With contributions from biologists, paleontologists, ecologists, veterinarians and fishers, The Bichir Handbook explores everything from the identification for all fourteen extant species of the ancient family of freshwater fishes, Polypteridae, the most comprehensive delve into their aquarium husbandry, and some of the first reconstructions of never-before-seen extinct species of bichir. Whether you’re an aquarist, scientist, or someone just interested in natural history, this book will keep you turning the pages. Illustrated by award winning paleoartist and ichthyologist, Dorian Noël, every illustration is hand-painted to define their most identifiable features, in the best full colour illustrations of Polypteridae to date. This beautifully crafted publication contains stunning images of these living fossils, and infographics which will have you referencing back to for years!


What People Are Saying

“It’s not before time that someone that has kept and worked closely with these primitive fishes for many years has finally put their own personal experiences into words. This kind of reading cannot be found from research alone and I hope that would be buyers out there thinking of acquiring it take this into account when purchasing any such book.”
Richard Hardwick - Managing Director at Wharf Aquatics

“The book looks amazing – makes me want to set up a tank again. I’m particularly happy to see such a strong focus on sustainable fishing and the benefits it can bring to the conservation of these fascinating species.”
William Darwall - Head of Freshwater Biodiversity Unit, IUCN Global Species Programme

“What really makes this book stand out is the depth of information that it contains. In the introductory section, for example, the evolution, taxonomy and systematics of this ancient group of fishes is described in meticulous, yet easy-to-read, detail.”
Olaf Weyl - South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity

“The book looks great, I really believe it will be (it already is) a very important contribution to the knowledge on bichirs and how to keep them!”
Pedro Rizzato - Comparative Biologist at Ichthyology Laboratory of Ribeirão Preto


About The Author

Joshua Pickett is an aquarist, graphic designer and science communicator working in the publishing industry. He works on the design and pre-press for high end books and magazines ranging from art, fashion and natural history, on titles such as Creative Review, British Museum and Arena HOMME +. He has recently finished the design for Ivan Mikolji’s book Fishes of the Orinoco in the Wild and is now preparing to release his first book in the oddball “Handbook” series, The Bichir Handbook—designed and published by himself. Having also worked in the aquarium trade and keeping these ancient fishes in aquaria for years, raising every described species; he holds the experience which pulls the book together—ensuring these ancient animals have the best possible welfare.

The Bichir Handbook is due to release this Autumn with global distribution. Copies will be £24.95 and come with a free bookmark and a double sided A3 poster. You will be able to buy a copy from www.thebichirhandbook.com and in select UK aquatic retailers.