Crucians (Carassius carassius)

"This book covers everything the crucian fan could wish to know, and then some! From fishing methods to diet, to ID and the ancestry of the fish, thorough is hardly the word. You can read about its superpowers of survival, how the plucky crucians body shape changes according to its needs, and even (at last!) a scientific look at the old theories of how birds spread fish eggs. Literature and even cuisine are covered. In short, theres more to this plucky cult species than meets the eye- and Id recommend this to fishery owners as well as anglers. However, most vital of all is the joining of dots between the crucian and wider ecology. You sense the authors mourning at all the biodiversity and habitat weve lost; but if we could only restore some of the crucians strongholds, what wider riches we could bring back. Like Marks other work on small fishes (hes also written guides to gudgeon, silver bream and ruffe), a work of such depth and clarity feels important. Because while such books wont sell a million, they not only keep the fire burning for cult angling species, but set down knowledge that might otherwise be lost." Dominic Garnett, angling writer and West Country guide, UK "A book of this kind must stand or fall according to the quality of the information it contains and Mark does us proud, as is demonstrated by the detailed Contents page, the thorough Bibliography, the careful Index and the many pages of References. The book is a treasure trove of facts. We are given an extremely full description of the fish and its fellow Carassius species. He is thorough in his treatment of the dangers of hybridisation and back-crossing, explaining where further research needs to be done. He makes out an excellent case for the indirect contribution of crucians to biodiversity in a countryside increasingly under threat. The authors enthusiasm for this most intriguing fish is clear and his book is full of interest for any crucian student." Peter Rolfe, author and angler, host of The Crucian Website, www.crucians.org

Professor Mark Everard is a Visiting Professor at Bournemouth University, as well as Associate Professor of Ecosystem Services at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol). He also works as a consultant, broadcaster and author. Mark is Vice-President of the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES), a Fellow of the Linnean Society, an Angling Trust Ambassador, and a science advisor to WildFish (formerly Salmon & Trout Conservation UK), Tiger Watch (India), Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and a range of other bodies. Mark is well-known in angling circles as a regular contributor to magazines, radio and television and as an author of numerous books on fish and fishing. Mark is also a scientist with a global profile for his research, advocacy and communication on ecosystem management, nature conservation and sustainable development. Mark has published 42 books as 140 peer-reviewed scientific papers as well as frequent magazine, TV and radio contributions. Mark Everard is often referred to as Dr Redfin in the angling press for his special passion for roach. For more about Mark and his work, see www.markeverard.co.uk. Mark is also the designer of the 'Dr Redfin 15 Foot Float Rod'.

1. What is a crucian? 2. Crucian fishing 3. Crucians and people 4. Bibliography