Surgeonfishes, Rabbitfishes and their relatives; A Comprehensive Guide to the Acanthuroidei

Continuing in a series of marine fish groups of prime use/interest to aquarists, Tropical Marine Centre’s production here on the Acanthuroids is a photographic feast covering all the known families, genera and species in this important suborder of percoid fishes. What this work presents is well-done; complete notes on the diversity and abundance, maximum size, distribution, foods and feeding behavior, reproduction where known, fin-ray and other meristic (taxonomic) notes… and all in all an excellent photographic library of more than one hundred species of fishes, several of popular aquarium and fishery use. What this book is not about is aquarium husbandry. The authors are not aquarists. Little in the way of practical captive care of these fishes is offered; and this is a great shame (see below re suggested changes). Nonetheless, information on distribution and habitat is of service to aquarists seeking input on biotopic presentations, as are notes on maximum size and natural foods/feeding. Contents: The book begins with an introduction to the current higher taxonomy of the Acanthuroids. Kuiter and Debelius recognize a more "inclusive" view than some specialists here, including not only the Surgeonfishes (family Acanthuridae), Rabbitfishes (Siganidae), Moorish Idol (Zanclidae), and Scats (Scatophagidae), but admitting the Spade/Batfishes (Ephippidae) in as well. Next we have a nice, brief description of the family Acanthuridae, including interesting notes on sexual dimorphism and dichromatism in some species, their generalized embryology, distribution, rationale for division into subfamilies, and brief mention of their use in aquariums. This space is aptly applied to warnings re the need for space and propensity for many species to become too large and aggressive (especially kept in small systems) for aquarium use. Following this and in succeeding chapters on the other families, genera and species involved are fin ray counts, a "picture index" (catalog of a page or two of the members likenesses) and a beautiful assemblage of mainly underwater photographs of all species. Occasionally we are treated to a "Debelius" mini- natural history photo-essay on recorded reproduction of a species, strategies for survival. Suggested Changes/Additions: This work is principally geared to "advanced divers" who are keen on underwater natural history. Sales of this work could have been easily trebled by the inclusion of a few pages (even at the expense of supplanted images) offering of aquarium information such as the best source countries, size at acquisition, acclimation, disease identification and treatment… Even a couple of such pages would greatly expand the marketability/applicability of this tome. Successive titles in this series and revised editions will not miss this chance. Some easy examples: The inclusion of Platax pinnatus as one of "highly recommended" pets of the family Ephippidae is damning. I know the fine folks that work the marine livestock wholesale trade at TMC know better. What an opportunity lost to draw distinction twixt the historical aquarium survivability/suitability of Acanthurus nigricans and A. japonicus! How much more visually appealing and point-making would have been small distribution maps? Countries and island groups are not well known to novices… The authors/editors are aware of the utility of placing similar-appearing (and likely related) species in contiguous pages (for ease of identification, separation); the use of small range maps would "hammer home" much of the theme of sympatric species, speciation. Similarly, a chart detailing the species likely to be found in a general vicinity would be extremely useful… sort of like a checklist for divers. This is a serious oversight for such a tool directed to adventure-traveling naturalists. There are many examples of diversity in color, markings by species, but no mention or illustration of Acanthurus thompsoni further north in its range (e.g. Hawai’i), with its dark caudal. For such a "comprehensive" work there should be a bit more discussion on "splitting" of species (e.g. Zebrasoma veliferum and Z. desjardinii being recognized as two valid species). Where is the Bibliography? References? Species information is listed showing someone has traced back the original descriptions of each animal… No internet references? Not even FishBase? Concluding Remarks: For the "true a-fish-ionado" Kuiter and Debelius’ print works apart and together are very worthwhile. They bridge a gap in diving, fishing and ornamental aquatics little otherwise exploited. However they’re photofests could be greatly improved in sales with inclusion of captive husbandry notes. Having visited Tropic Marine Centre, and considering it the best facility our industry/hobby has for several excellent reasons, I do wish the editors had "gone the extra mile/kilometer" in making this work more aquarium/aquarist applicable.

julesangel posted a reply:

hi guys...
since you all wrote that....

ive cycled water, tested ph a.

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