This book was authored by Albert W. Herre, a prominent American ichthyologist who served as the Chief of Fisheries Research at the Philippine Bureau of Science and traveled extensively throughout the archipelago. Published in 1939, during the Philippine Commonwealth era, the work serves as an educational tool for Filipino youth, whom the author addresses directly to inspire pride in their nation's natural environment and resources. It documents the immense biodiversity of Philippine aquatic life, which Herre notes contains more kinds of fishes than any other region in the world. The text weaves scientific information and anecdotal stories featuring a young character named Agapito to describe various species and local fishing practices. The book also highlights the importance of fish as a critical food source, second only to rice. Herre's legacy is further noted within the text, as he describes personally introducing the Gurami fish from Java to the Philippines for aquaculture.
Stories of Philippine fishes