This book introduces readers to the giant clam's biology, taxonomy and systematics, ecological and cultural significance, threats and challenges, and conservation solutions. The highlight of this book is the species identification guide containing descriptions of 12 known giant clam species accompanied by accurate hand-drawn shell illustrations and live photographs of specimens for comparison. Detailed information is summarised in a visual key on the distinctive features of the individual species, with notes on their ecology, geographic distribution, taxonomy and morphology. This book also includes other useful natural history information to spur the reader's interest in these magnificent animals.With the most comprehensive information presented concisely, this book allows readers to identify a particular giant clam readily and confidently, as well as the other species that it may easily be confused with, confirm that the species occurs in a specific area, and access general information on the biology and ecology of the species. It is a valuable resource for researchers, students, the SCUBA diving community, managers of marine resources, and the public.

"This book introduces readers to the giant clam's biology, taxonomy and systematics, ecological and cultural significance, threats and challenges, and conservation solutions. The highlight of this book is the species identification guide containing descriptions of 12 known giant clam species accompanied by accurate hand-drawn shell illustrations and live photographs of specimens for comparison. Detailed information is summarised in a visual key on the distinctive features of the individual species, with notes on their ecology, geographic distribution, taxonomy and morphology. This book also includes other useful natural history information to spur the reader's interest in these magnificent animals. With the most comprehensive information presented concisely, this book allows readers to identify a particular giant clam readily and confidently, as well as the other species that it may easily be confused with, confirm that the species occurs in a specific area, and access general information on the biology and ecology of the species. It is a valuable resource for researchers, students, the SCUBA diving community, managers of marine resources, and the public." --

An excellent introduction to over 1800 marine plants, invertebrates, fishes, reptiles, birds and mammals of the Central and Western Pacific and Indian Ocean. A brief description of the members and their life history introduces each group of animals. The caption for each photograph has the common name, if there is one, scientific name and the maximum size. Highly recommended.

Features descriptions and beautiful color illustrations of over 400 species of marine and terrestrial fauna found in the ecosystems of Samoa's coral reefs, ocean waters, sea grass beds, rain forests, mangrove forests, and wetlands.

Illustrated throughout, this book presents what is known about factors that "shift the balance" between accretion and erosion, recruitment and mortality, stony corals and filamentous algae, recovery and degradation - the life and death of coral reefs.

Ever-increasing interest in oceanography and marine biology and their relevance to global environmental issues create a demand for authoritative reviews summarizing the results of recent research. Oceanography and Marine Biology: An Annual Review has catered to this demand since its founding by the late Harold Barnes more than 50 years ago. Its objectives are to consider, annually, the basic areas of marine research, returning to them when appropriate in future volumes; to deal with subjects of special and topical importance; and to add new subjects as they arise. The favourable reception and complimentary reviews accorded to all the volumes shows that the series is fulfilling a very real need. Volume 55 follows closely the objectives and style of the earlier volumes, continuing to regard the marine sciences—with all their various aspects—as a unity. Physical, chemical, and biological aspects of marine science are dealt with by experts actively engaged in these fields, and every chapter is peer-reviewed by other experts working actively in the specific areas of interest. Chapters 3, 4, 5, and 6 of this book are freely available as downloadable Open Access PDFs at http://www.taylorfrancis.com under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives (CC-BY-NC-ND) 4.0 license.

THE BOOK TO BRING HOME BEFORE YOU BRING HOME A SALTWATER AQUARIUM! This book is a great way to test the waters before you take the plunge. Saltwater aquariums are intriguing, mesmerizing, and relaxing. However, they do require a commitment of time and money. Are you up for the challenge? With this practical, hands-on guide, you'll know what to expect. You'll have information on choosing the aquarium, equipment, and fish; proper setup and maintenance; and more. Information and interactive features include: WORKSHEETS that help you make informed decisions QUESTIONS to help you determine if your family is ready for a saltwater aquarium CHARTS showing the time and money required for setting up and maintaining a 30-gallon tank or larger unit CHECKLISTS covering how to properly locate the aquarium, supplies needed, and more AIDS for creating a timetable and a stocking plan MAINTENANCE CHARTS to keep you organized RESOURCES to keep in a notebook with your maintenance logs, fish purchasing records, and more Bring Me Home! Saltwater Aquariums Make a Great Hobby covers feeding fish and invertebrates, common mistakes and how to avoid them, creating a reef habitat, and more. It's a reference you'll rely on again and again if you decide to dive into this rewarding hobby.