Small Fry Britain's Tiniest Freshwater Fish

About this book

Despite being among the most widespread and common fish in the UK, there is still a lack of knowledge about the small freshwater fish species that inhabit our rivers and waterways. Often neglected but endlessly charming, these small fish are, for many, their first childhood encounter with the underwater world and inspire a lifelong interest and enduring fascination.

As threats to biodiversity grow and conservation efforts intensify, it is important to remember that fishes are wildlife and that common yet overlooked species require respect and wider consideration. Providing details of their biology, the wider angling interest and many other social dimensions, Small Fry celebrates Britain's small freshwater fishes and recognises their importance to both the academic and general fish enthusiast.

The value of this book includes:
- Providing detailed systematic descriptions of some well-known but less well-understood UK small fish species.
- Written by a popular and knowledgeable broadcaster (BBC Springwatch) and author adept at crafting works that are valued by joint audiences (academics, general fishermen and beginner anglers).
- Illustrated with photographs from acclaimed underwater photographer, Jack Perks.
- Recognising that small freshwater fish species are important wildlife and that there are great stories to be told about our littlest fishes.

This book shines a light on the range of familiar but less studied UK small freshwater fish species for academic use but it is also written for the accessibility of a general readership. It is an engaging, factual and beautifully illustrated account of these wonderful, tiny creatures and brings their stories to life.

Contents

1. Introduction: Small wonders
2. Minnows: The archetypal 'tiddler'
3. Gudgeon: The angler's favourite tiddler
4. Bleak: The pocket-sized 'game' fish
5. Stone loach: Stones unturned
6. Spined loach: The cryptic fish with a spiny surprise
7. Bullhead: The freshwater troglodyte
8. Three-spined sticklebacks: Knights in armour
9. Ten-spined sticklebacks: The shy cousin
10. Ruffe: Spiky ruffians
11. Brook lamprey: Small mysteries in the river mud
12. Salty visitors
13. Small invaders
14. Why small fish matter

Customer Reviews

Biography

Professor Mark Everard is Visiting Professor at Bournemouth University (UK) and NICMAR University in Pune (India), and also Associate Professor of Ecosystem Services at the University of the West of England, Bristol (UK). Among his most recent titles are Crucians (Carassius carassius): Biology, Ecology, Angling and Culture (Routledge, 2025), Waterside Diaries: The Wildlife Observations of a Naturalist-Angler (Hobnob Press, 2025), Seeking Sustainable Development on a Level Playing Field: A PVC Case Study (Routledge, 2025) and Rebuilding the Earth: Regenerating Our Planet's Life Support Systems for a Sustainable Future (Palgrave Macmillan, 2020).