Product Description
This digital document is a journal article from Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, published by Elsevier in 2004. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Media Library immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Description:
Despite the potential importance of predation as a process structuring coral reef fish communities, few studies have examined how the diet of piscivorous fish responds to fluctuations in the abundance of their prey. This study focused on two species of rock-cod, Cephalopholis cyanostigma (Valenciennes, 1828) and Cephalopholis boenak (Bloch, 1790) (Serranidae), and monitored their diet in two different habitats (patch and contiguous reef) at Lizard Island on the northern Great Barrier Reef, Australia, over a 2-year period. The abundance of the rock-cods and the abundance and family composition of their prey were monitored at the same time. Dietary information was largely collected from regurgitated samples, which represented approximately 60% of the prey consumed and were unbiased in composition. A laboratory experiment showed that fish were digested approximately four times faster than crustaceans, leading to gross overestimation of the importance of crustaceans in the diet. When this was taken into account fish were found to make up over 90% of the diet of both species. Prey fish of the family Apogonidae, followed by Pomacentridae and Clupeidae, dominated the diet of both species of rock-cod. The interacting effect of fluctuations in prey abundance and patterns of prey selection caused dietary composition to vary both temporally and spatially. Mid-water schooling prey belonging to the families Clupeidae and to a lesser extent Caesionidae were selected for over other families. In the absence of these types of prey, apogonids were selected for over the more reef-associated pomacentrids. A laboratory experiment supported the hypothesis that such patterns were mainly due to prey behaviour. Feeding rates of both species of rock-cod were much higher in summer than in winter, and in summer they concentrated on small recruit sized fish. However, there was little variation in feeding rates between habitats, despite apparent differences in prey abundance. In summary, our observations of how the feeding ecology of predatory fish responded to variation in prey abundance provide potential mechanisms for how predation may affect the community structure of coral reef fishes. ... Read more

Product Description
"Coral Reefs" is a must-have for nature enthusiasts, environmentalists and ocean lovers.This book is an excellent general introduction to coral reefs and is full of fascinating facts and fabulous four-color photographs. It presents scientific insights and information in a way that is not only readable but highly enjoyable to a popular audience.

This book explores the major regions where coral reefs live, which include the Bahamas Bank in the greater Caribbean region, the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Great Barrier Reef, the largest reef structure in the world. Readers will become familiar with the interlocking web of life that the reefs support, as well as how the reefs form and grow.

About one third of the world's reefs have been killed or nearly so by abuse and overuse, and many reefs still classified as living are poor shadows of their former, vibrant selves. In"Coral Reefs", Dr. Sheppard discusses the many causes of this collapse and informs readers of the continuing threats that these living treasures face. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Brilliant Photography Illustrates Reef Ecology
A cousin of mine travels around the world to dive on the most beautiful reefs.Encouraged by that, but not being a diver, I've made it a point to snorkel and take glass-bottomed boats to look at reefs whenever they are present.All along, I've wondered why he found the skin diving to be so wonderful.Now, I know.Coral Reefs exposes a world of vivid and bizarre colors and shapes that I had never imagined could exist.

Having also listened to more talks about coral than I care to remember, I was also pleasantly surprised to learn a lot more than I knew before about the development of the reefs and the ecological challenges they face.

Of the many beautiful books focusing on nature's wonders that I have seen, I would have to rank this one near the top.At its modest price, this book is also a good value.If you only buy one nature book this year, buy this one!!!!!

After you finish the book, why not take a moment to plan how you can see one of the reefs close up on a future trip?Perhaps you should even consider learning to skin dive, if you don't already.

A Great Introduction For a Great Price
This wonderful little book is a great introduction to coral reefs for people who don't know a whole lot about them. Well worth it's price. ... Read more

Product Description
Coral reefs represent the most spectacular and diverse marine ecosystem on the planet as well as a critical source of income for millions of people. However, the combined effects of human activity have led to a rapid decline in the health of reefs worldwide, with many now facing complete destruction.

This timely book provides an integrated overview of the function, physiology, ecology, and behaviour of coral reef organisms.Each chapter is enriched with a selection of 'boxes' on specific aspects written by internationally recognised experts.As with other books in the Biology of Habitats Series, the emphasis in this book is on the organisms that dominate this marine environment although pollution, conservation, climate change, and experimental aspects are also included.Indeed, particular emphasis is placed on conservation and management due to the habitat's critically endangered status. A global range of examples is employed which gives the book international relevance.

This accessible text is intended for students, naturalists and professionals and assumes no previous knowledge of coral reef biology. It is particularly suitable for both senior undergraduate and graduate students (in departments of biology, geography, and environmental science) taking courses in coral reef ecology, marine biology, oceanography and conservation biology, as well as the many professional ecologists and conservation biologists requiring a concise overview of the topic.It is also of relevance and use to reef managers, recreational divers, and amateur naturalists. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Used this book as a textbook for Coral Reefs class
I've taken or served as teaching assistant for a number of classes on coral reef ecology, and we've never had a good, comprehensive textbook that was suitable for undergraduate students.I was excited to see this book this year, particularly since it appeared just before I taught my own undergraduate class on "Ecology of Reefs, Mangroves, and Seagrasses".We've read a number of the chapters on coral reefs, corals, and human impacts.I do wish there was more information on the organisms of the coral reef - algae, invertebrates, mammals & reptiles, as I had to find other sources for that.However, it is well-organized information, clear, and very up-to-date.I would use it as a textbook if/when I teach the class again and recommend the series to others teaching about the biology of habitats.We also used Hogarth's (2007) book in the series on mangroves & seagrasses. ... Read more

Product Description
Coral reefs are one of the most biologically diverse habitats in the world, host to an extraordinary variety of marine plants and animals. They are also one of the world's most fragile and endangered ecosystems. The growth of mass tourism, combined with the boom in popularity of scuba diving, has brought these spectacular ecosystems to public attention across the planet. Coral reefs provide essential fish habitat, support endangered and threatened species, and harbor protected marine mammals and turtles. They are a significant source of food, provide income and employment through tourism and marine recreation, and offer countless other benefits to humans, including supplying compounds for pharmaceuticals. Yet coral reefs around the world are rapidly being degraded by a number of human activities, such as overfishing, coastal development, and the introduction of sewage, fertilizer, and sediment.

World Atlas of Coral Reefs provides the first detailed and definitive account of the current state of our planet's coral reefs. With its wealth of authoritative and up-to-date information, the finest maps available, and detailed descriptive texts and images by leading experts, this full-color volume will be a critical resource for anyone interested in these vital environments.

World Atlas of Coral Reefs contains eighty four full-page newly researched and drawn color maps, together with more than two hundred color photos illustrating reefs, reef animals, and images taken from space by NASA astronauts during the 2000 and 2001 space shuttle flights. The authors provide a wealth of information on the geography, biodiversity, and human uses of coral reefs, as well as details about the threats to their existence.

Prepared at the UNEPÐWorld Conservation Monitoring Centre in Cambridge, England--the United Nations office responsible for providing authoritative information on the condition of global biodiversity--the Atlas will be a critical tool for scientists, students, policymakers, and planners at local, national, and international levels alike.

Publication of the World Atlas of Coral Reefs is supported by international institutions includingthe United Nations Environment Programme; The Marine Aquarium Council, The International Coral Reef Initiative; ICLARM--The World Fish Center; the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, and the Aventis Foundation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Very little information about corals!
Having purchased Green and Short's "World Atlas of Seagrasses", also from California Press, I was quite excited to find this volume.Green and Short describe nearly all of the world's seagrasses, complete with line drawings and species comparisons, and map their distribution.They also include info on preservation, destruction, etc.It is an invaluable resource for anyone needing to identify or locate seagrasses.I was disappointed, however, when I received "World Atlas of Coral Reefs".The entire text is devoted to describing areas where reefs are found, but rarely mentions anything about the corals themselves!I saw listed more often than any coral genus!If you want to learn about the per capita fish consumption of Mauritius or phosphate mining on the atoll of Nauru, this is the book for you.If, however, you are interested in corals and the reefs that they construct (which is probably why you are reading this) you should move on to another book.

A Great Resource for Divers
I bought this book for the maps and descriptions of reef conditions.It has helped me be prepared for my next destination as a scuba diver and I also use it to pick new places to explore. Recommended

excellent
The book arrived in prefect conditions and in less days of that estimated by the service.

Beautiful
A truly beautiful book, although I expected the pictures to be larger.There is not one full page photo in the book unfortunately.It would really enhance the book to have some of those lovely photos blown up full page.

Beautiful
I bought this for my daughter, a graduating Biologist, but it was so fascinating that I'm afraid she got a slightly used book. It covers all coral reefs anywhere in the world. The maps are superb, as are the color photographs of the reefs. Each reef had a discussion of conditions in the reef, and the life that grows there. It's a huge book but one starts wishing for more; more maps, more photos, more detail. Maybe in the next edition, but meanwhile we can enjoy this superb book just as it. ... Read more

Product Description
With more than 500 species described and more than 400 illustrations, this guide provides quick and easy visual identification of fishes, mollusks, sponges, shrimps, lobsters, crabs, and much more of the fauna found on the coral reefs of the Caribbean and Florida. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

An excellent general guide
This is the ideal compact book for any diver or snorkeller travelling to the Caribbean who has any interest in the natural history of the area.Eugene Kaplan was for many years the director of the Hofstra University Marine Lab and the book reflects both his decades of field experience and his natural enthusiasm and ability to teach.His other book "Seashores" is the ideal companion.

lacking color photos
I like most peterson books, however this one is just as knowledgable, but I bought the book hopeing to see color plates of corals, which it did not have.It had mostly color plates of starfish, sponges, sea buscuits, other animal life.I was disappointed in that, but as most of their books have, a nice description on how to identify it.It does seperate out the different types of corals, such as brain coral, then different subspecies (depressed, common, sharp hilled) but NO good pictures.It tells depth circumferance and valley, color, nice descriptions. It does have some black & white photos of coral, but it really does not help much.

It's a hard guide to write
I would feel confident recommending any of Peterson's field guides including "Coral Reefs."Many field guides simply discuss a single group of animals or plants.However Kaplan has succeeded in producing a pocket book explaining the most diverse habitats on earth.He writes from a broad knowledge base covering many topics important to coral reef watchers or biologists.Frequently he injects wit and humor into what might have been a dry text.He manages to hit on most groups of animals and uses many types of illustrations to allow the reader to identify and sort out the great number and types of animals that they will see on any coral reef within the area discussed.

I am new to this book but have used quite a few field guides in my day.Now I can't wait to visit the reefs again, armed with my new education. ... Read more

Product Description
Describes coral reefs, the different kinds of animals that can be found in them, and their ecological importance. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Coral Reef Animals
This was a great book for my 4th graders who study biomes!Also, I'm an avid scuba diver so they were really interested in seeing what I see under the ocean surface.This was a high interest book for them!

Learn about coral reef animals
Starts with an explanation of the formation and composition of coral reefs. Covers a variety of animals that live on and around coral reefs. Includes about two dozen species, such as: squids, spotted scorpion fish, queen conchs, donkey dung sea cucumber, and elkhorn coral sea polyps. Contains information about habitat and how the animals have learned to survive. A nice feature is small insets on many pages that show the animal's size compared to everyday items such as a soccer ball and a paper clip. The photos are good and the book design is clean. Words in the glossary are in bold font. There is also an index and a three item bibliography. Karen Woodworth-Roman, Children's Science Book Review ... Read more

Product Description
Reef Fish3rd Edition,Reef Creature 2nd Edition and Reef Coral 2nd Edition Identification books packaged in a beautifully printed Shelf Case. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (41)

Perfect!
I wish I had bought these books long ago. They are perfect for fish, creature and coral identification after shooting a bunch of pictures while snorkeling. I like to know what I've seen and label my pictures with accurate names and these books enable me to do just that. Before I bought these books I would be sooo frustrated to have no label under the pictue of an awesome looking fish or coral. I don't think the label "cool fish" or " pretty coral" is very interesting or informative, do you? The detailed information & good pictures in The Reef Set makes labeling my pictures very easy. If you want to know what you saw while snorkeling or diving these books are a worthwhile investment. Do keep in mind that these books are for Florida, Caribbean and Bahamas areas only.

Terrific books
Love the books but I knew that before I ordered them. They arrived promptly in perfect condition and I will probably add to the series.

Best available! Indispensible for underwater naturalists!
This series is by far the best available resource for identifying underwater life in the region. No contest. The list of species is nearly comprehensive for its intended purpose. The balance of fish species are pretty much picked up in the Interactive Reef Fish DVD set by the same publisher (see link below). If you are a diver/snorkeler underwater naturalist ... you should own this set!
God Bless & Best Fishes, - Tadas
Reef Fish Identification: Florida, Caribbean, Bahamas - Interactive DVD Edition

Great reference books
As an avid scuba diver, I couldn't ask for a better guide to the joys and mysteries of the underwater world than Paul Humann and Ned DeLoach's The Reef Set: Reef Fish, Reef Creature and Reef Coral.

Each book in the set goes into incredible detail on the various stages of development for each species, as well as providing beautiful photographs and the scientific name.After each dive, my buddies and I enjoy sitting down with the Reef Set and identifying and logging the various fish, reef creatures and coral we saw.They are terrific tools for furthering diver education and obtaining the Fish Identification Speciality Certification.In addition, the coral book was invaluable in helping me identify the exact species of fire coral I knelt on while taking photographs in Roatan...

I routinely give this set as a gift to fellow divers and snorklers, so they can expand their knowledge and their enjoyment of the underwater world.I highly recommend these books.

Caribbean reaf life
We love to dive and now we have a comprehensive source to identify all of our "discoveries". We have looked at these boos at dive shops and they want $39 per book. The three piece set was $75. We have enjoyed it ... Read more

Product Description
Coral reefs are the 'rain forests' of the ocean, containing the highest diversity of marine organisms and facing the greatest threats from humans. As shallow-water coastal habitats, they support a wide range of economically and culturally important activities, from fishing to tourism. Their accessibility makes reefs vulnerable to local threats that include over-fishing, pollution and physical damage. Reefs also face global problems, such as climate change, which may be responsible for recent widespread coral mortality and increased frequency of hurricane damage. This book summarises the current state of knowledge about the status of reefs, the problems they face, and potential solutions. The topics considered range from concerns about extinction of coral reef species to economic and social issues affecting the well-being of people who depend on reefs.The result is a multi-disciplinary perspective on problems and solutions to the coral reef crisis. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent resource!
Just wish there was a little more on rehabilitation of tropical reefs and less on temperate systems - would make it even more useful and interesting for me. ... Read more

Product Description
Hardy adventurers ages 6 - 9 dive into a silent watery world where tiny coral animals grow together to form rock gardens of white, pink, and red-orange. In this action-packed undersea circus, jaws snap, tentacles sting, ink gets squirted, and fish suddenly glow while animals that look like plants sway gently and bashful clams hide the lively secrets inside their shells. Surprisingly dry and armed with a few pieces of equipment and their boundless imaginations, children explore this magical realm one small square at a time. "Science education at its best." -- Science Books and Films ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Lovely Primer for adults and children about to go reef snorkelling
This is a lovely graphic, as well as informative, little primer on the wonders that wait you if you happen to be going on a family vacation that involves reef snorkelling or just want to explore the underwater in your child's mind's eye. We were lucky enough to go "Snorkelling on the 'Barrie" (the Great Barrier Reef), off Cairns - Michaelmas Cay and Hastings Reef as well as off a platform near Green Island. My almost 10 year old was just about fit to be tied by the time we got our gear on and he just wanted to go meet these beautiful creatures he had been reading about. Real life potato cod "Gertrude" and a lovely "Maori Wrasse" named 'Wally' and other reef life are stunning but also very evident is the damage that so called eco-tourism is actually doing to the Barrie and reefs just like it - lots of dead coral. The book addresses these issues simply too but the Australians seem to have a better understanding of the yin-yang of eco-tourism and sustaining livelihoods of people who care about the environment in a way that is more practical and accepting of all view points having a place at the table.

Fascinating!
Without the benefit of scuba diving classes and a collection of rented equipment, most children will not grow to see the coral reefs of the world in person. Brought vividly to life in the imaginations of children through the major animated film Finding Nemo and the short, live action segments that make up "Come See the Sea" on children's television programming, the coral reefs of the world serve as a sticky point of interest to delve into the life cycles of the creatures who make this fascinating ecosystem their home.

In Coral Reef - part of the One Small Square series for six to nine-year-old children, an in-depth, vividly illustrated journey travels through a small portion of the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia. Focusing in on an three-dimensional section of reef measuring four feet to a side and extending down in a rectangular column roughly twice that in length, series author Donald M. Silver guides young readers through the intricacies of reef flora, fauna, reproduction, nocturnal creatures, inter-species cooperation and many other fascinating features of this vibrant ecosystem.

With such a treasure of interesting animals and plants to work with, Silver unearths a plethora of fascinating trivia, facts, and foundational premises for life in the reef. From fish that cover themselves with slime at night to mask their aroma, to those who masquerade as friendly helpers in order to steal a bit of flesh, a wealth of memorable encounters are brought vividly to life through the visual pictures crafted through a vivid use of descriptive prose.

In Silver's trademark style the dangers in currents around reefs for divers is briefly pointed out, as well as some short safety tips. Although Silver realizes that children aren't likely to be making a hands-on exploration of the reef themselves, the series-wide emphasis on appropriate safety precautions makes its presence known in this title as well.

Due to the improbability of children exploring reefs in diving equipment Silver has substituted hands-on observational activities and experiments that illustrate the scientific concepts explored from the perspective of reef life. For example, after the observation of nocturnal reef life through the pages of Coral Reef, Silver encourages children to record their own findings regarding nocturnal plant and animal life in their own backyards. Instructions for a simple reef diorama, building a reef with Lego, observing the grooming habits of domestic animals and many other educational activities are also provided to turn the book into a multi-sensory educational experience.

Patrica J. Wynne's incredibly detailed illustrations draw children into the exotic world of the reef - filled with colour, motion, and incredible complexities. Her work is realistic and stands out as the work of a truly talented artist in the school of natural observation. Though created for children, her elaborate reconstructions of reef life on the page can compare favorably with the work of any other naturalist.

Our entire family, young and old, admired the artwork; my three-year-old was particularly taken in by the visual glossary of each creature mentioned in the text at the back of the book. We read the book in bite-sized chunks - though written in a form more narrative than textbook, there is still a great deal of information to be digested.

Whether your child's interest in reefs has been sparked by a famous film or visit to the fish section of a local pet store; whether you are preparing for a visit to a public aquarium that feature displays which recreate life in the reef or planning a unit study on coral reefs. No matter how you approach it, Coral Reef is sure to fascinate. ... Read more

Product Description

Ages: 5 - 9

Customer Reviews (1)

The combination of the informative text and Steve Jenkin's delightful collage make this book on the coral reef a real gem!
The puffy clouds sit in a clear blue sky above the ocean waters.Beneath the surface of the ocean a beautiful coral reef "built of limestone from tiny sea animals" is teeming with life and awash with vibrant colors.Fish can be seen swimming among the reef, but there is more to it than meets the eye in the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia.This coral reef, the largest in the world,weaves its way along the eastern coast of Australia for "more than 1,200 miles."Amazingly the coral reefs of the world are made up by coral polyps, small sea animals, that are about the "size of a grain of rice."

The polyps attach themselves to already existing coral and their layers form the reefs.Other creatures of the sea contribute to the coral reefs as well.For example, the sea cucumber will "spit out the sand" it cannot eat, thereby keeping the reef structurally sound when this sand "fills the cracks and crevices in the reef."In this book you will learn about hard coral polyps, soft coral polyps, and other creatures that populate the reefs.Those creatures include the goby, the spotted eel, the colorful clown fish, the ruffle-headed scorpion, the puffer fish, the crab, the four-eye butterfly fish, and several other fascinating denizens of the deep.Did you know that the parrot fish covers its body in a substance like "plastic wrap" so its predators can't smell it?

The combination of the informative text and Steve Jenkin's delightful collage make this particular book on the coral reef a real gem.The light and airy style of writing made this informative description of the text easy for the younger reader to understand.The full color pages with the vibrant sea creatures meshed very well with this charming undersea trip along the coral reef.For the younger reader this type of introduction to the world of nonfiction makes it fun, easy and enjoyable.In the back of the book there are some "Fun Facts" about coral reefs, a brief note about the disappearing reefs, and a list of the famous reefs from Florida to Australia. ... Read more

Product Description
A guide to coral reefs and the marine life they support. The text describes the interplay of creatures, natural forces and biological processes which make the reefs so intriguing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Reef Ecology
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 areexperienced 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.

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

a brief but well-written introduction to the subject
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 thedifferent animal families, explains the food chain and the interactionbetween plant and animal life, and describes the differences in feedingbehavior between grazers, bottom feeders, nighttime hunters, and daytimehunters.All in a compact, clear format that can be easily polished off ina 4 hour plane ride.My only criticism is that this book, like most of thePisces guides, is no more substantial than an issue of a good magazine. ... Read more

Product Description
Coral Reef Fishes is the successor of The Ecology of Fishes on Coral Reefs. This new edition includes provocative reviews covering the major areas of reef fish ecology. Concerns about the future health of coral reefs, and recognition that reefs and their fishes are economically important components of the coastal oceans of many tropical nations, have led to enormous growth in research directed at reef fishes. This book is much more than a simple revision of the earlier volume; it is a companion that supports and extends the earlier work. The included syntheses provides readers with the current highlights in this exciting science.

* An up-to-date review of key research areas in reef fish ecology, with a bibliography including hundreds of citations, most from the last decade
* Authoritative and provocative chapters written to suggest future research priorities
* Includes discussions of regulation of fish populations, dispersal or site fidelity of larval reef fishes, sensory and motor capabilities of reef fish larvae, and complexities of management of reef species and communities ... Read more

Product Description
"… this book is the first to describe, in detail, the art and science of coral reef restoration. It is to be hoped that the information that can be gleaned within the pages of this book will set a path towards continued preservation of this valuable underwater treasure to be used, appreciated, and experienced for future generations."
-- Senator Bob Graham (retired), Miami Lakes, Florida, from the Foreword

Most of what we know about the rehabilitation of coral reef systems stems from efforts to repair reefs injured by vessels that have run aground. To date, however, there is a paucity of published literature regarding the efficacy and/or failure of coral reef restoration techniques. While most of the literature that is available comes from meeting abstracts, workshops and technical memoranda, these papers and reports have forged a scientific framework that can help guide future efforts.

The Coral Reef Restoration Handbook is the first published volume devoted to the science of coral reef restoration. It offers a scientific, conceptual framework along with practical strategies for reef assessment and restoration. Contributors from a variety of disciplines discuss engineering, geological, biological, and socioeconomic factors to create a text that is designed to guide scientists and resource managers in the decision-making process from initial assessment of the injury through conceptual restoration design, implementation, and monitoring. An excellent selection of relevant case studies is utilized to illustrate concepts and challenges inherent in the process of restoration.

This volume gives reef scientists and managers the opportunity to glean significant information from previous efforts. It provides them with the opportunity to build on the lessons learned and develop successful restoration efforts into the future. ... Read more

Product Description
Just one hundred and ten miles south of the Texas-Louisiana border, beneath the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, lie two coral reefs, together called the Flower Garden Banks. This coral community, the northernmost reef system in the United States and a national marine sanctuary, is home to hundreds of kinds of fish and other tropical sea life. Manta rays and turtles visit regularly, as do whale sharks and schools of hammerhead sharks. Other wonders include the annual mass coral spawns and a briny depression called Gollum Lake.

Nearby are two other reefs. Stetson Bank, its top spotted with hard corals, mollusks, and sponges, is known for its diversity--from black sea hares to golden smooth trunkfish. At Geyer Bank, thousands of butterfly fish dominate a huge population of tropical fish whose density rivals that of the coral reefs in the South Pacific.

Protruding from the flat, muddy continental shelf, these and thirty other natural reefs support an exceptional amount and variety of sea life in Texas waters. They sit amid hundreds of oil and gas platforms, which create their own special reef ecosystems.

These reefs, equal in their profusion of life and color to the storied reefs of Florida and Hawaii, have not been widely known to Texans outside of a small group of scientists and divers. With extraordinary photographs and a knowledgeable first-person narrative, author Jesse Cancelmo instills an appreciation for the beauty and fragility of one of the state's least-known natural environments. Texas Coral Reefs will inspire adventurers--both the underwater and armchair varieties--to enjoy these spectacular but little-known sites that lie so close to home. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Beautiful & smart book
This book would do beautiful duty as a coffee table book for those who just want great photographs of marine life.However, it doesn't stop there.It also covers the wide variety of life forms found in the reefs of the Gulf Coast, mostly off the Texas coast, but it also covers the Stetson and Sonnier Banks off the coast of Louisiana.The history of the formation and discovery of these unusual reefs, and how they became some of the first National Marine Sanctuaries also merits a few pages.The writing is clear enough to satisfy marine hobbyists or aquarists, but technical enough to satisfy marine scientists. ... Read more

Product Description
"UNDERSEA ENCOUNTERS, a series of 10 age-appropriate books about the underwater world, teaches through motivation and delight. The young elementary school reader (grades 2-4) will be grabbed 'hook, line, and sinker' by the colorful cover photograph on each book. Inside, the text and abundance of pictures support readers with features like bolded vocabulary defined in the glossary. There is a section of additional resources, which includes lists of books and websites, and an index with both text and picture pages.

LIFE ON A CORAL REEF describes an entire ecosystem that shelters thousands of organisms, protects coastlines, and provides food for people. The skeletons of the coral animals are the most beautiful homes in the world; millions of designers cooperate. Day or night, coral reefs communities never sleep, and today their survival is threatened by pollution and global warming.--National Science Teachers Association Recommended book ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Wonderful Children's book and series
We are just love these books. My daughters ages, 7 & 3 both love them.. We love the pictures and have learned alot from the reading. No child will get bored with these books. Enjoy the beautiful pictures and clever text. ... Read more

Product Description
Did you know that coral is actually a living creature? That the worldÂ’s most famous coral reef, the Great Barrier Reef, is so big that astronauts can see it from outer space? Kids will love learning fun facts about coral reefs, the beautiful fish who make it their home, and why these amazing habitats are in danger. ... Read more