US Fish & Wildlife Service
Date of this Version
2000
Abstract
In this second edition, the author uses the traditional better-known taxonomy, although a table listing the contemporary (or future) classification is presented in the foreword. The beginning of the book covers the public health aspects of fish parasites, and discusses methods of examining and collecting fish, and then preserving and making permanent preparations. These sections will be very helpful to students and researchers, as are the sections that list parasites by location in fish. The next sections present major groups of parasites and detailed genera and species. Drawings and photographs make identification relatively easy. An important addition to this second edition is that treatments and controls for the various parasites are given (when known). There is a section on miscellaneous parasites and pathogens, as well as fish parasites found in other animals. The parasite/host and host/parasite cross-reference list is also valuable. The section on chemotherapy and prophylaxis reports some of the most widely used therapies, as well as some promising new treatments. It also lists chemical, parasite to be treated, and methods used. There is a glossary, and although the citations only go up to 1992, there are approximately twice as many references as in the first edition. This book is an outstanding contribution, and it is recommended for all fish disease laboratories and researchers. In the foreword, ErnestWilliams expresses the sentiments of all freshwater fish parasitologists: this is the "Bible" of freshwater fish parasitology.
Comments
Published in The Quarterly Review of Biology, Vol. 75, No. 3 (Sep., 2000), pp. 337-338