The FSC Fish guide covers all the freshwater fish of ponds, streams and rivers in Britain and Ireland.
The colour illustration are arranged so that similar looking species are grouped together. Accompanying text contains further information on each species in the text.
Fish are vertebrates (i.e. animals with backbones). They are exclusively aquatic. Britain and Ireland are home to 50 species of freshwater fish, although more occur in the lower reaches of estuaries. Of these species, 14 are introduced species and one native species is believed to have become extinct in the late 20th Century. Most of the introductions are relatively recent. They may have become established accidentally as escapees, or by release for ornament, food or angling.
In addition many native species have been moved to new catchments by the authorities (or sometimes by individuals), usually for angling. Most British and Irish freshwater fish live and breed in one habitat. But some species are migratory, spending part of their life cycle in the sea.