Reef Life: A Guide to Tropical Marine Life

Anyone fascinated by the underwater world will be riveted by the photos in this richly illustrated guide. Cole, a biologist and photographer, has captured incredible shots of underwater coral reefs, sea horses, whales and fish over the course of his 20-year career spent photographing %E2%80%98life aquatic' for magazines such as National Geographic, Scientific American and Smithsonian. Readers can lose themselves in the magnificent environment beneath the sea, observing a parrot fish sleeping in its mucus cocoon and a manta ray being cleaned by two remoras as a diver swims nearby. The text, written by Michael, who has worked as a scientific consultant for National Geographic and the Discovery Channel, is aimed at the novice, but it is a comprehensive resource on the many different aquatic species that make their homes in and around the world's reefs. Each listing gives the creature's dimensions, location and specific details about its behavior. For snorkelers or divers who enjoy identifying the underwater life they have seen, this well researched and impeccably documented book will be an invaluable resource. The final chapter focuses on conservation of marine ecosystems, detailing pollution and other problems these ecosystems face, as well as a few success stories. (March) North American Distribution: FireFly Books.