Publications
Ichthyology of Nepal
Second Editrom
Tej Kumar Shrestha
This book provides extensive compilation of the pattern of fish diversity in the Himalayan waters of Nepal. It provides an excellent scientific introduction to World's little known vanishing Ichthyofauna. Set in organized format and very readable text, supplemented with numerous outstanding rare color images never seen before .It is much needed taxonomic aid complete with keys, diagnostic criteria & illustrated descriptions for identification of fish. The author frankly presents river fish issues to planners and developers. All 252 species of fishes are described and illustrated, having numerous outdoor underwater photographs to identify fishes. It also contains compendium of information on fish ecology and behavior. A rare book which can convey the excitement of fish diversity exploration in Himalayas. The purpose of the book is to bring fascinating information to fish watchers, aquarists, and anglers who share enthusiasm and delight in the development of recreational fisheries in ice cold waters of Himalaya. Besides this book present first hand information of species diversity, number, composition and status of fish species found in major ecological hotspots of Nepal. It is a useful field guide to fishery scientists & managers of beyond Nepal (India, Pakistan, Bhutan).
Excerpts from Reviews
Dr. Asok Kotharai, Honorary Secretary, Bombay Natural History Society, India, speaks about the book
I have gone through your book on Chitwan National Park, which you have sent for our library. The book is full of useful information and picture of high quality.......I must say that you deserve to be complemented for bringing out such a wonderful publication. It is very informative with beautiful illustration. I appreciate your hard work and effort bringing out such an informative document which everybody will enjoy reading.
Dr. Elizabeth Rollinson Ph.D, DIC, CBiol, FLS, Executives secretary, Linnean Society of London, writes about the book
We were delighted to receive copies of your book, which arrived today. This is a valuable addition to our library. The Linnean Society is deeply touched and honoured that you have dedicated the book to the society. The book is a true magnum opus and the photographic are outstanding-you, Sabina and Atmaz to be congratulated on your significant achievement in bringing book to fruition.
Excerpts from Review of First Edition
I am very happy after going through your book. You have described 232 species of fish found in Himalayan region, giving original coloured photographs and your observation on their ecology, habits, distribution and breeding behaviour. This is truly a huge contribution which will be highly significant for students of ichthyology, not only in Nepal but also in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. hence, I congratulate you on this achievement. I hope you will continue to study various aspects of fish biology, so as to bring more facts to light. My good wishes are with you.
Dr. S.S. Khanna Formerly Professor of Zoology and Director of Higher Education, U.P., India 10 September, 2008
The real reason for my memo is to bring to your attention a new book that Tej has written: Ichthyology of Nepal: A Study of Fishes of the Himalayan Waters. Publishing techniques and expertise in Nepal have improved measurably in recent years, and this book is right up there by North American standards, containing a number of very good color photographs taken by Dr. Shrestha. He includes keys and habitat descriptions and many other fish-related subjects. Nepal, in the shadow of Mt. Everest, is big country, with a fish fauna to match. On a postcard accompanying the book is a photo of the Golden Mahseer or Himalayan salmon, a cyprinid of the genus Tor with the description: Trophy size, 6 ft., 110 pounds. The fighting strength and spirit of the fish is prodigious. The thought of hooking one of these on a fly rod is nothing less than frightening. Ichthyologists and naturalists will love this book covering a little-known part of our world. Tej did a fine job on this.