Celebrating Cichlids from Lakes Malawi and Tanganyika

2005, geb., SU., Großformat 29,5 x 28 cm., mehr als 400 Farbfotos. One of the most exciting groups of fishes, the cichlids, is dominant in both lakes Malawi and Tanganyika, with each lake harbouring a staggering number of endemic species whose ranges are restricted not only to the lake in question but often also to a particular section of each lake. Some of the species occur on-ly around tiny rocky reefs, with population densities as low as a few hundred individuals, while others are found lake-wide with millions caught every year by local fishermen. Since the 19th century, when Lake Malawi was discovered by Livingstone and Lake Tanganyika by Burton and Speke, scientists have been intrigued by the fact that so many species could originate in a single body of water. Leaving aside the intense scientific interest in African cichlids, these colourful creatures are also extremely popular with aquarists who are able to keep and breed many of them with ease. Each cichlid has an interesting story to tell; this book shows a collection of cichlid fishes that were caught in the act, the act of their behaviour, the act of displaying their splendour, all demonstrating that they are celebrated segments of the rich tapestry of life in the magical lakes of Africa. Sonderpreis, Statt 67,00