The Water Research Group in the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management (UESM) at the North-West University (NWU) launched Prof Paul Skelton’s new edition of the book titled Freshwater Fishes of Southern Africa – A Complete Guide on Monday, 4 November.

The book launch marked the anniversary of the NWU’s longstanding partnership with the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (NRF-SAIAB).

Prof Paul Skelton is a renowned expert on freshwater fishes. He shared insight into new discoveries and the development of perspectives on fish through an exciting presentation at the NWU’s Sports Village, delving deep into the world of freshwater fishes.

“The warmth of my reception and the way the NWU welcomed me and listened to my presentation is an extraordinary thing for me. I told Prof Nico Smit that I will come and thank the university publicly and this is that expression of gratitude,” said Prof Skelton, remarking on the significance of the book launch.

Skelton stated that the book is an epitome of his scientific career, and a gift to those who supported him throughout his life.

“I have been very privileged because I am retired, so I could devote hundred per cent of my energy and time to producing this wonderful book. What I have tried to do is build on the nature of the first and second edition and make it a better product with knowledge for young people in our country,” he said.

During his presentation, Skelton highlighted the importance of freshwater fishes, emphasising their abundance and diversity in Africa. He also shared insight into the evolutionary history of fishes, explaining their ancient lineage and adaptation to various aquatic environments.

Skelton also spoke about the threats facing freshwater fishes, including habitat loss and pollution, stressing the significance of conservation efforts to protect these often-overlooked creatures. He acknowledged his mentors, Rex and Jubb, who were instrumental in the development of his career as scientist.

Overall, the presentation provided a fascinating overview of the world of fishes, underlining their value and the need for further research and conservation.

More about the book

Published in 1993 and 2001 respectively, the first and second editions have been expanded and modernised in this new edition.

The new edition includes the most recent taxonomic modifications, freshly described species, updated distribution maps and new photographs and illustrations.

The book discusses fish anatomy, biology and ecology, the history of fish science in the region, and ecoregions in which species occur. It also sheds light on the impact of humans on fishes, the state of conservation, and the emerging knowledge on the evolutionary relationship between different fish groups.

It contains a comprehensive species account that covers size, identification features and concise descriptions of major fish taxonomic groups, along with charts of their worldwide distribution.

Prof Nico Smit, a professor in Zoology at the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management at the NWU, welcoming his science hero Prof Paul Skelton at the book launch.

 Prof Paul Skelton signing books at the book launch.

Images of pages 116 to 117 in the book provide knowledge of the evolutionary relationship between the southern African freshwater fishes.

Prof Victor Wepener, a professor in Zoology at the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management at the NWU, gave the word of thanks and handed a small token of appreciation to Prof Skelton for his work on the conservation of fish.