Crucians (Carassius carassius)

The crucian is a freshwater fish species that has seen a renaissance of interest in angling and conservation communities in Britain. Despite its wide northern European and western Asian distribution, the species is under threat due to multiple causes including the decimation of the small pond habitats upon which it depends. As a small pond specialist, the crucian serves a particularly important role as a charismatic focus encouraging support for the protection and restoration of this highly threatened and much-reduced habitat type and the diversity of other species that it supports.

Crucians (Carassius carassius): Biology, Ecology, Angling and Culture takes a comprehensive approach, covering:

• Biology and ecology, including taxonomy


• Angling, including location, baits, methods, and former and current record fish


• Cultural connections, including etymology, artwork and culinary aspects of the fish

These sections are supported by a bibliography and beautiful colour imagery. The book offers a fascinating read for conservationists, anglers, freshwater biologists and those with interest in the natural world.

"This book covers everything the crucian fan could wish to know, and then some! From fishing methods to diet, to ID and the ancestry of the fish, thorough is hardly the word. You can read about its ?superpowers? of survival, how the plucky crucian?s body shape changes according to its needs, and even (at last!) a scientific look at the old theories of how birds spread fish eggs. Literature and even cuisine are covered. In short, there?s more to this plucky cult species than meets the eye- and I?d recommend this to fishery owners as well as anglers. However, most vital of all is the joining of dots between the crucian and wider ecology. You sense the author?s mourning at all the biodiversity and habitat we?ve lost; but if we could only restore some of the crucian?s strongholds, what wider riches we could bring back. Like Mark?s other work on small fishes (he?s also written guides to gudgeon, silver bream and ruffe), a work of such depth and clarity feels important. Because while such books won?t sell a million, they not only keep the fire burning for cult angling species, but set down knowledge that might otherwise be lost."

Dominic Garnett, angling writer and West Country guide, UK

"A book of this kind must stand or fall according to the quality of the information it contains and Mark does us proud, as is demonstrated by the detailed Contents page, the thorough Bibliography, the careful Index and the many pages of References. The book is a treasure trove of facts. We are given an extremely full description of the fish and its fellow Carassius species. He is thorough in his treatment of the dangers of hybridisation and back-crossing, explaining where further research needs to be done. He makes out an excellent case for the indirect contribution of crucians to biodiversity in a countryside increasingly under threat. The author?s enthusiasm for this most intriguing fish is clear and his book is full of interest for any crucian student."

Peter Rolfe, author and angler, host of The Crucian Website, www.crucians.org