Fishes of the Open Ocean: A Natural History and Illustrated Guide - Hardcover

Pepperell, Julian

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0226655393 ISBN 13: 9780226655390

Publisher: University of Chicago Press, 2010

Synopsis

Between the surface of the sea and depths of two hundred meters lies a remarkable range of fish, generally known as pelagics, or open-ocean dwellers. These creatures are among the largest, fastest, highest-leaping, and most migratory fish on the entire planet. Beautifully adapted to their world, they range from tiny drift fish and plankton-straining whale sharks to more streamlined predators such as tuna, marlin, sailfish, and wahoo. "Fishes of the Open Ocean", from leading marine biologist and world authority on the subject Julian Pepperell, is the first book to comprehensively describe these fishes and explore the complex and often fragile world in which they live. In what will be the definitive book on the subject for years to come - and, with over three hundred color images, the most lavishly produced as well - Pepperell details the environment and biology of every major species of fish that inhabits the open ocean, an expanse that covers 330 million cubic miles and is the largest aquatic habitat on the Earth. The first section of the book introduces the various evolutionary forms these fish have taken, as well as the ways in which specific species interact and coevolve with others in the food web. A chapter on commercial and sport fisheries explores the human element in this realm and considers such issues as sustainability, catch-and-release initiatives, and the risks of extinction. Flying fish, great white sharks, sardines, mackerel, Chinook salmon, giant sunfish - virtually every fish of the open ocean gets its due in this essential resource, a book that will enthrall anglers, mariners, conservationists, and newcomers to the subject alike. The second section of the book provides species accounts of open-ocean dwellers organized by group, with overviews and general descriptions that are inclusive of range and distribution, unique physiological and morphological attributes, and the role of each species within its ecosystem. Global distribution maps, original illustrations from renowned artist and scientist Guy Harvey, and truly stunning images from some of the world's leading underwater photographers round out this copiously illustrated volume.

About this title

Product Description:

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Review:

For beginning scholars and avid anglers, this volume will undoubtedly teach them about the biology and ecology of the diverse assemblages of open ocean fishes. But for all, including seasoned researchers, the detailed illustrations and color photographs are much more than just a delight to look at, they offer the opportunity to differentiate the closely related species without compromising the innate beauty of each. Taken together, this book will be a wonderful resource for anyone generally interested in these fishes.
--Diego Bernal "Quarterly Review of Biology ""

"For beginning scholars and avid anglers, this volume will undoubtedly teach them about the biology and ecology of the diverse assemblages of open ocean fishes. But for all, including seasoned researchers, the detailed illustrations and color photographs are much more than just a delight to look at, they offer the opportunity to differentiate the closely related species without compromising the innate beauty of each. Taken together, this book will be a wonderful resource for anyone generally interested in these fishes."

--Diego Bernal "Quarterly Review of Biology "

About this edition

• Publisher: University of Chicago Press
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 0226655393
• ISBN 13: 9780226655390
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 272