A PocketExpert Guide to Marine Invertebrates: 500+ Essential-to-Know Aquarium Species (Paperback)

~ Ronald L. Shimek (Author) "Many invertebrate animals are difficult to identify without either specialized training, scientific references, or specialized equipment..." (more)
Key Phrases: small particulate organic matter, fine particulate foods, captive care, Aquarium Suitability, Reef Aquarium Compatibility, Reef Compatibility (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Following in the wake of the hugely popular PocketExpert Guide to Marine Fishes is this eagerly awaited title in the Microcosm/T.F.H Professional Series. Interest in marine invertebrates is exploding as saltwater fishkeeping technology makes it ever easier to sustain these environments in home aquaria, and A PocketExpert Guide to Marine Invertebrates is the ultimate reference for these "hooked" hobbyists. The book is a compact, fact-filled guide for recognizing and keeping a host of beautiful and bizarre invertebrates- shrimps, crabs, corals, anemones, sea stars, clams, snails, sponges, ornamental worms, and many others.

About the Author

Dr. Ronald Shimek is an internationally recognized expert on seawater ecosystems, an invertebrate zoologist by profession, and a reef aquarist in his spare time. He is a well-respected author in his field and continues to serve as an environmental consultant in marine issues. Dr. Shimek lives with his family in Montana.

Product Details

• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Microcosm. (February 15, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1890087661
• ISBN-13: 978-1890087661
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 4.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Note: Gift-wrapping is not available for this item.
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #33,529 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #6 in	Books > Home & Garden > Animal Care & Pets > Fish & Aquariums
  #9 in	Books > Science > Biological Sciences > Biology > Marine Biology
  #26 in	Books > Science > Nature & Ecology > Oceans & Seas

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Biggest Bang For Your Buck Out There In Aquarium Books, June 1, 2005

By	Jacob Hantla "hantla.com" (Chandler, AZ United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

The two "500+ Essential-to-Know Aquarium Species Books" are the biggest bang-for-your-buck aquarium stocking and general information books out there. Even though both of the books, Marine Fishes (ISBN: 1890087386 by Scott W. Michael) & Marine Invertebrates (ISBN: 1890087661 by Ronald Shimek) are pocket guides, they offer so much more information than the other books that I have seen. They don't waste space telling you about fish that you will never see in an aquarium and instead give relatively in-depth information on the species that you are likely to encounter. Neither do they present the information in hard-to-decode picture format; they use sentences: A very underused communicated technique in most aquarium handbooks out there. Not only is the selection of species perfect but the provided information on care is perfect as well. The Marine Fishes version provides the following well-presented information on each fish:

* A color picture
* Scientific name (genus & species)
* Common name
* Maximum size
* Minimum suggested aquarium size
* Aquarium suitability index
* Reef aquarium compatibility
* Captive care tips and information

Likewise, in an equally well-presented manner, A PocketExpert Guide to Marine Invertebrates: 500+ Essential-to-Know Aquarium Species presents the following information on each specimen discussed:
500+ Marine Invertebrates by Robert Shimek

* A color picture
* Scientific name (genus & species)
* Common name
* Maximum size
* Naturally-occurring range
* Lighting requirements
* Foods & feeding
* Aquarium suitability/Reef aquarium compatibility
* Captive care tips and information

Don't take my word for it, just try it with a few species that you already have in your tank or that you are considering buying by using Amazon.com's "Search inside the book feature." I recommend you buy these on Amazon.com; you get free shipping (with a $25 order) and don't have to pay sales tax.

http://www.hantla.com/blog/pivot/entry.php?id=17

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Quick Reference, May 4, 2005

By	Erik Cornelissen - See all my reviews

This book is excellent for what it is - a quick reference guide. Do not expect to see the detail you would find in larger volumes focusing on specific genera or species of animals. However, to help identify see basic care and compatibility information and aid in setup and purchase decisions, this book is worth every penny.

Many authors divide volumes confusing and annoying customers as they will classify anemones, corals, mushroom corals, and invertebrates differently. This covers the lot. Don't expect to see everything in endless detail. However, you won't be upset if buying this as a first reference for selection or as a complement to an existing and extensive collection.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally!!, April 15, 2005

By	Too Cold in Madison (Madison, WI, USA) - See all my reviews

I've been waiting for this book for well over a year. So glad it's finally here! It is an excellent companion to Scott Michael's "Marine Fishes" handbook. It's a handy, easily carried reference to take to the LFS or use in planning. The key info is there. The pix are nice enough. I think that coral fans would be best off with a separate corals book. As a big fan of echinoderms, I would have preferred a broader selection of these. You cannot rely on this book to identify all but the very most common stars. I have 3 seastars and several serpent/brittle stars in my tanks that are not pictured here.

I also had to chuckle at his deadpan wit. Regarding the Blue-Ringed Octopus: "The rewards of octopus husbandry can be had without selecting one that can kill you." Regarding Fish-Eating Cone Snails: "If you are stung by one of these snails, there is a very good chance you will die."