The more than 1,000 species descriptions in this guide include information on range and habitat such as depths, bottom types, water temperatures, and salinity. The almost 1,100 illustrations use the Peterson Identification System for quick, accurate field identification.

More than 600 species are described in detail, with more than 525 illustrations. This is the guide for quick, reliable identification of fishes that you'll encounter while fishing, snorkeling, diving, or even strolling along a Pacific Coast beach.

How to use this book -- Heavy body/large lips -- Bulbous, spiny-headed bottom dwellers -- Eels & eal-like bottom-dwellers -- Elongated bottom-dwellers -- Flatfish/bottom dwellers -- Odd-shaped bottom dwellers -- Odd-shaped & other swimmers -- Silvery swimmers -- Sharks & rays -- Common name index -- Scientific name index -- Personal record of fish sightings.

“These attractive, pocket-sized guides for fish watchers have been carefully written by Goodson and profusely illustrated in striking water colors by Phillip Weisgerber. Although designed for divers, fishers, aquarists and other nonprofessionals, these little books will undoubtedly find their way on to the shelves of many ichthyologists who will value them as quick references and for providing life-like, color renditions of many fish species found in American coastal waters.”—Copeia “Goodson’s guidebook is designed for the fishwatcher—whether skin or scuba diver, fisherman, aquarist, schoolchild or casual tourist exploring the shore—who seeks to know more about our marine life.”—Palos Verdes Peninsula News

"This richly illustrated book is more than a field guide, giving the reader insight into the fascinating biology of these animals and the conservation issues they face. Any resident or visitor to the West Coast will love this book and reach for it not only when standing on a bluff looking out to sea, but also when curled in an armchair at home." ---FRANCES GULLAND, The Marine Mammal Center --Book Jacket.

Now available in the US, this is the revised and expanded fifth edition of a book that has been the standard reference work for divers, anglers and scientists for over 30 years. The new edition covers 1,670 fish species found in the seas of tropical Southeast Asia, the Southern Pacific islands and Australia--including the Great Barrier Reef, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines. A must-have reference for divers, marine biologists, ecologists, commercial fisheries and sports anglers, this book includes a comprehensive identification guide to the families of reef fishes, with a definitive index. An informative and detailed Introduction includes area coverage; faunal composition; biology, behavior and ecology of reef fishes; classification of fishes, and much more. Originally published as Marine Fishes of South-East Asia, this edition contains numerous revisions in nomenclature affecting both the scientific Latin names and common names of the region's fishes. In all cases these have been made to reflect the current universally-accepted terminology. The common names in this book are the result of a recent initiative undertaken by the Australian Government and Seafood Services Australia. Each species is depicted in detailed, full-color illustrations by noted marine artists Roger Swainston and Jill Ruse, including over 35 new species. In many cases, the illustrations show both male and female examples. With more than 2,000 illustrations and 29 color photographs, this definitive field guide will continue to be an invaluable resource for professionals and hobbyists alike.