The new publication, Freshwater and Diadromous Fishes of Puerto Rico, focuses on identifying native and non-native fish species found in freshwater environments in Puerto Rico. Augustin Engman, assistant professor in the School of Natural Resources, co-authored the new book.

The book documents more than 50 native and non-native species from 22 families and includes scientific, English, and Spanish common names for the fish. The first section of the book provides the history, habitat, management of fisheries, and culture of fish in Puerto Rico. The second section identifies fish commonly found in the country through their biology and ecology.

The catalog of fish includes all inland fish and native freshwater diadromous species. The publication also shows a distribution map for fish species, but the authors note that most species occur beyond those locations.

The authors say the book is for scientists and outdoor enthusiasts like anglers and snorkelers. They hope the publication will raise awareness of threats to freshwater and diadromous fish and their ecosystems in Puerto Rico.

The book is available as an open access publication and for purchase on the American Fisheries Society website. It was supported by the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources and the U.S. Geological Survey Cooperative Research Units Program. You can listen to a podcast about the book Engman recorded with Lauren Maza, co-author and director of member programs for the American Fisheries Society.