Welcome to Goldfishguy's Book page. If I have read the book I have written a short review. If it's a book that's on my wish list or is renown amongst goldfish keepers I have included it here. There are also links provided for Internet sources in which to purchase these books. This page is another perpetual "under construction" page so check back often to see additional selections.
Aquatic
Systems Engineering - P.R. Escobal. If your constructing or purchasing a
new filtration system then this is the book for you. This book is very
popular among fishkeepers who are serious about filtration. Upon reading
this book you will have a good understanding of filtration and U.V.
sterilization principles. This will help you make logical choices on
filtration and sterilization setups. The formulas presented in this book are very
helpful in right sizing a filtration and/or sterilization system to fit your
needs.
Chinese
Goldfish - Li Zhen. This book gives a good general overview on goldfish
keeping and farming in China. The color pictures are excellent and show
varieties of goldfish not seen in the U.S.
Fancy
Goldfish Culture - Frank W. Orme. This is book is over 20 years old but
still has some good info on goldfish. Being written an published in
England also gives the reader some insight on the British method of goldfish
keeping. Last I checked this book was out of print. You may find it
in bookstores specializing in used or hard to find books. I was able to
locate a used copy through Amazon.com.
Goldfish
Breeding and Genetics - Joseph Smartt
and James H. Blundell. Brilliant glossy pictures. Most of which are
by noted goldfish photographer Fred Rosenzweig. The Domestication and
Evolution of goldfish gives the best history timeline of the Chinese and
Japanese goldfish I have read to date. The Varieties of Goldfish section
has full descriptions and standards of many types of goldfish. The
genetics section is a great foundation to first time goldfish breeders and I'm
sure a good reference to the seasoned professional. The chapter of water
quality and filtration discusses some of the more modern techniques of water
testing and filtration. To compliment the genetics section there
additional chapters on brood stock management and the rearing and culling of
fry. Also, there is a section on showing goldfish. All in all this
is a very good book to have on hand for the serious goldfish collector or
breeder.
Goldfish Guide - Yoshiichi Matsui, Herbert R. Axelrod. This is one of my favorite goldfish books in terms of readability. Lots of color
pictures. A good overall book which covers the history of Chinese and
Japanese goldfish. Good info on general care, feeding,
breeding, culling, genetics, and disease. There is a section on
describing some of the major types of goldfish. Some coverage also
afforded to goldfish keeping in Great Britain, ponds, and standards for the
more common types of goldfish.
Koi
Health and Disease - Erik L.Johnson, D.V.M. If there is a book that a
goldfish keeper must have it's this book. Not only have I read this book
cover to cover many times I constantly refer to it. Erik Johnson or
"Doc" Johnson is a world renown authority in koi and goldfish
health. Although koi health is the emphasis of this book it readily
applies to goldfish health as well. There is a great deal of information
on parasites, bacterial pathogens, fungal infections, and viral
infections. Primary and alternative treatment protocols are very well
presented. Microscopy is well detailed.
If you are really interested
in the health of your goldfish a microscope is a necessity. If you
own a microscope then you also need Doc's video. Doc's video re-enforces
concepts presented in his book. Plus there is live video of parasites
viewed through a microscope.
Doc's book and video are available through his website (www.koivet.com) and the Goldfish Connection (www.goldfishconnection.com).
The
Optimum Aquarium - Kaspar Horst/Horst E. Kipper. If your into aquatic
plants this book is a must. Great info on the European method of plant
keeping.