Reef Fish Identification Tropical Pacific 2nd Edition

Comprehensive fish identification guide covering the fish-rich reefs of the Pacific. The generous 500-page text, displaying 2,500 underwater photographs of 2,000 species, required the combined talents of Gerald Allen, Roger Steene, Paul Humann and Ned DeLoach four of the best marine life authors/photographers in the business. Their collaborative effort makes it possible for underwater naturalists to identify the myriad fishes that inhabit the warm tropical seas between Thailand and Tahiti with a single, compact, easy-to-use, no-nonsense reference.

To help simplify the identification process, each of the 108 fish families is presented within one of 20 Identification Groups based on a family's related visual or behavioral characteristics, such as Large Oval/Colorful or Sand and Burrow Dwellers. Likewise, every effort has been made to group similar-appearing species, for example 18 yellowish or yellow tinted butterfly fishes occupy three adjoining pages. The concise text accompanying each species portrait includes the fish's common, scientific and family names, size, description, visually distinctive features, preferred habitat, typical behavior, depth range, and geographical distribution. When applicable, a superimposed arrow points to the species' diagnostic feature often the crucial feature for distinguishing between similar-appearing species.

In a true sense, this is a well-crafted tool for sorting among the beautiful, colorful and exotic kaleidoscope of fishes that you swim with on every Pacific dive. Whether heading for the Pacific, celebrating the diversity of nature or simply trying to identify Nemo, this is a book to enjoy for a lifetime. An updated and enlarged 2nd edition of Reef Fish Identification Tropical Pacific (first released in 2003). The book features more than 200 additional species, hundreds of improved photos, scientific name changes and range extensions. 6 x 9" (15.25 x 22.9cm) format soft cover book. Must have for vacationing divers visiting the tropical Pacific. Book makes a great gift idea for your dive buddy or diving significant other.