Small Fry – Britain`s Tiniest Freshwater Fishes by Everard, Mark;

Short description:

This book details the biology, wider angling interest and other social dimensions of Britain's smallest freshwater fish and recognises their importance to both the academic and general fish enthusiast. It celebrates these small fish species and is an engaging and illustrated account of these beautiful creatures that brings their stories to life.

Long description:

Despite being among the most widespread and common fish in the UK there is still a lack of knowledge about the small freshwater fish species that inhabit our rivers and waterways. Often neglected but endlessly charming, these small fish are, for many, their first childhood encounter with the underwater world and inspire a lifelong interest and enduring fascination.

As threats to biodiversity grow and conservation efforts intensify, it is important to remember that fishes are wildlife and that common yet overlooked species require respect and wider consideration. Providing details of their biology, the wider angling interest and many other social dimensions, this book celebrates Britain's small freshwater fishes and recognises their importance to both the academic and general fish enthusiast.

The value of this book includes:

* Providing detailed systematic descriptions of some well-known but less well understood UK small fish species.

* Written by a popular and knowledgeable broadcaster (BBC Springwatch) and author adept at crafting works that are valued by joint audiences (academics, general fishermen and beginner anglers).

* Illustrated with photographs from acclaimed underwater photographer, Jack Perks.

* Recognising that small freshwater fish species are important wildlife and that there are great stories to be told about our littlest fishes.

This book shines a light on the range of familiar but less studied UK small freshwater fish species for academic use but it is also written for the accessibility of a general readership. It is an engaging, factual and beautifully illustrated account of these wonderful, tiny creatures and brings their stories to life.

Shaun Leonard - (Director of the Wild Trout Trust)

Please comment on the subject
Good. There is public interest in fishes, maybe even some awareness (in part thanks to Mark) that they are wildlife. Among the tiny fishes are many of the biggest stories.

Please comment on the need for a book like this.
It complements well Mark's other titles, both single & multi-species. I think highlighting the tiny fishes is a great step.

Please comment on the readership of this book.
I agree with the proposal. I do a good few talks to non-angling groups and I'm certain they'd value (and buy!) this title.

What are the key selling points of this book in your view?
As above - fish might just be becoming accepted as wildlife and there's some momentum in interest. Mark has plenty of pedigree as a fishy author and champion.

Overall would you support publication of this new text and do you have any other comments?
Yes. There are great stories to be told among our little fishes and I am sure Mark will do exactly that - his writing is engaging and factual. I would strongly urge that Jack Perks' photos are made very best use of - these tiny fishes are very beautiful creatures, unknown to most people and his imagery can be a huge part of bringing stories to life.