The New Illustrated Guide to Fish Diseases - Gerald Bassleer
The New Illustrated Guide to Fish Diseases, authored by Dr. Gerald Bassleer, is a practical, heavily illustrated reference for recognizing, preventing, and treating diseases affecting ornamental tropical and pond fish. Structured for both hobbyists and professionals, the book begins with guidance on how to use the resource, a diagnostic questionnaire, and an overview of disease causes and quarantine protocols. It then presents an extensive photographic index covering a wide range of external and internal disease manifestations, organized by symptom categories such as external lesions, behavioural changes, and internal organ signs. Each disease entry includes concise descriptions of etiology, clinical signs, recommended treatments (including medication names, dosages, and administration methods), and preventive measures. The work also provides species‑specific notes, a detailed index of parasites, bacteria, fungi, and chemical agents, and a comprehensive list of references. The final sections contain an exhaustive alphabetical index of disease terms, chemicals, parasites, and therapeutic products, enabling rapid lookup. Overall, the guide serves as a visual diagnostic tool and a concise treatment handbook, reflecting the author’s extensive experience in fish pathology and emphasizing practical, up‑to‑date management strategies while noting regional availability of certain medicines.
Topics
Alphabetical Index of Fish Pathogens, Diseases, and Clinical Signs
An A‑Z listing of over 200 entries covering bacterial, parasitic, fungal, and viral agents, as well as disease syndromes and observable clinical signs (e.g., Aeromonas, Ichthyophthirius, Hole‑in‑the‑Head, Velvet disease). Each entry includes page numbers directing the reader to detailed descriptions, photographs, and therapeutic recommendations.
Therapeutic Agents and Chemical Treatments Index
Entries for antibiotics, antiparasitics, disinfectants, and supportive compounds such as Amoxicillin, Copper Sulphate, Metronidazole, and formalin, each linked to the pages where dosage, mode of action, and treatment protocols are discussed.
Management Practices, Diagnostic Tools, and Cross‑Reference Notations
Terms related to quarantine procedures, self‑examination methods, biological filtration, diagnostic questionnaires, and see‑also cross‑references (e.g., “see Ichthyobodo”), guiding readers to procedural content and illustrating the interconnected structure of the book’s material.
Diagnostic and Etiology Framework
A step‑by‑step questionnaire guides users through observation, symptom categorisation, and initial differential diagnosis, coupled with an overview of disease causes, transmission pathways, and detailed quarantine protocols to prevent spread.
Pathogen Identification and Treatment Protocols
Comprehensive coverage of parasites, bacterial, and fungal agents with life‑cycle notes, diagnostic cues, and evidence‑based treatment regimens. Includes a catalog of chemical therapeutics, medication names, dosages, administration routes, safety considerations, and regional availability.