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Aqualog South American Cichlids II vs DATZ South American Dwarf Cichlids
- Thread starter valice
- Start date
- Messages
- 11,217
- Location
- Denver, Colorado, U.S.A.
First let me say that I helped produce the DATZ book. You may think I am biased for it. All I can suggest that you read some of my early posts about Aqualog's SACII.
Even before I knew that DATZ would produce its book, I was critical of SACII for the high number of mis-identified species - between 10 & 20% errors. It even shows photos of the same fish under 2 different names!
The DATZ book not only is newer, but shows more forms (but not necessarily more color morphs) of apistos & definitely more species/forms of the other dwarf cichlids. I trust the identifications, too. The authors (Stawikowski & Koslowski, for the most part) are very careful about identifying fish. Many are listed as "cf." just to let you know that the fish might not be the actual species. I like that. The DATZ book also has good sections on care, breeding, and ecology based on people with experience in these. Miller & Schliewen's preliminary DNA studies on the phylogeny of apistos is unique.
So DATZ is a better "picture book" in my biased, but not bigotted, opinion. The DATZ book is not as easy to get as SACII, but I sell it for $32.00 + postage right now.
Even before I knew that DATZ would produce its book, I was critical of SACII for the high number of mis-identified species - between 10 & 20% errors. It even shows photos of the same fish under 2 different names!
The DATZ book not only is newer, but shows more forms (but not necessarily more color morphs) of apistos & definitely more species/forms of the other dwarf cichlids. I trust the identifications, too. The authors (Stawikowski & Koslowski, for the most part) are very careful about identifying fish. Many are listed as "cf." just to let you know that the fish might not be the actual species. I like that. The DATZ book also has good sections on care, breeding, and ecology based on people with experience in these. Miller & Schliewen's preliminary DNA studies on the phylogeny of apistos is unique.
So DATZ is a better "picture book" in my biased, but not bigotted, opinion. The DATZ book is not as easy to get as SACII, but I sell it for $32.00 + postage right now.
- Messages
- 144
- Location
- Abingdon, MD
I have to agree with Mike. No contest. I never look at my Aqualog books but I look at the DATZ pub at least once a week.
- Messages
- 11,217
- Location
- Denver, Colorado, U.S.A.
valice said:
I ignore the A-numbers when other common or scientific names are available. I don't understand why you would have problems using the DATZ book. I find the DATZ book much easier to use when identifying apistos. All of the similar looking species are on the same page. It beats having to go through the entire book, like Aqualog's, looking for similar looking fish.
by the way, for the A number, i think it could be useful for people to refer to.
For example, if i am talking about a particular "cf"... i could cite the A number and friends who have the Datz book could immediately find it out... it could be a smart idea
For example, if i am talking about a particular "cf"... i could cite the A number and friends who have the Datz book could immediately find it out... it could be a smart idea
- Messages
- 11,217
- Location
- Denver, Colorado, U.S.A.
blueblue said:by the way, for the A number, i think it could be useful for people to refer to.
For example, if i am talking about a particular "cf"... i could cite the A number and friends who have the Datz book could immediately find it out... it could be a smart idea
I agree. This is the best use for A-numbers. For example, it would be hard to describe the different A. cf. taeniata & A. cf. restiuclosa without them.
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