Containing habitat information, physical descriptions, photographs, 
and range maps for more than 150 species of freshwater fishes 
that can be found in Texas, this field guide is an indispensable 
reference and research tool for ichthyologists, professional 
fisheries biologists, amateur naturalists, and anglers alike.

    The introductory section offers an illustrated guide to the 
common counts and measurements used for fish identification; a 
brief explanation of fish phylogeny; and a scientific key to help 
identify the fish families in Texas.

    The book includes species accounts of native and introduced 
fishes found in the freshwaters of Texas. Each account covers the 
physical characteristics, habitat, and distribution of the fish, with 
additional comments of interest or importance to its life history and 
conservation status. With the largest collection to date of color 
photographs, including various color phases (breeding and non-
breeding colors), the book also includes range maps within the 
species accounts. The closing pages of the book feature a glossary 
and reference section.

    In a time when the state's water resources are beset by issues 
growing in both number and complexity, this book provides 
information for professionals and policy makers. It also contributes 
to the natural history education of the public.

_________________________________________________________

CHAD THOMAS began working on this field guide while employed 
as a research scientist in the Department of Biology at Texas 
State University in San Marcos. He is currently an intern and 
contractor at Texas State. TIMOTHY H. BONNER is an assistant 
professor of biology at the Aquatic Station at Texas State University. 
BOBBY G. WHITESIDE is Distinguished Professor of Biology 
Emeritus at Texas State University.


River Books, sponsored by the River Systems Institute at Texas 
State University


What people are saying about this book

". . . the definitive text describing Texas freshwater fish . . . user 
friendly. . . . In a time when Texas' water resources are beset by 
growing issues in both number and complexity, this book provides 
information for all those interested in these resources."—Texas 
Outdoors Journal, August 2007

"I hope many people read this guide and not only learn names and 
locations of Texas fishes but also gather insight into responsible 
choices about the uses of our natural water bodies."—from the 
foreword by Fran Gelwick

" . . . as thorough a description of the identifying characteristics of 
fishes as I have seen . . . both a field guide to identification and an 
ichthyology laboratory manual. . . . Texas has needed a publication 
like this for many years."—David Bass, Lower Colorado River 
Authority