Reviews (22)

Practical, perfect for the layman.
I am not a marine biologist, but many of the authors of the more advanced books on reef aquariums seem to assume that of their readers.
for the pros
very excellent book. for the pros. maybe too much for casual aquarists

Assistance from the master himself
Calfo goes into minute detail with humor.As expected he hit the nail on the head with this one, again. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Aquarium    2. Aquariums    3. Coral reef biology    4. Coral reef ecology    5. Corals    6. Nature    7. Nature / Ecology    8. Pets    9. Pets / Aquarium   

Reviews (1)

Wonderful basic guide to study corals and coral reefs
This is a basic and comprehensive book about the processes that affect coral reefs. Exelent edition by Birkeland, includes some of the most restpectable scientists in the field. the book includes plentifulreferences very useful if you need to start a search in any of the topicsincluded in the book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Coral reef biology    2. Coral reef ecology    3. Earth Sciences - Geology    4. Life Sciences - Ecology    5. Marine Biology    6. Marine Life    7. Nature    8. Nature/Ecology    9. Science    10. Science/Mathematics    11. Applied ecology    12. Biology, Life Sciences    13. Nature / Marine Life    14. Science / Ecology    15. Science-Earth Sciences - Geology    16. Science-Life Sciences - Ecology   

Subjects:  1. Coastal Ecology    2. Coral reef biology    3. Coral reef ecology    4. Environmental Engineering & Technology    5. Fish    6. Marine Life    7. Nature    8. Science/Mathematics    9. Applied ecology    10. Freshwater biology, limnology    11. Marine biology    12. Meteorology    13. Oceanography (seas)    14. Science / Meteorology   

Reviews (2)

lacking color photos
I like most peterson books, however this one is just as knowledgable, but I bought the book hopeing to see color plates of corals, which it did not have.It had mostly color plates of starfish, sponges, sea buscuits, other animal life.I was disappointed in that, but as most of their books have, a nice description on how to identify it.It does seperate out the different types of corals, such as brain coral, then different subspecies (depressed, common, sharp hilled) but NO good pictures.It tells depth circumferance and valley, color, nice descriptions. It does have some black & white photos of coral, but it really does not help much.

It's a hard guide to write
I would feel confident recommending any of Peterson's field guides including "Coral Reefs."Many field guides simply discuss a single group of animals or plants.However Kaplan has succeeded in producing a pocket book explaining the most diverse habitats on earth.He writes from a broad knowledge base covering many topics important to coral reef watchers or biologists.Frequently he injects wit and humor into what might have been a dry text.He manages to hit on most groups of animals and uses many types of illustrations to allow the reader to identify and sort out the great number and types of animals that they will see on any coral reef within the area discussed.Read more

Subjects:  1. Caribbean Area    2. Coral reef animals    3. Coral reef ecology    4. Florida    5. General    6. Identification    7. Marine Life    8. Nature    9. Nature/Ecology    10. Oceans & Seas    11. Reference    12. NATURAL HISTORY, COUNTRY LIFE & PETS    13. Nature / Marine Life   

Subjects:  1. Coral reef ecology    2. Crown-of-thorns starfish    3. Earth Sciences - Oceanography    4. Fisheries & Aquaculture    5. Life Sciences - Ecology    6. Marine Ecology    7. Science    8. Science/Mathematics    9. Science / Marine Biology    10. Zoology & animal sciences   

Subjects:  1. Coral reef ecology    2. Coral reef fishes    3. Ecology    4. Fish    5. Ichthyology    6. Life Sciences - Biology - Marine Biology    7. Life Sciences - Ecology - Ecosystems    8. Life Sciences - Zoology - Ichthyology    9. Marine Biology    10. Science    11. Science/Mathematics    12. Animal ecology    13. Fishes (ichthyology)    14. Marine & Fish Biology    15. Natural History    16. Science / Marine Biology    17. Vertebrate Zoology   

Reviews (1)

Superb colour illustrations and photos with evocative text
This stunning, comprehensive guide to coral reefs and islands goes beyond your average natural history book. It takes you beyond the page and transports you to the breathtaking world of coral reefs and islands. Thetext is evocatively written and supported by stunning photographs anddetailed illustrations. Educational and informative. ~A must-have! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Coral reef conservation    2. Coral reef ecology    3. Coral reefs and islands    4. Marine Ecology    5. Marine Life    6. Natural History    7. Nature / Field Guide Books    8. Nature/Ecology    9. Conservation of the environment    10. Pollution of seas & oceans    11. Sea & seashore life   

Subjects:  1. Coral reef conservation    2. Coral reef ecology    3. Ecology    4. Environmental Conservation & Protection - General    5. Indian Ocean    6. Life Sciences - Biology - Marine Biology    7. Life Sciences - Ecology    8. Life Sciences - Zoology - General    9. Marine Biology    10. Nature    11. Nature/Ecology    12. Oceans & Seas    13. Science    14. Animal ecology    15. Ecological science, the Biosphere    16. Life Sciences | Ecology    17. Nature / Environmental Conservation & Protection    18. Red Sea   

Reviews (6)

A Great Resource for Divers
I bought this book for the maps and descriptions of reef conditions.It has helped me be prepared for my next destination as a scuba diver and I also use it to pick new places to explore. Recommended

excellent
The book arrived in prefect conditions and in less days of that estimated by the service.

Beautiful
A truly beautiful book, although I expected the pictures to be larger.There is not one full page photo in the book unfortunately.It would really enhance the book to have some of those lovely photos blown up full page. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Atlases - General    2. Coral reef ecology    3. Coral reefs and islands    4. Life Sciences - Biology - Marine Biology    5. Life Sciences - Ecology - Ecosystems    6. Maps    7. Science    8. Science/Mathematics    9. Coral reefs    10. Maps, charts & atlases    11. Nature / General   

Subjects:  1. Caribbean Area    2. Coral reef animals    3. Coral reef ecology    4. Florida    5. General    6. Identification    7. Natural History    8. Nature / Field Guide Books    9. Zoology    10. Plant life: general   

Reviews (5)

Concise information that actually works in practice.
When this "book" (it's more a pamphlet) arrived I was very disappointed. It was so short, just 32 pages, a half dozen or so of them are blank, and another sizable section is a reprint of an email sent to the author, I didn't believe it could possibly be worth the asking price. However, for a small investment of a couple of hours, I was able to read the book, and it's description of how to set up a plenum.
good stuff
Best practical discussion of living sand filtration I've seen.Perhaps one of the best books (on any subject) I've ever read in terms of containing the real "what do I do next Monday morning" specifics.

Keys to Setting up a 21st Century Aquarium
I was hooked on aquariums the minute I saw the ones in the jewelry department Barney's 7th Ave. store in Manhattan, with sapphire earrings and diamond bracelets draped underwater over branches of coral with butterfly and angel fish gliding thru.Years and one B.A. later, I bought a used saltwater tank. Who would have guessed you need a PhD in organic chemistry to understand the balance between pH and salinity and the Nitrogen Cycle. Well, if you want a tank like the one in Barneys, you do. And this is the book to begin with. Sure it looks like a tiny pamphlet, but it is practical, concentrated, wonderfully detailed - one of the very few pieces I've found written by someone who clearly knows what he's talking about. I don't have a chemistry background so when Dr. Goemans says things about "the buffering ions that keep the world's oceans in narrow pH range" I am out of my league. But I prefer that to the "Aquariums for Dummies" (do they have one of those yet?) advice that simplifies this hobby by leaving out anything technical.I've had my used aquarium for 2 years now.Fortunately it was set up by someone who wanted a state-of-the-art tank, one that grows into a stable system and needs minimal attention.And so, despite my initial ignorance, my tank was on autopilot while I learned what to do.It wasn't easy. Not a single book in my local library gives any really current information on this subject; that's a problem because scientists have learned so much in the past 10 years about marine fish and environments.I am starting my daughter's new saltwater tank this month, and we can do it right because we have this book in our home reference library: The best sand to use. How to use the first aquarium to seed the new one. Why a tank won't thrive without anaerobic and anoxic (low level oxygen) areas of the sandbed. All in plain English with some biochemistry thrown in. You may not be familiar with all the terms, but with this handy little booklet you won't make mistakes. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Aquarium    2. Coral reef biology    3. Marine aquariums   

Reviews (1)

Pictures are excellent, content is O.K.
This is a great coffee table book.The Photo quality is excellent.The content about the locations leaves a little to be desired, but with the photo quality that is a minor squabble.If you are looking for insight into these diving locations, this book may not be for you.But if you want to see some of the best photogreaphs from one the world's foremost underwater photographer, you will get what you want and then some. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Coral reef biology    2. Coral reefs and islands    3. Corals    4. Marine Life    5. Pictorial works    6. Sale Adult - Nature / Guide Books    7. Scuba diving    8. Sale Books   

Reviews (1)

Excellent overview
I needed to quickly learn more about coral reef fish ecology and behavior and this book has been a great help. It covers the basics, trophic ecology, larval and juvenile ecology, reproductive and life history patterns, community organization, and fisheries and management. I can only recommend it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Aquatic Ecology    2. Coral reef ecology    3. Coral reef fishes    4. Earth Sciences - Oceanography    5. Ecology    6. Fish    7. General    8. Life Sciences - Biology - Marine Biology    9. Marine Fauna    10. Nature    11. Nature/Ecology    12. Science    13. Applied ecology    14. Aquaculture & fishing: practice & techniques    15. Fishes (ichthyology)    16. Marine biology    17. Science / Marine Biology   

Reviews (1)

Classic guide book!
This book contains loads of beautiful and accurate photos of the various fish, coral and plant life in and around Australia's Great Barrier Reef.I was first lent this book by an experienced diver who had already been to the Great Barrier Reef.There was also a copy on the dive boat I was on when diving the reef.I found it enormously helpful in filling out my dive logs because the photos look so much like the wildlife I just encountered on my dive.I was able to use the book when I couldn't remember the names of various fish and animals I wanted to note in my log. It's very accurate; stunning photography.If you want to know what the reef looks like or want to refresh your memory this is the source! I'm also surprised about the limited availability of this book considering the huge amount of divers the reef attracts. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Australia    2. Coral reef biology    3. Coral reefs and islands    4. General    5. Geology    6. Great Barrier Reef (Qld.)    7. Great Barrier Reef (Queensland    8. Great Barrier Reef (Queensland)    9. Nature / Field Guide Books    10. Zoology   

Reviews (1)

Useful, but could be better
The plus side:This book is what it says it is.An adequate guide to identifying the water creatures you'll see in the water near Hawaii.It has very broad coverage for the size, and packs a lot of information.On the negative side, the book is very small-format, which means it is convenient to take on the boat or in a fanny pack.But it could be improved by making the page and binding more waterproof--It won't last long on a boat.And the small format means that it is unsatisfactory for casual reading at home before or after a trip--The photographs are postage stamp-sized, and the descriptive text is VERY brief. Finally, the book has dual Japanese and English texts.This shouldn't bother me, but for some reason it does.If nothing else, it vividly illustrates how many Japanese tourists there are in Hawaii! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Coral reef ecology    2. Coral reef fishes    3. Fishes    4. Hawaii    5. Identification    6. Nature/Ecology   

Reviews (5)

Disappointing book printing
The photos are terrific.I love the short descriptions under the pictures which are very informative.I was disappointed with the print of the book.The printing did not do justice to the skill of the photographer.The pictures appeared very dull and lifeless, as if it went through the photocopier a lot of times. Not worth the [money] at all.

Probably the best UW Photography book I`ve seen so far
One of the great photographers to rise out of David Doubilet`s shadow is Roger Steene. I first saw this book in the shop one day,and I thought it was fantastic. The price was very high (I buy in Swedish crowns but let`s say that`s about � 60.00!But I`d bought it and found it terrific!I`d not heard of Steene before but he seems to be quite good. His photography is a little bit similar to David Doubilet`s. Although he does not have the magic light of Doubilet,this is a huge book of 4 pounds and 340 photographs!So there is much to chose from.Often,photo books underwater is very beautifull,but after reading them,I think they are too short. You cannot have enough of these kinda photos. You always want more. This one isn`t that short. It is so long that I can have full enjoyment of it. The photographs are taken from all over the world,but mostly from Indonesia. May be because the author lives in Australia,or may be because that is the most beautifull sea in the world. Over 20 animals have not even been named yet!So it is a treasure both for the naturalists,underwater photographers and may also for the scientists because of the species number covered. It is one of my favourite books and will highly recommend it. Here are some of the highlights : Red Coral crabs,small gobies,surgeonfishes,and not least the bristle worms.

Spectacular photos,Must-have book
This is a must-have coffee table book for any sea life or aquarium enthusiast. It is packed with spectacular full-color photos of the many beautiful, unusual & fascinating creatures of the reef.Read more

Subjects:  1. Coral reef biology    2. Marine Biology    3. Marine Life    4. Nature    5. Nature / Field Guide Books    6. Nature/Ecology    7. Oceans & Seas    8. Pictorial works    9. Subjects & Themes - Plants & Animals   

Reviews (2)

Great Guide to Fish behavior
This is a great condensed version of reef fish behavior. It isexceptionally well organized and easy to understand. I find it useful inguiding at the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, in Sarasota, FL. I amalso a diver and appreciate knowing about the creatures I see on the reef.It makes the dives much more interesting and meaningful.

a brief but well-written introduction to the subject
This book will provide a basic scientific framework for tropical divers who want to be more than just diving tourists.It covers the different reef zones and the interaction between them, provides an overview of thedifferent animal families, explains the food chain and the interactionbetween plant and animal life, and describes the differences in feedingbehavior between grazers, bottom feeders, nighttime hunters, and daytimehunters.All in a compact, clear format that can be easily polished off ina 4 hour plane ride.My only criticism is that this book, like most of thePisces guides, is no more substantial than an issue of a good magazine. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Caribbean Sea    2. Coral reef animals    3. Coral reef ecology    4. Fish    5. Fishes    6. Life Sciences - Ecology - Ecosystems    7. Nature    8. Nature/Ecology    9. Animal ecology    10. Sea & seashore life   

Subjects:  1. Congresses    2. Coral reef ecology    3. Corals    4. Diseases    5. Environmental Science    6. Life Sciences - Biology - General    7. Life Sciences - Ecology    8. Marine Life    9. Science    10. Science/Mathematics    11. Animal pathology & diseases    12. Coral reefs    13. Great Barrier Reef    14. Marine biology    15. Nature / Marine Life    16. coral bleaching    17. coral diseases    18. global warming   

Subjects:  1. Conservation of natural resour    2. Coral reef conservation    3. Coral reef ecology    4. Lakes & Ponds    5. Marine Ecology    6. Marine Life    7. Nature / Field Guide Books    8. Nature/Ecology   

Reviews (2)

Worthwhile Buy!!
This book is a completely worthwhile buy! It gives ofcourse statistical information, mainly in a map form about the threats and about the risk which the world's reefs face. It doesn't catalog the amount or rate of degradation, since this is not fully known. However the book gives information on the types of reefs, real case studies of reefs and of problems faced by reefs. Worthwhile Buy!!
This book is a completely worthwhile buy! It gives ofcourse statistical information, mainly in a map form about the threats and about the risk which the world's reefs face. It doesn't catalog the amount or rate of degradation, since this is not fully known. However the book gives information on the types of reefs, real case studies of reefs and of problems faced by reefs.Read more

Subjects:  1. Coral reef ecology    2. Coral reefs and islands    3. Endangered ecosystems    4. Environmental Conservation & Protection - General    5. Life Sciences - Ecology    6. Maps    7. Nature    8. Nature/Ecology    9. Science    10. Conservation of the environment    11. Coral reefs    12. Ecological science, the Biosphere    13. Pollution & threats to the environment