Tropical Fish As A Hobby

Tropical Fish As A Hobby (1972) by Herbert R. Axelrod – Sold by Crappy Old Books

Dive into the psychedelic depths of 1970s fishkeeping with Tropical Fish As A Hobby, Herbert R. Axelrod’s classic guide for anyone who’s ever gazed into a tank and thought, “I could do that… probably.” First published in 1972 and brought to the British public by George Allen and Unwin, this vintage aquarium bible brims with colourful (and sometimes questionably moustached) illustrations, tank setup wisdom, and care tips for fish with names you’ll struggle to pronounce but instantly want to own.

Whether you’re a seasoned aquarist or just someone who accidentally inherited a guppy, Axelrod’s friendly, no-nonsense style and oddly charming mid-century advice make this a nostalgic trip worth taking. From fin rot to filters, angelfish to algae, it’s all here—packaged in a slightly yellowed but proudly intact edition that smells faintly of pond water and pipe tobacco.

Condition: A bit warped like a bored pleco, but still swimming along nicely. Pages turn, spine holds, information flows—just don’t ask about the cover art.

Crappy Old Books: Because even fish deserve a groovy 70s aesthetic.

Ex-library book with plastic cover, from Borough of Barnet Public Libraries.

Keep browsing: See more Hobbies books Other books by Herbert R Axelrod