The Encyclopedia of Aquatic Life

This illustrated catalogue of water animals from dolphins and whales through marine and freshwater fish to corals and other primitive life includes descriptions of physical characteristics, life cycles and reproductive behavior, and survival status

This covers the aquatic animal kingdom in three sections: fishes, aquatic invertebrates, and marine mammals, giving information such as classification, body structure, and habits. Extended essays treat such topics as "What is a fish?" Although the ground has been covered before, the excellent presentation makes this book special. In addition to the text, there are interesting sidebars on aggression in anemones, how tuna keep warm, and learning and memory in flatworms. The photographs are clear, have informative captions, and frequently not only show the animal but illustrate behavior. The drawn and painted illustrations depict body features in a way often impossible in photographs. There is a good glossary and the index (in microscopic print) is detailed. One of the best encyclopedias on this topic. Susan Klimley, Columbia Univ. Lib., New York
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.