Customer Reviews

Pisces Guide to Caribbean Reef Ecology

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book will provide a basic scientific framework for tropical divers who want to be more than just diving tourists. It covers the different reef zones and the interaction between them, provides an overview of the different animal families, explains the food chain and the interaction between plant and animal life, and describes the differences in feeding behavior between grazers, bottom feeders, nighttime hunters, and daytime hunters. All in a compact, clear format that can be easily polished off in a 4 hour plane ride. My only criticism is that this book, like most of the Pisces guides, is no more substantial than an issue of a good magazine.

This is a great condensed version of reef fish behavior. It is exceptionally well organized and easy to understand. I find it useful in guiding at the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, in Sarasota, FL. I am also a diver and appreciate knowing about the creatures I see on the reef. It makes the dives much more interesting and meaningful.

This book is an introduction to, not a comprehensive study of tropical reef ecosystems. It is perfect for someone who wants to converse intelligently about coral reef ecosystems after only a few hours of reading. It is well written and entertaining. I recommend it highly.

This is a great book as an introduction for reef ecology. However, if you are planning a trip and want a resource book to identify different kinds of fish and fauna, there are others that are more helpful. If you are experienced or knowledgeable about oceans, this is NOT the book for you. This book for me was not what I expected. Since this book was out of print, I did not have a choice to peruse it before purchase.