We might think of sponges as bathroom objects but the real living animals are far more interesting. They come in all shapes and sizes, occur in all oceans of the world, and have amazing lives. Sponges have lived in our oceans for 600 million years. Ancient forms even built reefs bigger than the Great Barrier Reef. Today, sponges help clean our oceans, are experts are chemical warfare and can rebuild themselves after being torn apart. Some even live for 2000 years. There is still much to learn about the diversity and biology of sponges in southern Australian waters, with many species still waiting for formal scientific description. This guide introduces naturalists, beachcombers, divers and others to sponge species commonly encountered in southern Australia.

A comprehensive guide to identifying all 379 species of mammals known in Australia. Provides concise and accurate details of the appearance, diagnostic features, distribution of habitat and key behavioural characteristics of all mammals known to have occurred in Australia or its waters since European settlement.

California Marine Life is an invaluable guide to common marine species and various habitats found along the California coast. It is fully illustrated with brilliant color photographs of the fantastic creatures that live in these waters.

Many people recognise the beauty and diversity of plant and animal communities in Australia's tropical seas, particularly those along the Great Barrier Reef. By contrast, relatively few know about the immense variety along the southern half of the continent. Now in soft cover, this book describes 1,450 of the most commonly seen plants and animals of the region and includes notes on their habitat and distribution; 1,500 full colour photographs and a wealth of information for academic biologists, divers, beachcombers

Tropical Marine Life of Australia is the definitive guide to tropical Australian and central Indo-Pacific marine life, covering over 2,400 species of animals and plants. Groups covered include seaweeds, corals, molluscs, crustaceans, fishes, reptiles and mammals. The characteristics of each species are outlined, including distinguishing features, distribution and rarity. This indispensable guide covers all common species likely to be encountered by divers and shoreline ramblers, and also many of the more rare species or those with an unusual appearance or lifestyle.