Invertebrates: A Quick Reference Guide (Oceanographic Series) [Hardcover]

Julian Sprung (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1883693004 | ISBN-13: 978-1883693008 | Publication Date: June 2001

A comprehensive field guide for aquarists, divers and naturalists, with detailed full color photographs of hundreds of species, encompassing many of the invertebrates one is likely to encounter on and near reefs around the world. This book defines the invertebrate groups and gives brief information about their structure and natural history. Hundreds of species of invertebrates are described.

In addition the author gives information about similar-looking species, range, habitat, food requirements, special considerations, toxicity, hardiness and compatibility issues, and discusses their suitability for reef aquariums and captivity in general.

This book is the essential guide for all aquarists who want to make the right choices when stocking an aquarium with invertebrates or purchasing invertebrates for a reef aquarium.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Julian Sprung began studying marinelife more than 30 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.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Two Little Fishies Inc (June 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1883693004
• ISBN-13: 978-1883693008
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #406,960 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #36 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Biological Sciences > Zoology > Invertebrates

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Recommendable for any reefkeeper, December 10, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Invertebrates: A Quick Reference Guide (Oceanographic Series) (Hardcover)

Many invertebrate recognition books are made for divers and therefore have a different approach than a book for aquarists should have. This one has been made by an aquarist and it was made for aquarists. That's why it helps to find out very quickly whether a certain invert is helpful or dangerous in your tank, and whether it makes sense to buy that critter or not. Very recommendable for any reefkeeper.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars No false advertisement here, May 12, 2005

By 

Erik Cornelissen - See all my reviews

This review is from: Invertebrates: A Quick Reference Guide (Oceanographic Series) (Hardcover)

This book is something you can browse to plan aquarium inhabitants, and take with you to the store to get some quick facts on species you come by. It has plenty of great pictures to help ID animals. Of course, some animals such as snails or hermits are so similar and have so many variations that you may have a hard time, but you should still get some important general info. More pictures of variations would be a welcome addition in a future volume, but don't let me give you the idea there aren't already loads of great ones.

This is a good companion to his "Corals - A quick reference guide", as it covers the other half of the spectrum including some anemones, mushroom corals, and zoanthids readers may have expected to find in the other volume...

As the name states, this is "a quick reference guide", so don't expect in depth comprehensiveness / knowledge on any one area or organism. As long as you realize that, you won't be upset. I very frequently consult this book.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars sizes missing, January 8, 2006

By 

Nick (New Haven, CT) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Invertebrates: A Quick Reference Guide (Oceanographic Series) (Hardcover)

Does not contain more than photos and a small text box per creature. There is no mention of sizes, something of great importance when stocking an aquarium. For me, it is too quick of a reference quide. The information (and much beyond that) contained here can be found in Nilsen's "Reef Secrets".