A Guide to the Study of Fishes, Volume 2 (of 2)

by David Starr Jordan

"A Guide to the Study of Fishes, Volume 2" by David Starr Jordan is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. This comprehensive work serves as a detailed reference on ichthyology, exploring various fish classifications, structures, and characteristics. It delves deeply into the taxonomy and anatomical features of numerous fish families, particularly focusing on Ganoid and Bony fishes, providing insights into their evolutionary significance. The opening of the book begins with a discussion on the classification of fishes, especially focusing on the Ganoids and the Actinopteri subclass. It highlights the evolutionary context of fish, detailing the ancestor lineages and the transformations that led to modern fish. The text elaborates on the peculiarities of various prehistoric fish structures, such as the Ganoids, and their differences from contemporary bony fish. This section sets a solid foundation for the reader to understand the broader themes of ichthyology presented throughout the volume.