Corals: A Quick Reference Guide (Oceanographic Series) (Oceanographic Series)

Features

• Cover Type: Hard Cover with 240 pages
• Published by: Ricordea Publishing
• Edition: 1st Edition September 1999
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 1883693098
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-1883693091
• Book Dimensions: 9.7 x 9.1 x 0.8 inches
• Weighs: 2 pounds
• Note: Gift-wrapping is not available for this item.

Product Description
A comprehensive field guide for aquarists, divers and naturalists, with detailed full color photographs of hundreds of species, encompassing the majority of coral genera one is likely to encounter on reefs around the world, This book defines corals and distinguishes them form similar hydrozoans, zoanthids, and corallimorpharia. The corals are described and compared to similar looking species, and their range and the correct pronunciation of the Latin name is given.

In addition, for aquarists who grow corals in reef aquariums, information is provided in quick reference charts concerning each coral's requirements for light, water movement, and food, hardiness in captivity, aggressiveness toward other corals, and proper positioning in the aquarium.

About The Author
Julian Sprung began studying marinelife more than thirty years ago in his native South Florida. He is a biologist, author, photographer, and aquarium design consultant. His research of coral reef ecosystems in nature and in specially designed reef aquariums has invovled travel to many countries. Julian writes about his work for various aquarium hobby publications, and his monthly column, "Reef Notes" in Freshwater and Marine Aquarium magazine has been compiled in a book series called Reef Notes Revisited and Revised. Julian also co-wrote with J. Charles Delbeek the books, The Reef Aquarium volumes one and two, considered the "bibles" on the subject.

Reader Reviews
If you already know a bit about corals, this is a nice book to have around for quick reference. I especially like that it lists similar corals and gives some basic information on how to tell them apart. It can be deceptive, though. The information it gives on the specific corals is very general, and should not be considered a good source for research on a coral you're planning to actually buy. Don't get me wrong, though. I'm happy I have this book, but I'd suggest supplementing it with a text such as Eric Bourneman's "Aquarium Corals: Selection, Husbandry, and Natural History". This text will actually give you much more specific information on requirements to care for the corals, as well as some better techniques to identify certain corals, since many look very similar, and there's no way any book could show every possible shape and color for many species.