Article © Daphne Layley, uploaded October 19, 2006.

Recently I had the opportunity to review the updated and revised 2005 limited edition reprint of David Sand's book, Emperor Of The Amazon, which is the handbook of Phractocephalus hemioliopterus, the Amazonian Red-tailed Catfish.

That a book should have been written specifically about one species is quite significant, and clearly demonstrates the importance of this catfish and the esteem in which it is held. The book answers all the questions any owner of one of these catfish could possibly ask about the conditions needed to maintain these fish in a healthy and humane manner. It contains detailed advice regarding water quality, water changes, filtration, feeding, tank size pro rata to fish size, health problems, transporting and acclimatising.

There is an interesting chapter on the fishes in their natural habitat and their importance as a food fish within the Amazon basin and the commercial fisheries of the region. I feel that a lot of this information could be equally useful to enthusiasts who are keeping other large species of predatory Amazonian catfish that require similar conditions.

It is very obvious that a massive amount of detailed research has gone into the production of this book, along with the personal experience of the long-term keeping of this magnificent species in captivity.

The book comes spiral bound, with a soft cover. Although it's not cheap, at £40, the information it contains is absolutely priceless. It is clearly written and easily comprehensible without being too scientific for the average enthusiast to understand. If you are considering keeping one of these fish, buy this book first!

Back to Book Reviews index.