Post
by gulogulo » Sat Feb 24, 2007 11:55 am
The book arrived yesterday. I am surprised at how quickly it arrived given the long wait others have complained of. It is a fabulous book and definitely worth adding to any loachophile's library.
My perusal of the book brought a thought to mind that I've had before when reading scientific literature. I think there is one area where us scientists fall short in publications. Dr. Tan's book has a good section in the back but I think it could be better. Color pictures of live specimens should be used more frequently. I understand the need for black and white specimen photos and by no means think they should be replaced. However, it is widely known that preserved specimens particularly fish change in color after death and fixation. Typically these specimens were caught live by a scientist and photos could be taken prior to death and fixation. I think this would add great value to the descriptions of species and would make taxonomy texts more appealing and useful to the nonscientist (thus peaking more interest in the field with the end result hopefully being more research money to document the planet's denizens).
With the durability, reliability, and ease of use of photographic equipment today it should be doable if the impetus exists.
I know color photos cost considerably more to publish than black and white but at least the scientific record could be more thorough and publishers could offer 2 versions, a cheaper b&w and a pricier color.
So, kudos to Dr. Tan for including many color plates with his book, and for a great book and excellent research!
Current loach residents- 14 Pangio semicincta, 2 P. doriae, 4 P. myersi, 1 P. shelfordi, 5 P. anguilaris, 6 P. oblonga, 8 P. cuneovirgata 5 Chromobotia macracantha, 3 Gastromyzon ctenocephalus, 3 Gastromyzon species unknown
or husband)