The Fishes of Alberta. 2nd ed.

Claude B. Renaud is an ichthyologist with the Canadian Museum of Nature
in Ottawa.

This much expanded revision of the first edition (437 versus 281 pages),
which appeared in 1970, treats the 59 fish species established in
Alberta (51 native and 8 introduced). (Established fishes are those that
are reproducing and sustaining populations.) Also covered are 30 fish
species introduced or collected in Alberta, but not known to be
established, and species found in adjacent areas.

The species accounts of established fishes make up the bulk of the
book. Each includes a picture (in total there are 33 color and 18
black-and-white photographs, based on actual specimens, and 8 line
drawings), a spot distribution map, a description, and notes on the
species’ biology. Many of the species descriptions are based on
specimens housed at the University of Alberta Museum of Zoology. An
84-page introductory section includes chapters on the major Alberta
drainage basins, fish management in Alberta, fish ecology (including 12
beautiful color photographs of typical Alberta habitats), and four
chapters dealing, respectively, with the post-glacial origin of the fish
fauna; the species concept and classification; the evolution of Alberta
fishes; and, finally, how to use the maps and keys. Easy-to-use keys to
all families and species are provided and do not require expert
knowledge. The extensive bibliography has 454 titles, 31 of which were
published in the 1990s. The uninitiated will find the 12-page glossary
of technical terms particularly useful.

Nelson and Paetz, two extremely knowledgeable fish experts with
extensive field and laboratory experience, are to be commended for their
comprehensive treatment of Alberta fishes. This attractively priced book
is useful to anglers (17 species may be termed game fishes),
naturalists, and students of fishes, from the undergraduate to the
professional ichthyologist.