The Baensch Atlas Photo Index 1-5 is one of the most comprehensive guides to most of the freshwater fish species. While it does not contain every single fish species known to science, it is a great tool for identify most species. Published by Mergus in Melle, Germany, the Baensch Photo Atlas contains 1211 pages & 4600 color photos (according to the cover). From cichlids & tetras to gobies & rainbowfish, this book gives general care for each group & species of fish listed. Of course if one wants even more information on a species, the book also lists which volume to find it in.

This book is a must have for every aquarist just based on the sheer amount of species covered in the book. I take this book to almost every fish event in the case that I do not recognize a fish species. Usually I can find it, either by matching up a photo or looking it up in the back of the book in the 231 page comprehensive index.

A great way that the author's finished the book was to include a general glossary of terms used by scientists & hobbyists pertaining to fish & a world conservation monitoring center of fish species that are threatened or are endangered.

Baensch Aquarium Atlas - Photo Index 1-5. Microcosm Ltd., Vermont, 2008.