Gerald Smith, professor emeritus of ecology and evolutionary biology, is author of “Guide to Great Lakes Fishes.” Photo by John Megahan.
Did you know that male Black Bullhead and Channel Catfish are considered attentive fathers that build nests and then guard the eggs deposited there, actively tending to them to make sure they’re oxygenated and free of silt?
The new book “Guide to Great Lakes Fishes” by Gerald Smith not only helps identify fish, but also is full of interesting facts, characteristics and sometimes surprising behaviors.
Smith, professor emeritus of ecology and evolutionary biology, will speak about his new book and the different species that populate Michigan waters. The event is planned for 4-6 p.m. March 23 at the Dana building, Room 1024. Smith will tell the story of how the book was developed, answer questions and sign copies of the book.
The “Guide to Great Lakes Fishes” features 62 of the most commonly found fish species in the Great Lakes area and includes beautiful illustrations as well as full color photographs to help identify fish. From the giants like sturgeon down to smaller resident minnows and those in between — like the Bigmouth Buffalo and the Shorthead Redhorse — the new guide provides insight into individual fish species but also helps show the connections and reflects the bigger picture of the lakes ecosystem.
Smith is curator emeritus of fishes for the U-M Museum of Zoology, and is editor of “Fishes of the Great Lakes Region, Revised Edition.”
Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event. For more information, call 734-615-0400 or e-mail [email protected].
