Fishes (India - The Land And The People)

Fishes undoubtedly constitute the most colourful of animals, perhaps next only to birds. Dr. M. Chandy has written an admirable introduction to fishes. The book deals with their structure, adaptations and peculiar habits and ways. Besides this, she has presented a brief account of the various kinds of fish that inhabit our oceans, seas, rivers, ponds and streams and fisheries, including pond culture. Several colour plates and illustrations enhance the pictorial value of the book.

After taking her Ph.D. from Lucknow University. in 1942, Dr. M. Chandy later underwent an advanced course at Stanford University, USA, specialising in Ichthyology. She taught at Christian College, Madras, Isabella Thoburn College, Lucknow, and at the Delhi University, from where she retired as Principal, Miranda House. She authored many research atricles on fishes.

THIS BOOK is an attempt in the series, "India-the Land and People", which was started with the object of making available to the ordinary educated man knowledge about the various aspects of our country. Such books written for the laymen are scarce in India and I have tried to fill this gap to some extent.

The subject of fishes is biological and scientific. To make it popular, simple and yet factual has been my aim. As I have taught the subject to students in the University, it has been somewhat easy to achieve this objective. It is hoped that the general public will find that the book is not riddled with too much of scientific and technical jargon.

This book is divided into two parts. The first part deals with fish, its place in the animal kingdom, its remote origin and history and its peculiar structural features which are special adaptations for its life in water. A few of its fascinating habits like parental care and migration have also been presented. The second part is a survey of our important fishes which inhabit the seas and rivers and their fisheries. As fishes provide food and several useful products to man, these topics are important from the point of view of economic development.

The book was first published in 1970. It has gone through three reprints. During the last two decades new discoveries and new facts on fishes have been added to our knowledge. Fisheries in India has developed by leaps and bounds. The need to revise the contents of the book is therefore compelling. I have tried to incorporate research findings on aspects like Venom, Sense organs, Shark menace and its counter measures.

**Contents and Sample Pages**