The Dragon Behind the Glass

This was WILDLY entertaining, on a subject that I really didn't think I cared that much about (and um, I still don't care that much about fish on the whole). Like, did you know there are 30 species of fish named after penises? And that in Singapore being a fish plastic surgeon is legit a job?? Or that some single Asian arowana fish sell for $150,000+, and are regularly stolen from fisheries and pet shops, and smuggled various places, but that if you make this investment, you should ensure your fish tank has a lid because otherwise your investment (GIANT PREDATOR FISH) might accidentally dive out of the water and meet an untimely death on the floor of your home, and then where would you be???

The writing wasn't the best thing ever, but it's entertaining enough that every person I've told about this book gets like, wide-eyed and can't believe this is a real thing (I guess since it's illegal to import Asian arowanas into the U.S.). There also is some good insight into conservation and exploration, particularly in regards to endangered species and fish farming (and it just barely touches on colonization).

3.5 stars. I'd recommend! I learned a lot, and have lots of good Fun Fish Facts now, though I suspect I will basically never have a conversation with anyone on this subject.

Though this book, as I mentioned earlier, covers a vast array of topics, it is these threads focusing on conservation and the Asian pet trade that I find most interesting ??? and also disturbing. Over and over again, it is demand from wealthier countries (China, in particular) that drives the sinister engines of the illegal pet trade. Borders are immensely porous, especially in Southeast Asia, and many poorer countries might be more than willing to sacrifice their rights to important biological hotspots in exchange for a cash boost from a wealthy neighbour, thus implicitly legalising any otherwise-illegal trade in endangered species. Even supposedly squeaky-clean Singapore, with its reputation as one of the least corrupt countries in the world (per Transparency International), does not escape the taint of the illegal pet trade, particularly when it comes to fish.

Full review here: http://wp.me/p21txV-x2