“A masterful accomplishment—Allen, Pondella and Horn have assembled a talented team of experts who produce authoritative, up-to-date accounts. This book will be used as the primary text in many fish biology courses and as a valuable reference elsewhere. Here is a wealth of data waiting to be mined by legions of graduate students as they generate the new ideas that will motivate marine ecology for years.”—Peter Sale, Editor of Coral Reef Fishes: Dynamics and Diversity in a Complex Ecosystem "A copiously illustrated and comprehensive interpretation of the past, present, and future state of over 500 species of fishes in Californian waters. A compilation of virtually all the many important studies on the ecology of California marine fishes."—Bruce B. Collette, National Marine Fisheries Service and co-author of The Diversity of Fishes

Marine Ornamental Species: Collection, Culture and Conservation is a comprehensive resource containing information on the growing and economically important marine ornamental industry. Experts address current issues from a global perspective, covering the full-range of topics from world economics and product demand to aquatic animal health to ethnic and social/cultural concerns. This up-to-date overview will contribute to the creation of an economically and environmentally viable future for this dynamic industry worldwide and for its diverse clientele by: outlining improvements in the methods for the collection and distribution of wild marine ornamental species; providing information to accelerate an increase in the variety, quantity, and availability of cultured marine ornamental species; and encouraging outreach activities in the conservation and husbandry of marine ornamental species The value of and the interest in marine ornamentals from many governments as well as conservation organizations underline the critical need for this book. It is also essential reading for scientists involved in marine biology and conservation issues, aquarists at public and private aquaria, tropical fish farmers, advanced hobbyists, fishery biologists, importers and exporters of marine ornamentals, commercial collectors, veterinarians who specialize in fish disease, and businesses that manufacture or sell aquarium media, equipment, and feed.

In this comprehensive and abundantly illustrated book, Allan A. Schoenherr describes the natural history of California—a state with a greater range of landforms, a greater variety of habitats, and more kinds of plants and animals than any area of equivalent size in all of North America. A Natural History of California focuses on each distinctive region, addressing its climate, rocks, soil, plants, and animals. The second edition of this classic work features updated species names and taxa, new details about parks reclassified by federal and state agencies, new stories about modern human and animal interaction, and a new epilogue on the impacts of climate change.

Coral Reefs of the Gulf: Adaptation to Climatic Extremes is a complete review and reference for scientists, engineers and students concerned with the geology, biology or engineering aspects of coral reefs in the Middle East. It provides for the first time a complete review of both the geology and biology of all extant coral areas in the Gulf, the water body between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula. In summer, this area is the hottest sea with abundant coral growth on earth and already today exhibits a temperature that is predicted to occur across the topical ocean in 2100. Thus, by studying the Gulf today, much can be learned about tomorrow’s world and the capability of coral reefs to adapt to climatic extremes. This volume provides the most authoritative and up-to-date review of the coral reefs in the Gulf. It can be used as a volume of general reference or as a textbook treating recent coral reefs. Written by local and international experts, the text is richly illustrated and will remain a standard reference for the region for decades to come. Contributions stretch from climatology through geology, biology, ecological modelling and fisheries science to practical conservation aspects. The book is useful for the technical expert and casual reader alike.