Brief Reviews
of Goldfish-Related Books
There are an awful lot of fish books on the market. Some are wonderful, some are pretty marginal uses of paper. I thought I would offer some observations on books I either own or have borrowed. Most, if not all, of these books have some tie to goldfish. Incidentally, if you have a differing opinion or a similarly-formatted review of a book I don't have here, please send it along to me.
People have written me asking how to get books and which books they need. Owning attractive, useful books has always been a source of satisfaction to me. It turns out that Amazon.com lists many of the books I have reviewed and liked. I have linked up to their web site to allow you to obtain some of the books below direct from them. Hope this is helpful! Click here for more information and a message from the president of Amazon.com.
Be warned; one problem with pet books (even good ones) is that they are continually going out of print. Since they sometimes get reissued, or show up as closeouts, I continue to list out of print books.
Categories of books considered here:
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Title: Goldfish Breeding and Genetics Author: Smartt, Joseph and James Bundell Publisher: T.F.H. Publications ISBN: 0-7938-0090-0 Price and Source: est. $35, pet shops, TFH, or Amazon.com
Comments:
I got an early printing of this 256 page book from the GFSA. I
read it cover to cover, to try to help with the proofing process.
I was initially put off by the British English; the sentences
seemed long and a bit complex by US business-English standards.
But I quickly got past that, and then enjoyed the book. If offers
general care information that is a bit more sophisticated than
most books, plus discussions on goldfish genetics, rearing,
judging, and other advanced topics. It is filled with very
attractive photos, though it is a bit disconcerting that these
photos generally have no relationship to the text. I would not
recommend it as a beginner book, but I also think it will be a
requirement for the complete goldfish library.
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Title: Goldfish & Koi in Your Home Author: Axelrod, Herbert and William Vorderwinkler Publisher: T.F.H. Publications ISBN: 0-86622-636-2 Price and Source: $17, pet shops or TFH
Comments:
Two-hundred twenty-three uneven and sometimes disinformational
pages. If you follow the basic fish-per-gallon care instructions
in the beginning of this book, you will never need the elaborate
varietal spawning and rearing instructions later in the book. For
the price you can get several better books from the GFSA.
Title: Goldfish: A Complete Introduction Author: Mertlich, Robert Publisher: T.F.H. Publications ISBN: 0-86622-350-9 Price and Source: $7, from the GFSA, pet shops, TFH, or Amazon.com
Comments:
This 124 page paper back is a very well balanced beginner book.
It also has no anomalous advice: the person who wrote this knows
goldfish and understands how to keep them. Topics include
goldfish care, diseases, spawning, and varieties. High points
include an actual discussion of the nitrogen cycle and
explanations of the types of tails and colors using correct
terminology. I didn't understand the difference between broad-,
ribbon-, butterfly-, and tosa-tailed fish until I read this book.
Highly recommended as a before-you-buy-your-fish book, as well as
a long-term reference.
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Title: Goldfish Guide: Third Edition Author: Matsui, Yoshiichi and Herbert Axelrod Publisher: T.F.H. Publications ISBN: 0-86622-605-2 Price and Source: $24, GFSA, pet shops, TFH, and Amazon.com
Comments:
This was my first book on goldfish, so I have a sentimental
attachment to it. It was originally written by Dr. Matsui and
then updated by Axelrod (which means adding his stock koi
pictures and a bunch of product photos). The book is 352 pages
long and covers a lot of stuff. However, it has fatal flaws as a
beginner book; no mention of biofiltration, for example. But it
also has a great many varietal photos. Some people really like
this book and consider it a key reference. I don't recommend it
as the primary book for beginners and once you are past the
beginner stage, you might prefer to pay money for a more
technical book than this. So I can't really strongly recommend
this book; however, it has gone out of print several times and is
getting harder to find, so you might want it to complete your
library.
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Title: The New Goldfish Hobbyist Author: Mertlich, Bob Publisher: Goldfish Society of America ISBN: none Price and Source: $4, from the GFSA
Comments:
Everyone who keeps goldfish should have this 22 page booklet. It
is a very concise compendium of a lot of information. It is also
well illustrated by Fred Rosenzweig's excellent photos. For a
beginner, it does not have enough information to keep you out of
trouble, but it certainly lets you know what you are in for.
Combined with Bob Mertlich's other book reviewed above, this pair
gives a very complete introduction for a small amount of money.
Title: The Official Guide to Goldfish Author: Goldfish Society of America Publisher: T.F.H. Publications ISBN: 0-86622-607-9 Price and Source: $12, GFSA, pet shops, TFH, and Amazon.com
Comments:
This is a good beginner/intermediate book. Covers all the basics
well. Robert Mertlich and Fred Rosenzweig both had a significant
hand in it, which means it is well written and has great
pictures. If you decide you want to breed your goldfish, this
book offers the most bang-for-the-buck in my opinion. Also covers
things like making gelatin food for fry and the progressive salt
treatment. It took me a long time to get this book (out of print
for a while) but I was very happy when I finally saw it.
BUY ME! Click here to go to Amazon.com for this book.
Title: Goldfish in Hong Kong Author: Man, Shek-hay Publisher: Urban Council, Hong Kong ISBN: none Price and Source: $38 (softcover), Two Birds on a Wire and Dandy Orandas
Comments:
This 123 page book is packed with the best pictures of goldfish I
have seen. I gave a copy to a friend in Singapore and his friends
promptly ordered another 10 copies from Hong Kong. The book is
also available in hardcover and in Chinese language editions.
Actually, about 70 pages are devoted to goldfish varieties. The
remaining 50 pages cover basic care, history, breeding, genetics,
and disease information. This additional information is well
written and reasonably technical; I found it quite interesting,
though in 50 pages it is of course not very complete. I have seen
people comment that some of the care instructions are wrong. I
think the reality is that they are simply different than the US
norms and give very interesting insights into traditional Hong
Kong goldfish farming. It is also available in a Chinese language
edition.
Title: Jin Yu Author: Buo, Yi Yuan and Hui Sheng Wu Publisher: Tian Jing Science and Technology Publishing ISBN: 962-14-0309-X Price and Source: estimate $30, I got it in a Singapore bookstore
Comments:
This in a Chinese language book, which I can't really review very
well. It is part of a general pet series (fish, birds, dogs,
...). It has a lot of varietal pictures that are quite nice,
including some relatively rare varieties like the phoenix egg
fish. Interestingly all the variety names are also given in
English, which makes this kind of useful. It also covers a very
wide breadth of care topics from diseases to making your own
aquariums. Some of the information, such as the nutritional
analysis of daphnia and the discussion of head and tail types,
are in more detail than a comparable English language book would
normally offer for a beginner. At the end of the book is a table
of the names of Chinese goldfish by "family". There are
a total of about 250 type and color variations listed, along with
their dates of appearance.
Title: Goldfish & Ranchu Author: assorted Publisher: can't read it ... ISBN: 4-415-04005-5 Price and Source: $26, Kinokuniya Bookstores
Comments:
This is basically a 128 page Japanese language magazine,
published once every year or two. It contains some advertising,
and then pictures of the 1993-94 goldfish show winners. It has
assorted varieties in the first 40 pages and then the rest is
ranchus. Pretty impressive fish too, I might say. There is also
care info; some of the pictures are useful for me, even though I
can't read the text. For example, there is a pictorial chart of
common ranchu faults to cull. I have to admit amazement at the
width of the Japanese ranchu peduncles when viewed from above.
The champion fish have peduncles that are twice the width of my
fishes'. Several people have written me that they have been able
to order this and subsequent editions from the US through the
larger Japanese language bookstores.
Title: Chinese Goldfish Author: Mills, D. Publisher: Tetra Press ISBN: 7-11900-408-5 Price and Source: $20, GFSA, pet shops, TFH, and Amazon.com
Comments:
A classic coffee table book of Chinese goldfish pictures and
information.
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Title: Goldfish: A Complete Pet Owner's Manual Author: Ostrow, Marshall E. Publisher: Barrons Educational Series ISBN: 0-81209-016-0 Price and Source: $7, GFSA, pet shops and Amazon.com
Comments:
One of the basic care books that the GFSA has offered for years.
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Title: A Fishkeeper's Guide to Fancy Goldfish Author: Andrews, Chris Publisher: Tetra Press ISBN: 1-56465-162-2 Price and Source: $11, GFSA, pet shops, and Amazon.com
Comments:
The GFSA offers this book from their bookstore. Chris Andrews was
director of the Baltimore Aquarium and is now head of the new
South Carolina Aquarium. He is a frequent contributor to popular
aquarium magazines.
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Title: Fancy Goldfish Culture Author: Orme, Frank W. Publisher: ? ISBN: 1-85259-007-6 Price and Source: $38, GFSA and Amazon.com
Comments:
This is a classic text that the GFSA has listed for years. I have
never seen it, but probably should get it from the society ... it
will be hard to find once they sell out of stock (though
Amazon.com lists it as something they are waiting for).
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Title: Aquariology Master Volume: The Science of Fish Health Management Author: Gratzek, John B. and Janice H. Matthews, editors Publisher: Tetra Press ISBN: 1-56465-105-3 Price and Source: $40, That Fish Place catalog and Amazon.com
Comments:
This 330 page book is the master volume of a four volume set. The
other three books contain chapters from this book (plus
additional information? I don't know). The book has four major
sections: (1) Establishing a healthy tank, (2) Anatomy, Genetics
and Breeding, (3) Aquarium Fish Physiology and Nutrition, and (4)
Diseases and Parasites of Aquarium Fish. These subjects are all
discussed in layman's terminology, but in substantially more
depth than a typical aquarium book. It is primarily geared
towards tropical fish, though there is consideration of goldfish
here and there. I find this an attractive book and a very good
single reference. However, there are other books that are more
complete in each of the areas covered. Unique items include a
discussion of fish quarantine and calculating medicinal dosages.
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Title: Textbook of Fish Health Author: Post, George Publisher: T.F.H. Publications ISBN: 0-86622-491-2 Price and Source: $25, That Fish Place catalog and Amazon.com
Comments:
This 288 page book was revised in 1987, but has a dated feel to
it, possible because of the use of B/W photos with a color center
section, like many books from the 1940's. However, it has a very
complete discussion of fish health and diseases, covering
everything from viruses to nutritional needs. There are many
references to carp (as a commercial food fish that has received
research attention), but many fewer to goldfish specifically.
There are two main drawbacks to this book; insufficient
illustrations or photos (though there are many) and the fact that
it really is a textbook. By the latter comment, I mean that it is
laid out to aid the person that wishes to learn about fish
health; the organization is by category of health issue (i.e.
viral, fungal, bacterial, etc.). However, if you don't already
have a diagnosis, there is really no way to look up something
based on the symptoms. So I would recommend this book as a
serious reference for the person who wishes to learn about fish
health in depth (for a hobbyist) at his or her leisure, rather
than the panicked owner of sick pet.
BUY ME! Click here to go to Amazon.com for this book.
Title: The Manual of Fish Health Author: Andrews, Chris, Adrian Exell, and Neville Carrington Publisher: Tetra Press ISBN: 1-56465-160-6 Price and Source: $30, That Fish Place catalog and Amazon.com
Comments:
This 208 page book is well illustrated with color photos and is
very accessible. While it lacks the scholarly quality and
exhaustive coverage of Post's book, it does cover a very broad
array of subjects. It is not a disease book; it covers physiology
and water chemistry, as well as diseases as parts of
understanding fish health. Compared to Aquariology, it is better
illustrated and organized. Overall I like this book a lot; I find
the introductory parts interesting to read and I think the
efforts to help with disease diagnostics (both the logic and the
specifics) are very good. My main complaints are that it doesn't
have exhaustive enough coverage of diseases and some topics are
treated somewhat superficially. In general, I highly recommend
it.
BUY ME! Click here to go to Amazon.com for this book.
I should note that I don't have a pond ...yet... so (1) take
my opinions with a grain of salt and note (2) I only spring for
cheap books, so none of the really wonderful big pond books that
are out there will get reviewed (unless someone else volunteers).
Title: Garden Ponds for Everyone Author: Schimana, Walter Publisher: T.F.H. Publications ISBN: 0-7938-0099-4 Price and Source: I would guess around $20
Comments:
This 192 page book has a recent (1994) copyright date. I think
the info on pond construction is good and covers some novel
topics like clay bottomed ponds and avoiding capillary action
water losses. The section on water plants is very well
illustrated with color photos, which is useful. It is slightly
disorienting to read however: the author is German, so his
"import" plants are often our native plants here in the
US, and vice versa. Downsides are that he doesn't like goldfish
(close to a fatal flaw on this web site) and the obligatory
1970's Axelrod koi photos. The background advertising level is
very low for a TFH book.
Title: Brooklyn Botanical Garden Record: Water Gardening Author: assorted Publisher: Brooklyn Botanic Garden ISBN: 0-945352-14-X Price and Source: about $6, garden stores and the BBG
Comments:
This 80 page booklet is an edited version of one of the
periodicals put out by the BBG. It is kind of quirky: it gives
some of the basic info on how to build and maintain ponds, but
gives equal weight to topics like the biography of the first
water lily hybridizer and the history of the Latin names of the
Royal Water Lily. It's interesting but not an important reference
for me. Certainly not on a par with the BBG bonsai booklets.
Title: Garden Pools & Fountains Author: editorial staff of Ortho Books Publisher: Ortho Books ISBN: 0-89721-149-9 Price and Source: $10, garden centers or Ortho
Comments:
As is typical of the Ortho books, this 112 page volume has good
high level coverage of most of the main topics associated with
building, stocking and maintaining a pond. My sense is that the
emphasis is on the aesthetics of pond construction and planting.
The advice on fish is brief and of questionable value (e.g. koi
can be kept small in a small pond). But for the price it gives
good coverage of common pond plants and some nice pictures of
very professional looking ponds.
Of the books reviewed above, the following are my favorites.
Title: The Manual of Fish Health
Comments:
This book is both interesting reading and a good high level
reference volume.
Title: Goldfish in Hong Kong
Comments:
Just a really gorgeous book with what I think is a lot of
interesting information in it.
Title: Goldfish: A Complete Introduction
Comments:
This is the book I advise other beginners to buy. Inexpensive,
complete, and factually accurate.
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