Reviews (14)

not a beginner book
This book goes indepth about the anatomy and physiology of mushrooms, soft corals and anemones. Not a great reference guide for choosing specimens for your It tends to generalize by family and/or genus vs species. If you are new to saltwater and are looking for a reference to choose items for your tank this would not be my first choice.

THE reference for that field
Just like the vol. 1, that is a must-have book. Please note that the vol. 3 should be released late Nov. 2005.
One of the best of the best vol.2
This volume of the series covers the soft corals and sea anemones; very important topics indeed for reef aquarium. The two books together are still not complete as� there are many organisms found in a reef aquaria still not covered. In this series. A fine glossary accompanies this book. Much of what I had to gleen by trial and error and by reading arcane publications over the years is covered in this book. Approachable to the beginner yet� a lot of substance for the expert.
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Subjects:  1. Animals / Pets    2. Aquariums    3. Captive marine aquariums    4. Coral reef animals    5. Fish & Aquariums    6. Identification    7. Marine Fauna    8. Marine Life    9. Marine invertebrates    10. Nature    11. Nature/Ecology    12. Pets    13. Tropics    14. Fish    15. Tropical Fish   

Reviews (28)

Lots of pictures... but what is this fish?
I bought this book to help me identify fish. Have it worked so far? No.
Impressive Picture book; useless otherwise
This book has changed a lot since the first edition. Mostly, it has removed information and added pictures. LOTS of pictures. It is more of a coffee-table book than any kind of aquarium guide. But even the pictures are of uneven quality. I was shocked that the only picture included for a couple of fairly common fish were of dead, poorly-preserved specimens. Yikes!
An Atlas and Little Else
"ATLAS" is defined: A volume of tables, charts, or plates that systematically illustrates a particular subject: an anatomical atlas. That's what this book is and nothing else. It has both a scientific name index and a somewhat handy Popular Names index and usually several plates (pictures) of each species. This book can be used for two purposes. If you have the name of the fish, you can find pictures of the species from the indexes. One can also puruse the many pages of pictures and find something that interests them and then go to another book for detailed information. That's about it.
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Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Aquarium fishes    3. Ecology    4. Fish & Aquariums    5. Identification    6. Pets    7. Pictorial works    8. Fishes & aquaria    9. Reference works   

Reviews (17)

Handy and Complete
Definitely a very good reference guide for any freshwater enthusiast. The mini-atlas has every freshwater species beautifully diplayed in color photo. Under each color photo is a group of symbols. These symbols are defined in the book itself. The symbols convey what water conditions are appropriate, size of tank, food, swimming level, breeding type and level of aggression. The mini-atlas also has separate chapters on breeding, fish diseases, aquarium plants and tank set-up.
A disappointment.
From the reviews, I expected alot from this book. I know that it is old, but I was really disappointed. The information is not consistent and incomplete. Here are my issues:
Occasionally difficult, but a great reference
Need to know if a certain breed of unusual fish is compatible with, say, your angelfish?Dr. Axelrod knows.This atlas is amazing in it's depth for a "mini-atlas," with page after page of freshwater fish.And then he gets into the real meat of fishkeeping after that!Although it can occasionally be difficult to use (the fish are listed by their scientific name in general, not their common name, which can make looking up a certain fish difficult), all in all this is an incredible book, and one every fishkeeper should have on their bookshelf. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Aquarium fishes    2. Aquariums    3. Fish & Aquariums    4. Fishes    5. Identification    6. Nature/Ecology    7. Pets    8. Pictorial works    9. Fishes & aquaria   

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Fish    3. Fishes    4. General    5. Ichthyology    6. Identification    7. Ohio    8. Poetry   

Reviews (4)

Serviceable and Entertaining
My goal in purchasing this book, which pulls together information about birds, shells, dune plants, and fish was to be able to pack one slim volume instead of the bag of field guides I usually took to the Outer Banks. After two trips to North Carolina in the last year, I have found that I still need to carry a couple of other references because this is not comprehensive in any one of its categories--and how could it be at 148 pages? However, Meyer's guide does manage to cover many of the specimens commonly found along the Carolina coast.Furthermore, it is written in a graceful voice that keeps you reading long after you've put a name to the beastie you found on the beach. It is not childish or simple at all, but it can be used by the entire family. It stirs wonder.

Interesting guide...
Being a transplant from Michigan, I had little knowledge of coastal animals and plants. I purchased this book to satisfy my curiosity. I'm not knowledgeable enough as the other reviewer who found the inaccuracies in the book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book. The information is presented in a very interesting way and all the photographs are in color. I can't wait to spend more time on the coast and see some of the creatures myself.I'll definitely have this guide on hand. I also enjoyed the respect the author has for nature.

Some SERIOUS problems in the plates, otherwise ok
Overall an ok book for a beginner. If you come into this as a naturalist you will likely be disapointed. There are some otherserious problems that I was able to spot straight out.Read more

Subjects:  1. Coastal animals    2. Coastal ecology    3. General    4. Identification    5. Life Sciences - Zoology - General    6. Nature / Animals    7. Nature / Field Guide Books    8. Nature/Ecology    9. North Carolina    10. South Carolina    11. Travel / United States / South / South Atlantic (DC, DE, FL, GA, MD, NC, SC, VA, WV)    12. Animals    13. Guidebooks    14. Science    15. Travel    16. Wildlife watching   

Reviews (8)

A waste of money
This book may be of interest to an icthyolgist, but it's not much use to a fisherman. The color illustrations are very poor. They all have a washed out yellowish tint, and thus the illustrated fish tend to look all alike. The non color illustrations are better, but the book relies mostly on descriptions.

An indispensible guide to fish
I perform wildlife surveys for corporations all over the east coast. Half the weight of my equipment is Peterson Field Guides, which give me quick and easy identification of flora and fauna found and often eliminates the need for dicotomous keys and microscope work. This particular guide has helped me puzzle out a lot of small fish I come across. Well written, excellant illustrations, an important part of my library.

Far from great
This book has some of the worst fish illustrations i have ever seen. Text is far too brief. This volume tries to cover too much and does not cover anything well.... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Canada    2. Fish    3. Fishes    4. Freshwater fishes    5. Identification    6. Nature    7. Nature/Ecology    8. United States    9. Aquatic creatures    10. Fishes (ichthyology)    11. Freshwater biology, limnology    12. Freshwater life    13. Nature / Fish   

Reviews (3)

Good reference book
This is a pretty good book for identifying the different species of fish, and giving a very brief overview of each species mentioned. however, with 1100 species packed into one book, the descriptions are brief, and the advertised information like temperature and salinity are not listed for all of the species - in fact I would say water temperature and depth are not listed for most.
A must of a field guide
If there is one book that will link people interested in fishes along the Atlantic coast of the US or the Gulf of Mexico... this is it. If you SCUBA dive, fish, keep saltwater aquariums or are an amature or professional naturalist or marine biologist you should have this book. The Best Field Guide for Atlantic Coast Fish
This book is a perfect resource for fishermen, scientists, environmentalists and anyone who would like to learn more about fish and how to identify them.The book has beautiful color and black & whiteillustrations of thousands of fish.The illustrations can be used toquickly identify fish species "in the field".In addition tofield identification keys, the book also details the geographical range,habitat, standard sizes, and a variety of other information regarding everyspecies of fish that can be found from the Florida to Maine, deep seas tocoastal estuaries.This book is an excellent resource and provides veryinteresting information regarding both common and rare species of fish. Highly recommended reading! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Atlantic coast (North America)    2. Fish    3. Fishes    4. Identification    5. Nature    6. Nature/Ecology    7. Nature / Fish    8. Sea & seashore life   

Reviews (10)

Why you might want to buy this book
I bought this book when I was about to go to Hawaii for the first time in my life, to snorkel for the first time in my life.The book made a huge addition to my experience.The pictures are more accurate for fish identification than the cards they give you when you rent snorkel equipment, and of course much more complete.I became personally acquainted with almost 3 dozen different species of fishes; I wouldn't have been able to identify most of them without the book.There is also some interesting background information.If you want to do some serious snokeling in Hawaii and don't already know your fishes, I think you should have this book.

Fun to Read
This book is fun to read due to the nice pictures, user-friendly discussion of each class of fishes, and enjoyable layout. It's coverarge of species is not as thorough as John C. Randall's "Shore Fishes of Hawaii," however. For instance, Randall's book, which is also more compact, covers three times as many lizardfishes. But, nonehteless, "Hawaii's Fishes" is a good referance and a pleasure to browse.

The Definitive Guide to Hawaiian Reef Fish!
Having searched through numerous books on the reef fish of Hawaii, I'd have to say that this book is by far the best currently available.The photographs are clear, the identifications are correct, and even the Hawaiian names for the fish are correct (and correctly spelled, too)!The book is thorough; many books of similar size do not have the inventory of fish that this guide covers.A "must have" book for the Hawaiian snorkeler and scuba diver. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fish    2. Fishes    3. Hawaii    4. Identification    5. Nature    6. Pictorial works    7. NATURAL HISTORY, COUNTRY LIFE & PETS   

Subjects:  1. Algae    2. Fish    3. Identification    4. Life Sciences - Biology - General    5. Life Sciences - Biology - Marine Biology    6. Life Sciences - Botany    7. Marine Flora    8. Marine phytoplankton    9. Reference    10. Science    11. Environmental science    12. Marine biology    13. Oceanography (seas)    14. Phycology, algae & lichens    15. Reference works    16. Science / Environmental Science   

Subjects:  1. Fish    2. Fishes    3. Ichthyology    4. Identification    5. Nature    6. Nature/Ecology    7. North America    8. Nature / Fish   

Reviews (3)

Complete and Intriguing
Growing up around brothers and cousins who fish and swimming in the mighty Atlantic, sharks have been a whisper in my life that may get lost in being at the shore. I have been in the water with sharks, caught sharks, discovered dead sharks washed up on the shore, and played the role of amateur ichthyologist (sp?) when a shark was brought in over four feet long.
AT LAST, AT LAST, AT LAST!!!
It's finally here -- THE DEFINITIVE and COMPLETELY (yes, very literally) EXHAUSTIVE shark guide. I've just picked up my copy and it still feels like a dream. As a serious shark enthusiast, this is the book that I have always dreamed about but has never existed, until now. If you're a shark enthusiast, it would be a tragedy not to acquire this book. Here's why:
A must for shark workers and enthusiasts
If you don't know anything about Leonard Compagno, you should know that he is a very thorough archivist.It was he who cataloged all of the known shark species for the FAO Species Catalog, presumably the basis for this book.The book begins with a small introductory section on sharks (evolution, anatomy, physiology, ecology, etc.) and a key to the families.This is followed by wonderfully drawn color plates of each shark.The individual descriptions of the sharks include a line drawing with notable characters, examples of upper and lower teeth (more if heterodontic), distributions and a short blurb that includes habitat, size, behavior and biology, descriptions and IUCN status.Included are relatively new species and all of the deep-water forms.I cannot imagine needing another guide, at least for the next ten years.New species aren't exactly rolling in.I would recommend, however, a hardback copy for field workers, as paperbacks don't last very long with heavy usage.Also, keep in mind that other elasmobranchs are not included.I have not seen Compagno's much cheaper Collins Guide (only available in hardback), but I do know that this Princeton Guide is worth the money. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fish    2. Identification    3. Life Sciences - Zoology - Ichthyology    4. Marine Life    5. Nature    6. Nature/Ecology    7. Sharks    8. Biological Sciences    9. Birds and Natural History    10. Fishes (ichthyology)    11. Geography    12. Nature / Fish   

Editorial Review

Covering tropical marine fishes of the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, Florida, the Bahamas, and Bermuda, this field guide by C. Lavett Smith (curator emeritus, Department of Ichthyology, American Museum of Natural History in New York) sets the tropical-fish standard. There are 417 truly magnificent color photographs evincing the glories of the coral reefs and full-text descriptions for more than 400 species, each with its own range map. In addition, the guide includes maps of the regions, more than 100 fish anatomy illustrations, and close to 800 more brief species descriptions. Easy to use and understand, lightweight, and sturdily constructed for travel, the field guide is a great boon for one's snorkeling or scuba-diving vacations. Read more

Reviews (8)

disappointing
Although there are many fishes accounted for, it has quite a few that are missing, and it would be helpful if more showed pictures of the difference between adult and juveniles.

OK, But Paul Humann's Book is Much Better
A few years ago, I bought the Audubon Society Field Guide to Tropical Marine Fishes and found when I tried to use it in the Florida Keys that there were many fish I couldn't identify. People recommended I buy Paul Humann's book, "Reef Fish Identification."The book is more expensive, but I found it to be far more comprehensive and user friendly. For example, many fish look entirely different when in their "juvenile," "initial" or "terminal" phase, and the "Reef Fish Identification" book has clear photos of each of the three stages shown beside each other, and frequently includes photos of alternate color phases as well.The Audubon book usually just shows a picture of the fish in just one phase, and often not a terribly good photo at that. Next to each photo in the Humann book is an excellent line drawing of the fish, highlighting and labeling which features of a fish are most dependable for identification. The Audubon book includes no such diagrams to aid identification. Finally, the Humann book is based upon both an extensive bibliography and collaboration with field biologists, and if the detailed descriptions in his book of definitive features for discriminating species of fish are correct (and experienced scuba divers tell me they are correct) then some of the pictures in the Audubon guide are actually even misidentified as to species. For example, the Audubon picture labeled as a "Leopard Goby" is almost certainly a picture of an "Orange-sided Goby" (if the Humann book is correct about dark lines outlining the orange rectangles being areliable discriminating feature). If there were no other reef fish identification book available, I would have given the Audubon book more stars, I am usually a great fan of the Audubon Field Guide series, but in comparison with the Humann book it just doesn't rate very well. I should add that I have never met, nor have any private or professional association with, the author of either of these books, so my opinion is not biased by any such affiliation.
Necessary installment.
The Audubon Guide to Tropical Marine Fishes is used for identifying brightly colored fish that are most likely to found in the open ocean or on reefs. This guide is different from its predecessor, "Audubon Guide to Fishes" in many ways. First off, the range is quite different, containing a wider variety of fish. This book also takes up where "Fishes" left off. There were so many species to cover that there needed to be more explanation in a second book, "Tropical Marine Fishes". Read more

Subjects:  1. Atlantic Ocean    2. Fish    3. Fishes    4. Ichthyology    5. Identification    6. Marine fishes    7. Nature    8. Nature / Field Guide Books    9. Reference - General    10. Travel    11. Tropics    12. Fishes (ichthyology)    13. Nature / Fish    14. Reference works    15. TRAVEL & HOLIDAY   

Reviews (2)

Basslets, Dottybacks and Hawkfishes: Plus Seven More Aqarium Fish Families
Another great book on Reef Fishes by Scott Michael.He covers common as wellas rarely seen fishes and tells all that is know about these guys including foods, reproduction, habitat and aquarium care.This is a must have for Marine Aquarists!!Great Book!!

Great Book for the Aquarist or Diver!
Scott Michael continues his Reef Fishes series with this excellent book.The gorgeous photographs allow easy identification, often including multiple photos for color variations due to location, sex, etc.It also includes information on maximum length, distribution, and biology useful to both divers and aquarists, as well as captive care and aquarium suitability ratings.This volume along with the others in the series are a must have for any serious marine aquarist, as well as any diver interested in ID'ing and learning about coral reef fishes.Highly recommended!Read more

Subjects:  1. Fish & Aquariums    2. General    3. Nature    4. Nature / Field Guide Books    5. Pets    6. Sea & seashore life   

Subjects:  1. Birds & Birdwatching - General    2. Life Sciences - Biology - Marine Biology    3. Nature / Field Guide Books    4. Nature / Fish    5. Science    6. Science / Marine Biology    7. Science/Mathematics    8. Anatomy    9. Fishes    10. Identification    11. Laboratory manuals    12. Marine Biology   

Reviews (3)

Perfectly titled; incorrectly sub-titled.
The title of this book is accurate; it's subtitle is not.Literally 80% of the pages in this book are near-clinical descriptions of shark attack cases around the world, separated into chapters by geography.While it's mentioned in various spots before then, the last 15 pages finally truly discuss "their causes and avoidance."
shark
if you would like to knowwhy shark bites people this book will make you understanding shark in away you know shark are intersseting aimmals Great Information.....
This is truly a good book for anyone interested about sharks and why they attack. The book gives an almost comprehensive view of attacks from around the world. It even gives a synopsis on the sharks that seem to attack people the most. I would recomend this for anyone who is just curious about sharks, or anyone who is interested in attacks by sharks specifically. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fish    2. Marine Life    3. Nature    4. Nature / Field Guide Books    5. Nature/Ecology    6. Safety    7. Shark attacks    8. Nature / Mammals   

Reviews (5)

It's not just an endtable book...
This book can serve as a great endtable book with itslarge-page (12.5" x 9") format and accurate paintings of avariety of sharks by R. Ellis, but this book is more than that. Most Detailed Shark Book Ever Written
Mr Ellis has written the most informative, detailed book on every species of shark there is. Anything you want to know about sharks is in this book.I have read many shark books and myself and my husband are shark lovers andwe believe this book is superb.Definitely recommendable.

The book of Sharks
When i was a kid growing up, sharks were (and still are) the greatest thing on earth. This book was the first book i ever read about sharks, although back then all i did was look at the pictures. I own the bookstill, and now that i am older, i know that is is one of the most thorough,and thought prevoking books dealing with this subject. It is a worthy entryin any shark lovers collection ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fish    2. Marine Life    3. Nature    4. Nature / Field Guide Books    5. Nature/Ecology    6. Sharks    7. Nature / Marine Life    8. Sea & seashore life   

Subjects:  1. Congresses    2. Eggs    3. Fish    4. Fish Culture (General)    5. Fishes    6. Ichthyology    7. Lakes & Ponds    8. Larvae    9. Life Sciences - Biology - General    10. Nature    11. Nature / Field Guide Books    12. Nature/Ecology    13. Recruitment (Population biolog    14. Recruitment (Population biology)    15. Nature / Fish    16. Nature / Lakes & Ponds    17. Nature-Lakes & Ponds    18. Science-Life Sciences - Biology - General   

Reviews (10)

Serene, exotic and overwhelmingly beautiful!
Keeping a marine aquarium can be an intensely rewarding experience, especially if you have the right tools. This book, The Captive Marine Aquarium, is one of them!

Great accomplishment
The author might have set a new standard for anyone who is interested in writing or publishing a book about captive marine aquarium.The readers should at least have an opportunity to see how successful the author's own aquarium is.
Two thumbs up!
Finally a marine aquarium book that is full of beautiful photographs all taken from the author's captive systems instead of diving trip.
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Subjects:  1. Curiosities & Wonders    2. Fish    3. General    4. Nature    5. Nature / Field Guide Books    6. Photo Techniques    7. Photography    8. Subjects & Themes - General   

Reviews (6)

Probably the best book available on this topic.
If you are hesitating due to the price of this book don't. Check out the contents page on the 'look inside' facility above.It is well worth the expense. Excellent photos,( I wonder how many hours underwater they spent observing the behaviour captured in these pics?) highly informative text, an absolute mine of interesting facts and observations about a complex subject. Though specific to the Caribbean and Bahamas it can also be used by divers in the Pacific and Indian oceans.Obviously it does not cover all species and unfortunately misses out on some of my personal favourites Morays, Lionfish, Boxfishes, Porcupinefishes and Puffers but at 360 pages it still covers a lot of ground. Enjoy!
Fascinating Reading, Unbelievable Photos
I have owned and loved the three Humann field guides for years - the reef "Fish", "Creature", and "Coral" identification guides respectively, but this book is the best of all, in my opinion. The information which scientists have discovered regarding the inter-relationships of these organisms often yields "fish stories" which rival the inventions of the most imagninative writers of fantasy.In the tropical underwater world, "truth" really is "stranger than fiction," making fascinating and fun reading.And, of course, Humann's splendid photographs on nearly every page greatly enhance the narratives.

Scuba Instructor reviews
My Name is Steve Fox, I am a scuba instructor in Utila, Bay Islands,Honduras I would like to say that in my dive shop and resort we use the whole Paul Humann set of books, they are fantastic, after every dive we sit with customers and go though all the fish,creatures and coral we have seen, they are the divers bible.Read more

Subjects:  1. Fish    2. Nature    3. Nature / Field Guide Books    4. Nature/Ecology    5. Behavior    6. Behavioral sciences    7. Caribbean Area    8. Coral Reefs and Islands    9. Marine Biology    10. Marine Ecology    11. Marine Life    12. Oceans & Seas    13. Science   

Reviews (1)

Tour de force of the fisheries of Alabama
This superb piece of scientific collection reporting is as through as it is attractive. It has the handsome feel of a coffee table book must for any angler, but is pure field biology, down to the nuanced tales of specimencollection and recording. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alabama    2. Animals / Pets    3. Fish    4. Freshwater Fish Anatomy And Physiology    5. Freshwater fishes    6. General    7. Identification    8. Mobile River Watershed    9. Nature    10. Science/Mathematics