On
September 9, 2004, I was afforded the unique opportunity to spend time with
David M. Schleser, author and professional photographer. Dave, as he likes be
called, wrote a book on piranhas called; Piranhas A complete Owners Manual. This
book is published by Barron's Educational Series, Inc., Hauppauge, NY and since
1997 in its first printing has done quite well.The book is the only published hobbyist book on piranhas I presently endorse as good reading and factual.
Dave and I have known each other (but never met in person), through National Geographic Explorer and Richard Conniff who told Dave about me. We have talked to each on the phone and sent many personal emails to each other. It was certainly electric and when we finally met and it was like finding an old friend. Salem, Oregon will have a greater meaning to me since meeting this gentleman. I found Dave to be not only kind and generous, but also hilarious and quick witted. Never a dull moment with him. It was truly an awe inspiring moment.
Dave, during our meeting, discussed many topics on fish and of particular interest to Piranha-Fury members was species of piranhas. Foremost was the topic Serrasalmus sanchezi and a fish presently classified as a member of the spilopleura complex from Peru. (New information: S. sanchezi is actually a member of the rhombeus complex and should not have been placed with spilopleura - Magallanes in conversation with Michel Jégu, Sept 9, 2004).
