Although my main love is fish, if it lives in water, I need to know more about it.

    I have used ABE before (as well as other second-hand dealers), for their second-hand deals. The trouble is that the exchange rate has not been favourable as of late, so it becomes that much harder to convince myself to buy books. It becomes a waiting game of ordering at the right time. However there are a few books on my "must-have" list that I know I'd buy in a heartbeat if I saw them available.

    That cephalopod book looks pretty cool. Looks like the most handy visual guide that's available - all I have are older, more textbook/monograph style books on cephalopods for species ID. My newer stuff (which isn't even that new) isn't so much on diversity as it is on other topics, like cognition, culture etc.

    It's a pity you don't see a lot of specialised aquarium books anymore. They're around, but they're not quite like the Aqualog, Complete Pet Owner's Manual, or Back to Nature series that you used to see. Maybe I'm a bit nostalgic...
     
  10. OP
    Reedfish

    Reedfish Moderator

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    @SalmonAfrica
    ABE is reasonable if the bookshop is located in the UK, but of late, books from Europe or USA have become a lot more expensive for us too
    But I put any book I want in my "save for later" basket. And then I monitor it (more or less once a week), and when I see it at a price I am happy with, I buy it then. Must have over 100 books on this list :D

    There is a fantastic 3 part monologue on Cephalopods. (Will try find you the link when I have more time).
    Out of print, so is really expensive. I last saw them going for about £750 for the 3. A bit beyond me at this point :(

    This supplier is also very good for aquatics related books:
    http://www.stevensimpsonbooks.com/

    What are your must haves??
     
  11. SalmonAfrica

    SalmonAfrica Batfish

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    Now that, my friend, is a link that is going to leave me a poorer man. There are some impressive titles for sale there. Going to spend much time considering my options with a few of those.

    I have a pretty extensive list, but three are at the top right now, mostly relating to my recent reading and wanting to follow up:
    Captive Seawater Fishes: Science and Technology
    The Complete Illustrated Breeder's Guide to Marine Aquarium Fishes
    as above, Aquarium Sharks and Rays

    Pretty salty, I know, but the marine side of my library is distinctly lacking, and these books are at the forefront of marine husbandry (in my eyes, at least). In part it has a little to do with projects I'm interested in taking up - and no, it's not sharks! (but captive shark care does fascinate me) But otherwise they have come highly recommended from a few trusted sources so they look like worthwhile investments.
     
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    Reedfish

    Reedfish Moderator

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    @SalmonAfrica
    I could talk about books all day :)

    I haven't bought from Stephen Simpson for some time. But got a few in the Aqualog series a few years ago.
    The best of the imo is the one on L Plecs, the monograph of Polypterus/Bichir and the volume on Rays

    I don't have much on marine. The 2 books on Sharks and Rays, a few on the sea fish and coasts of SA.
    A few books on Nudibranchs. And the book on Cephalopods

    Have a look here. These are new:
    http://www.nhbs.com/
     
  13. Hendre

    Hendre Polypterus freak

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    Maybe I can use this to leave about shark biology...
     
  14. MariaS

    MariaS Retired Moderator

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    @Reedfish... Giving us those links was a BIG mistake ok... Im going to be busy for a while so you better hold the forte here.. Im ordering my Christmas present


    @SalmonAfrica ... You are right.... I miss the days when even the CNA always had specialized books....

    Today.. you don't find them anywhere unless you order online or hit a jackpot at a second hand bookstore which I haven't been very lucky at
     
  15. OP
    Reedfish

    Reedfish Moderator

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    @MariaS
    I am like a kid in a sweet shop.
    That ABE is very dangerous.
    2 clicks and a few books are on the way to you. It's too easy!
     
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  16. MariaS

    MariaS Retired Moderator

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    Haha yes... that's where I am now.. the list is getting long though

    @Reedfish, are the two books below the same? They both by Ross
    Which one do you have ?


    upload_2017-9-6_8-0-17.jpg



    upload_2017-9-6_8-0-42.jpg
     
  17. OP
    Reedfish

    Reedfish Moderator

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  18. BoelderBeestie

    BoelderBeestie

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    @Reedfish do they say anything about the stingers in those books?
     
  19. OP
    Reedfish

    Reedfish Moderator

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    Off hand I can't think
    But would imagine so
     
  20. OP
    Reedfish

    Reedfish Moderator

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  21. Hendre

    Hendre Polypterus freak

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    Ooh goody.

    I loved the nautilus at Barcelona aquarium
     

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