<P>Widely anticipated, this three-volume work is the result of decades of analysis and synthesis by leading fish experts from a variety of universities and research laboratories. Each volume covers the ecology, morphology, reproduction, distribution, behavior, taxonomy, conservation, and the fossil record of specific North American fish families. The encyclopedic reviews of each fish family are accompanied by artwork created by noted fish illustrator Joseph R. Tomelleri as well as color photographs and maps. The result is a rich textual and visual experience. </P><P>Volume One covers North American fish assemblages, reproductive behavior, and the following families of fishes:</P><P>Petromyzontidae (Lampreys)Dasyatidae (Whiptail Stingrays)Acipenseridae (Sturgeons)Polyodontidae (Paddlefishes)Lepisosteidae (Gars)Amiidae (Bowfins)Hiodontidae (Mooneyes)Anguillidae (Freshwater Eels)Engraulidae (Anchovies)Cyprinidae (Carps and Minnows)Catostomidae (Suckers)</P><P>The chapter authors included in Volume 1 are:</P><P>William E. BemisMicah G. BennettMichael D. BurnsBrooks M. BurrAnthony L. EchelleNicholas J. GidmarkCarter R. GilbertHoward S. GillLance GrandeAlex HaroPhillip M. HarrisEric J. HiltonLisa J. HopmanGregory HubbardBernard R. KuhajdaWilliam J. MatthewsDeborah A. McLennanIan C. PotterClaude B. RenaudStephen T. RossMichael SandelAndrew M. SimonsMelvin L. Warren, Jr.</P><P>Certain to stand among the reference books of choice for anyone interested in the continent’s aquatic ecosystems, <I>Freshwater Fishes of North America</I> will answer the questions you have about our diverse, yet too often imperiled, fish fauna.</P>