Customer Reviews

Invertebrates: A Quick Reference Guide (Oceanographic Series)

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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.

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.

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".

This book has good clear pictures but very little written information about each picture.

This is a wonderful first reference text from Julian Sprung. Well set out and communicates the necessary information in an undestandable way. A word of advice, don't get this text in a hardcover version as the pages are poorly bound and Amazon's inability to adequate package the book results in damaged corners. Why pay more to get damaged goods and the Amazon run-around?

This book was written by one of the most respected saltwater aquarists in the field. I was also attracted to this book because it was just published in June of this year. In general the pictures are very good, as is the general information. The problem is that he dicusses many of the more common invertebrates and yet manages to leave out some of the more readily available organisms that people will often see at petstores. For example, there is no mention of sebae anemones. The book gives a ranking on how well the organism is likely to thrive in captivity as well as its hardiness. I have found some of his rankings to be in constrast to my experience, but I have been in the hobby for a much shorter period of time. The author also does a good job at supplying many of the common names for the organisms. I was expecting more of a "pocket guide" format- similar to the one by Scott Michaels on Marine Fish-so I was a little disappointed, but I did pick up some tips and can recognize some organisms that I had not seen.

Decent pictures and simply written so that my kids and I could understand it easily. Very good resource for those looking to start a reef aquarium.

After 30+ years as a salt water enthusiast, I can easily say thAt this book answers the majority of questions about the proper ways to keep inverts alive and well in a home aquarium setting.
I highly recommend this book-it will save you frustration and money! In addition, the numerous photos will aid you in identification and also your decision making for invert purchases.
BUY IT!

I can't even begin to explain how excited I was to see this book was released. Outstanding photography of living species shown as they were intented to look. Current and relevant information from a known authority. What a great resource. Keep up the great work Julian and Danny!

This Julian Sprung book is just perfect for the new and the old aquarists. It is a great reference book and may be very helpful in some 'critical' moments.