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MARINE
LIFE TITLES |
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Please
note:
We
are Australian distributors of the superb IKAN series of marine books.
These books are included on this page, but we also have a separate IKAN
website which covers further details of the books and the authors. |
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NEW
HARD COVER REVISED SECOND EDITION RELEASED
This
is...."A new and greatly expanded edition of this successful and respected
book with over 1500 photographs, including 1000 new images, and current
information about 1450 species. (It) continues to be the definitive book
on the unique and spectacular animals and plants of Australian waters".
That should read ... of temperate Austraalian waters, and of course it
is the definitive work. Now 624 pages, and hard cover, with dust jacket.
$74.00.
If
ordering this title, it is this hard cover that will be sent, unless advised
otherwise - limited copies of the old softcover edition are still available.
Highly
recommended.
AUSTRALIAN
MARINE LIFE
The
Plants and Animals of Temperate Waters.
Dr.
Graham J. Edgar
Revised
Edition, Softcover
At
last, a true encyclopedia of Australian temperate marine animals and plants
- superbly presented in a clear layout with over 1300 colour photographs.
Divers and marine enthusiasts now have a single volume that covers evrrything
from tiny lichens to dolphins and whales. As there has been a dearth of
material on temperate marine invertebrates, this book will remain in use
at least for the rest of my natural lifetime. The 544 pages are dived into
the five relevant kingdoms, including the tiny protists (no, they are not
people who gather at One Nation Party meetings), and the kingdoms representing
the plants, animals, fungi and even bacteria. The majority of the book
is concerned with the animal kingdom which of course includes the invertebrates,
fishes and mammals. (The taxonomic chart is the best I have seen, spread
over a double page, showing the kingdom down to the class.) A short introduction
to each phylum and class precedes the more descriptive families and species.
The text is concise yet informative with habitat, distribution and size
detailed for each species. A glossary and an extensive selected bibliography,
and index complete the book. Harcover, dustjacket, full colour and mono
diagrams. The author is a respected marine scientist who has worked in
Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia on a number of important projects.
This book is a must.
See
update
details (revisions and corrections) between the first edition hardcover
and the second edition (revised) softcover. $54.00 Limited number of this
softcover revised edition available. |
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SORRY
- OUT OF PRINT
AUSTRALIAN
MARINE HABITATS IN TEMPERATE WATERS.
Graham
Edgar.
Another
superb book from this well known author and marine scientist, author of
the acclaimed Australian Marine Life. This title features the ten major
habitats in temperate waters; their marine life and the interactions between
organisms, the effects of human interferance, and other threats to their
existence and continuance. This book shows what is happening to our souther
seas, and is written in a plain non-technical manner yet with the authority
expected of such a dedicated author and scientist.
Sofcover,
224 pages, full colour throughout, some mono photographs, and charts.
$39.95 |
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DOWN
UNDER AT THE PROM.
Marg
O'Toole & Malcolm Turner.
A
very well presented book covering the marine life off Wilsons Promontory
(south-east Victoria), one of the most beautiful and prolific temperate
water dive sites in the world. Also covers dive sites and shipwrecks.
Definitely
recommended reading.
Softcover,110
pages, full colour.
$24.00 |
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A
FIELD GUIDE TO THE MARINE INVERTEBRATES OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Katen Gowlett-Holmes.
This excellent book covers
870 species, with over 1500 in situ colour photographs. It is the most
comprehensive guide to the marine invertebrates off South Australia since
the publication of the three part Marine Invertebrates of Australia in
the 1980, and 1997 (which is now well out of print). There are two to seven
photographs per page making it ideal for identification. A habitat map
is presented withg each species, giving the thought that perhaps the book
should refer to "southern Australia' rather thn the political state of
South Australia, and thus southern, temperate, Western Australia is included
as well as Victoria, and on occasions, northern Tasmania. A most
detailed work by one of Australia's leading marine biologists. Softcover,
332 pages, full coliur throughout. $69.95. |
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A Field Guide to CRUSTACEANS
OF AUSTRALIAN WATERS
Diana Jones and Gary Morgan.
This is a complete cover
of Australia's known crustaceans. Not only is it an excellent identification
guide but it also provides a wealth of knowledge of the life and habitats
of crab, prawns, crayfish and other crustacans. And no, there are no cooking
instructions. Here you will find some very strange and smart life cycles
and adaptations, and some very curious behaviours. It also features recently
discovered subterranean crustaceans, some of which have never - literally
- seen the light of day. The photographs are excellent - clear and in full
colour, and the line drawings clearly identfy the vrious features of species
and sexes. I never really knew what scampi were!!
Softcover, 224 pages, full
colour, index, scientific and common names, extensive references and glossary.
An excellent book. $39.95 |
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UNDERWATER
IDENTIFCATION PLATE
GUIDE TO REEF FISH OF
AUSTRALIA
(including Great Barrier
Reef, Coral sea, Fiji and Adjacent waters).
A plastic card 15 x 23 cm,
with some seventy fish drawings in full colour, for use underwater, designed
for fish identification whilst diving. The drawings are based on the book
Fishes
of the Great Barrier Reef by John Randal et al.
$12.00 |
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GREAT BARRIER
REEF
Neville Coleman.
One of the excellent World
of Water Wildlige Guides.
This is a very handy and
informative marine life guidebook covering predominantly the fishes and
invertebrate lif, but also reptiles, mammals and crustacea. There are over
500 full colour photographswith brief text to each. Brief tourist information
is also mentioned, including a section on reef walking, snorkelling and
scuba diving. Includes also th marine life of the Keppel Islands, and the
Whitsundays. Softcover, 80 pages, full colour, scientific name index.
$27.50 |
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LORD
HOWE ISLAND MARINE PARK
Sea
Shore to Sea Floor. A World Heritage Wildlife Guide.
Neville
Coleman.
Ninety-six
pages, 750 full colour photographs, covering the major marine life from
algae to marine mammals. An an excellent identification and information
softcover guide to one of the most beutiful islands in the Pacific.
$19.95 |
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SORRY
- OUT OF PRINT
MARINE
LIFE OF THE PACIFIC AND INDIAN OCEANS
Gerry
Allen, and photographers including Roger Steene, Rudie Kuiter.
Beautiful
A4 size book for identification and knowledge with good text. Excellent
photography. Covers some 350 of the most popular of marine species, with
a brief description and photograph. Includes the Indo-Pacific region, thus
northern Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and south-east Asia.
Softcover,
extended (folded) laminated cover, full colour throughout, 96 pages.
$26.00 |
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SEA
BIRDS AND OTHERS OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC.
Neville
Coleman.
A
beautifully produced book that fills a gap in the publications of marine
life.
Softcover,
full colour, 64 pages.
$16.50 |
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SEA
STARS OF AUSTRALASIA AND THEIR RELATIVES.
Neville
Coleman.
The
perfect identification guide with over 150 species photographed.
Softcover,
full colour, 64 pages.
$16.50 |
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SEAWEEDS
OF QUEENSLAND - A NATURALIST'S GUIDE.
A.B.
Cribb.
Covers
some 150 plants that are generally known as 'seaweeds', the algae, divided
into the four sections: Green algae (Chlorophyta), Brown algae (Phaeophyta),
Red algae (Rhodophyta), and Blue-green algae (Cyanophyta). A general introduction
to the algae preceeds the identification section, with three colour images
per page, and text opposite. Edible seaweeds, collecting seaweeds, and
distribution is also covered. The index includes common and
scientific names. A valuable contribution to the marine sciences of Australia.
Softcover, full colour, 130 pages.
$22.00 |
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SORRY
- OUT OF PRINT
SEA
URCHINS of Australia and the Indo-Pacific.
Ashley
Miskelly.
Ever
wondered what species of urchin it is that you hve picked up on the beach,
or have had the misfortune to have been pricked by underwater? When found
on a beach, what you have in your hand is the ‘test', the skeleton of an
echinoid. I know that from this excellent book, a most detailed volume
covering eighty-six species found from low tide to 20m. Covrs the biological
structure of the urgin, its test, spines, and its diet and habitat. Full
colour throughout, stiff laminted board cover,180 pages, index and glossary.
$52 |
| SEASHORE LIFE IN AUSTRALIA |
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AUSTRALIAN
SEASHORES . W.J. Dakin ( with Isobel Bennett)
This
is an extremely popular book, and deserves a special explanation. The full
title of the most recent edition is actually "W.J.Dakin's classic study
Australian Seashores, Fully Revised and Illustrated by Isobel Bennett".
This expanded hardcover, large-format edition with superb colour photographs
throughout was published in 1987. It proved to be extremely popular with
the general public and eventually went out of print. Isobel Bennett is
a leading Australian naturalist who worked with Professor Dakin.
The
original Dakin's Australian Seashores was published in 1952, with
revised editions in 1960 and reprinted in 1963. These original Dakin books
were hardcover, 372 pages with mono prints. The text in all editions is
the same, with the same chapters. The 1987 edition has a bibliography.
Australian
Seashores, irrespective of edition, is the definitive guide on the intertidal
zone, and a recommended source of information to divers. (Australia's foremost
marine educationalist Reg Lipson strongly recommends the book). The twenty
chapters cover basic oceanography through to species biology. The problem
is that all editions are out of print, and second-hand copies are in demand.
It is important to note tht the text in all editions remains the same.
Highly
Recommended
Secondhand.
Prices
are generally - $80 for a second-hand copy of the 1987 edition (hardcover,
dustwrapper, large format, 410 pages, full colour), and around $45 for
the earlier editions, either with an original dust jacket or a computer
generated dust jacket. |
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SORRY
- OUT OF PRINT
A
PHOTOGRAPHIC GUIDE TO SEASHORE LIFE OF AUSTRALIA.
Keith
Davey.
A
neat book, very handy size at 10 cm x 19 cm. Softcover, full colour, 144
pages. Excvellent for on-site identification - can slip into your pocket.
After a brief discourse on wave energy, rocky shore habitats, and biology,
the book enters the identification sectio withgenerally two or three photos
per page, a diversity map, and brief text in small lettering. Species covered
include algae, sponges, anemones, worms, barnacles, crabs, abalone, sea
hares, bivales, sea stars, urchins, cunjevoi, and others.
$22.00 |
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THE
FRINGE OF THE SEA. Isobel Bennet.
This
well known marine scientist, student and collaborator of the famoud W.J.Dakin,
is an exceptional naturalist and author. She collaborated with Dakin on
his famous Australian Seashores. Hr own book was first published in 1966
and has gone through many editions. Chapters include Sponges, Coelenterates,
Marine Worms, Crustaceans, Molluscs, Echinoderms, and The Living Reef.
Covers both temperate and tropical seas. Hardcover, dustjacket, 260 pages,
many mono plates, some colour. The book is now well out of print but we
occasionally have a copy in stock.
Secondhand.
Price is usually around $30.00. |
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SORRY
- OUT OF PRINT
UNDER
SOUTHERN SEAS
The
Ecology of Australia's Rocky Reefs.
Edited
by Neil Andrew.
This
is a superbly produced full colour book containing 26 chapters from a number
orf authoratitive specialist authors. Five chapters cover the general biology
of each southern state. This is followed by chapters on kelp forrests,
abalone, octopuses, jellyfish, lobssters, sea urchins, and the sessile
animals - the sponges, bryozoans etc. Then nine chapters on fish and sharks,
and the last on seals. The photographs are excellent, the text readable
and not scientific (despite the background of some of the marine biologist
authors), and the general layout well thought out. It is one of the finest
books on Australian temperate marine life - not an identification guide
yet comprehensive in its coverage of the various animals.
Hardcover,
A4 size, dust jacket, full colour, 238 pages, index, bibliography. A University
of NSW Press publication. $54.90
Review |
| MARINE LIFE - IN THE HABITAT |
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GUINESS
GUIDE TO UNDERWATER LIFE
Petron
& Lozet.
Great
photos with informative general text. This is not a book of superlatives
as would be expected from the publisher. The forward is by Jacques Dumas.
Covers the Mediterranean and Tropical Seas. Not an identification guide
- more a general overview of marine life. Was first published (in English)
in 1975. Excellent reading - and an excellent gift.
Hardcover,
dust wrapper, 218p,large format. Limited copies. $26.00 |
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LIFE
IN THE SEA.
"As
it is - How it came to be - How it could become. Diversity, its origins
and implications".
Werner
Gruter.
If
you are interested, even superficially, in marine life then you must read
this book. It is not a species identification guide, nor a scientific treatise
on marine life, yet it covers so much fascinating material on the evolution
and development of life in the sea. Much of the material is derived from
our on seas, both temperate and tropical. It has such quality that you
will not wish to put it down. It asks and answers so many questions.
"The
sea was the cradle of primordial life, from which the roots of our own
existence sprouted. Billions of years of evolutionary development brought
forth an enchanting variety of forms, colors, lifestyles, and patterns
of behaviour". Over 286 pages in thirteen chapters, with 330 photographs,
the author has compiled a fascinating biology of marine life, a most readable
text covering all aspects of marine life - reproduction and growth, territory
and defense, predators and victims ... there is so much to cover. Hardcover,
laminated boards, medium format, full colour.$96.00. **
Highly Recommended**. |
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REEF
LIFE - Natural History and Behaviors of Marine Fishes and Invertebrates.
D.N Tackett & L.Tackett.
Its all very well being
able to identify your species, and there are surely an abundant number
of fish and invertebrate identification books, but if you want to know
more about the natural science of the marine world, this is an excellent
book. "A must-have book for every diver, aquarist and underwater naturalist
(and photogrpaher) who wants to ... understand what he or she is seeing
on the coral reef or in the marine aquarium." I could not agree more. Chapters
include reef explorations, reef origins, reef dwellers, near-reef habitats,
living together, feeding, protection and fenense, masquerade, reproduction
and a chapter on the disappearing reefs. Although mainly tropical species
based, it is not entirely so. This is a well produced book, of A4 size,
softcover, full colour throughout, 224 pages. Softcover $68.00 **Highly
recommended** |
| MARINE LIFE - GENERAL ANIMALS |
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CEPHALOPODS
- A WORLD GUIDE.
Octopuses,
Argonauts, Cuttlefish, Squid, Nautilus.
Mark
Norman.
An
IKAN
series book.
Highly
Recommended.
$76.00 |
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CRUSTACEA
GUIDE OF THE WORLD.
Helmut
Debelius.
An
IKAN
series book.
And
yet another great title in the IKAN series by Helmut Debelius. This book
covers the shrimps, crabs, lobsters, mantos shrimps and amphipods, within
the regions of the Atlantic, Pacific, Red Sea, Mediterranean, Pacific and
Indian Ocean. A superb identification guide and reference, exceptionally
well produced, in full colour. Covers aspects of behaviour and habitat.
Hardcover, 318 pages.
Review
$76.00 |
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MACROLIFE.
Andrea
and Antonella Ferrari.
A
superb book, covering some 600 marine species of the Indo-Pacific region
from the magnificent Maldives to the tropical waters of northern Australia.
Don't be distracted by its parochial subtitle, ‘ a divers' guide to underwater
Malaysia' - its has a forward by the Prime Minister of Malaysia and is
published in Malaysia. This is a book covering a much wider field, in an
area regarded as having the greatest marine biodiversity in the world.
After an excellent introduction to macro photography (and photo tips relevant
to the species throughout the book), the marine life commences with the
invertebrates (about half the book), and concludes with the fishes. A typical
entry provides a colour photograph, with text: distribution, habitat, size,
life habits. The photo tips are most relevant even for the non-photographer,
as they relate to what to look for, where to find the animal, and how the
animal reacts to a macro framer, or a finger, intruding their domain. The
size of the photographs vary from quarter page to full page. And they are
superb - clear, colourful and relevant, some of the finest macro work I
have seen. How the Ferraris even managed to see some of these creatures
is a wonder - the Papua Cuttlefish for example, and the Gorgonian
horned shrimp. This book is a delight to read - entertaining and educational.
Published 2003.
Softcover,
468 pages, 166 mm x 180 mm, full colour throughout.
$72.00 |
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MARINE INVERTEBRATES
Ronald Shimek.
This is a superb guide,
‘the essential concise reference', and although marketed as a ‘pocket-expect
guide', it is 448 pages, in full colour throughout, and covers some five
hundred ‘essential to know aquarium species'. Don't let the word ‘aquarium'
put you off - in fact,the detail for aquarium keepers is just as important
for divers experiencing the invertebrates in their natural habitat as the
text delves more deply than most other publications into their natural
life, their feeding habits, reproduction, predators and the like. I have
found it to b one of the most interesting books availabl on invertebrates.
Softcover, 115 x 185 mm,
full colour throughout, 448 pages, index, bibliography, glossary.$66.00 |
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FLATWORMS - THE WORLD
OF POLYCLADS
Leslie Newman & Lester
Cannon.
Polyclads - or flatworms
if you like -are found throughout the world, with the most colourful being
in tropical waters. They are not sea slugs as often thought, and have their
own Phylum, the Platyhelminthes. These intriguing creatures are both fortunate
yet confused as they have both male and female systemns (true hermaphrodites),
yet choose to fight it out as to who is to play th male role in any copulation.
And it appears that they fight it out with their penises. Go down to St.Kilda
late on a Saturday night and you may see the same thing. But these worms
have a right battle on their hands as they strive to impregnate the other
without being impregnated themselves. Now if only we were all like that
- it would put mud-wrestling to shame. Also covers, briefly, the beautiful
Christmas Tree, Spirobranchus, and the Feather-duster worms. Quite a superb
book. Softcover, large square format, full colour throughout, 98 pages,
index of species, references, glossary. $39.95. |
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SEAHORSES,
PIPEFISHES AND THEIR RELATIVES
A
Comprehensive Guide to Syngnatbiformes.
Rudie
H. Kuiter.
Once
again Rudie Kuiter has put together a superb refence book; and the publisher
has completed the job with fine layout and quality paper. Some of these
animals are weird, some equisitly beautiful, others have unusual mating
and gestation behaviour - and why shouldn't the male carry the eggs? An
excellent reference for the marine biologist, scientist, naturalist and
serious amateur diver.
Hardcover
(laminated boards), 240 pages, more than 1000 exceptional photographs and
lone drawings covering 350 species, the total of known species in the world.
$76.00 |
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SEA
SNAKES.
Harold
Heatwole.
They
are both feared and admired, but usually the former, and with a venom a
hundred times more potent than a terrestial King Cobra, it is no wonder.
Yet they are relativaley harmless and under normal circumstances, divers
need not fear an attack. Their curiosity however makes it appear sometimes
as if they are aggressive. The author is a world expert on sea snakes.
I had the pleasure of meeting him when I was on the organising team of
the annual Oceans Congresses back in the 1970s in Melbourne, a charming
man of much knowledge. Because of his time at the University of Queensland
and University of New England (Armadale, NSW), most of the book is based
on Australian sea snakes, making it all the more relevant. Chapters include
Distribution and Biodiversity, Natural History, Feeding, Enemiwes, Ecology,
Diving Adaptations, Venom, and interaction with us humans. I know of no
more detailed book on the subject than this. First published in 1978, then
revisied in 1999, a few new copies have turned up. Softcover, 148 pages,
mono photographs and colour plates, index, extensive bibliography. Repeat
- limited copies only.
|
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ON
THE TRAIL OF SEA TURTLES
Bernard
Devaux and Bernard de Wetter.
This
excellent full coliur book covers the identification, habitat, biology
and life of the world's sea turtles, specifically the Green, Black, Loggerhead,
Hawkesbill, Olive Ridley, Flatback, and Leatherback. Their predominant
location (with maps), breeding requirements, diet, and protection are covered.
The book provides details of where the tuyrtles may b seen, and has an
xtensive chapter on the interaction of person and turtle. Full colour throughout,
softcover, 128 pages, index, bibliography.
$24.00 |
| MARINE LIFE BY COUNTRY (region,
other than Australia). |
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ASIA
PACIFIC REEF GUIDE
Helmut
Debelius
The
coral reefs of South East Asia harbour the greatest species diversity of
all the oceans, not only for fishes, but also for invertebrates. With twenty
thousand islands within the triangle Okinawa, Malaysia and eastern Indonesia,
the reefs and coastal fauna is remarkable. Once again, the remarkable Helmut
Debelius has compiled a wonderful volume of the marine life within the
area, covering southern Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, southern China and
Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, and the western Micrinesian islands of Yap and
Palau. The islands of Sipadan, Flores, Bohol, Cebu, Bali, Ambon, Palawan
and many more feature regularly throughout the book. Over 1,000 photographs,
all taken in their natural habitat, cover all marine life - the fishes,
crustacea, miolluscss, the soft and hard corals, the worms, and the echinoderms.
And like all the other IKAN series books, twenty-two two-page picture stories
add to the intrest and knowledge of the marine life: Anemone City, Master
of Mimickry, Mouring for Napoleon etc. Most of the photographs are those
of the author, with additional images from excellent photographers including
Halstead, Kuiter, Steene and Tatsuuma.
Hardcover,
laminated boards, 320 pages, full colour throughout.
An
IKAN
series book.
$76.00 |
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DISCOVER LOLOATA ISLAND
- MARINE LIFE GUIDE TO PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Neville Coleman.
Purely and identification
guide, and a very good one at that, at an affordable price. Althoug the
marine spcies listed are predominaantly from the Loloata Island, Bootless
Bay and Horseshoe Reef region near Port Moresby, they represent many of
the specis found off the Papua new Guinea coast. Each pag has eight full
colour photographs, all exceptionally clear and exactly depicting th marine
crature in its habitat. Mangroves, Sea Grasses, Alga, Forams, Sponges and
Cnidarians are all features, witn Cruistacean, Echinoderms, Ascindians,
Fish, Reptiles), and Mammals.
Softcover, full colour,
72 pages.
$26.00 |
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FIJI'S
WILD BEAUTY
Achim Nimmerfroh
Fiji's stunning island scenery,
excellent facilities are charming people make it one of the most popular
holiday destinations for divers and tourists alike. With some of the finest
reefs in the world: from the magic Yasawa Islands in the west to stunning
Rainbow Reef off Taveuni in the east - and a hundred magnifient dive sites
in between - there is an abundance of marine life and fascinating underwater
terrain. Nimmerfroh's excellent photography has captured the marine life
on Fiji's coral reefs. The book is in part an identification guide, a photo
essay, and an expression of the diversity of Fiji's marine life which can
be a memorable record of experiences. The chapters are organised in the
general groups of animals, with full page down to three-five images per
page, and brief but relevant text using latin and common names. The production
on quality gloss paper complements the colour images. Softcover, 316 pages,
full colour throughout, index. $58.00 |
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INDIAN
OCEAN ISLANDS:
CHRISTMAS ISLAND
COCOS KEELING ISLANDS
MALDIVES
SEYCHELLES
Neville Coleman.
These superb marine guides
are from Neville Coleman's World of Water Wildlife Series. $29.95 |
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These superb marine guides are
from Neville Coleman's World of Water Wildlife Series. Each is of eighty
pages, full colour throughout with over 560 photographs, scientific index,
brief history and tourism information. They cover the major species within
all the major marine groups, from alga to zoanthids, with an excellent
section on fish and crustaceans. As is typical of this underwater naturalist/diver/author,
here we have an excellent concise guide to the marine life the Indian Ocean
islands. Species covered would also be relevant to the west coast
of Australia.
Note: The section on Indian
Ocean marine life is the same in each book - only the relevant tourist
information, history, land flora and fauna and ecological data is different
for each island group. Thus, if travelling to more than one of these groups,
it is not necessary to purchase more than one book in order to cover the
spectrum of marine life. |
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INDIAN
OCEAN REEF GUIDE.
Helmut
Debelius.
Another
superb title from one of the world's finest icthyologists and marine naturalists
- and a superb photographer. His books are perfect, for identification
and general knowledge of the species covered - usuaally three of more photos
per page, with concise text. The proeduction of all his books is excelent.
This book covers the complete Indian Ocean rim, inclusing of course Western
Australia, Cocos and ChristmasIslands, the Maldives, Sri Lanka mauritius,
and down the eastern African coast. Covers the reef invertebrates, fishes,
corals, and even the odd shipwreck. A wonderful book, as would be expected
from Debelius.
An
IKAN
series book.
$76.00 |
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MALAYSIA
- AN UNDERWATER PARADISE
Andrea
and Antonella Ferrari.
This
is a guide to marine life in Malaysian waters, predominantly the South
China Sea and the waters off north-eastern Borneo and Pulau Sipadan, (as
against being a dive site guide). It is a superbly produced book with full
colour photographs and colour drawings. "Unsounded depths, basalt cliffs,
sandy plateaus, marine meadows, impenetrable mangrove forests, and, of
course, spectacular coral reefs: the richest waters of the Malaysian peninsula
and Malaysian Borneo and the over three thousand species that inhabit its
sea beds are the protagonists of this book."
Softcover,
96 pages, full colour, A4 size.
$34.95. |
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MARINE
ANIMALS OF BAJA CALIFORNIA
Daniel
W. Gotshall.
'A
Guide to the Common Fish and Invertebrates'. A useful guide for species
along the American north-west coast off Mexico, and Central America, as
well as the Galapagos.
Softcover,
112p, 180x230mm, full colour.
$42.00 |
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MARINE
LIFE OF THE GALAPAGOS
(A
Guide to the Fishes, Whales, Dolphins and Other Marine Animals).
Pierre
Constant.
There
are a number of Galapagos picture books on the market, but this is the
first I have seen to describe the marine lifein some detail. A useful,
parochial book.
Softcover,
248 pages, colour plates and line drawings.
Review
$46.00 |
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MEDITERRANEAN
AND ATLANTIC INVERTEBRATE GUIDE.
Peter
Wirtz and Helmut Debelius.
Another
superb publiation in the IKAN series, covering the north-east Atlantic
from the equator and Canary Island north to Norway, and from Turkey and
Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean throuigh to Spain, including the islands
of the Mediterranean and both the north and south shores.Brilliantly produced
in full colour, with two or three imags per page, we have all the invertebrates
from Sponges, Cbnidarians, the Worms, Arthropods, MolluscsEchindoerms and
Kamptozoans. Typical of the IKAN sries, twenty-five ‘p[icture stories'
are included, mking this not only a valuable identification guide but also
an excellent informative and often humourous read.
Hardcover,
laminated boards, 304 pages, index of scientific specie and genera names.
$76.00 |
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SORRY
- OUT OF PRINT
MEDITERRANEAN
SEA - GUIDE TO UNDERWATER LIFE.
Angelo
Mojetta.
I
now appreciate how rich in wrecks and marine life is the Mediterranean
Sea - submarine, aircraft, ships and a diverse variety of sub-tropical
and temperate species. The colour drawings, particularly of underwater
wrecks and reefs, is exceptional, giving a marvellous view of the
underwater scene. The colour photography is excellent and the text
informative. The Mediterranean underwater life guide is exceptional for
its coverage. Softcover, medium format 210 x 290mm, full colour, 168
pages.
$54.00 |
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PACIFIC
COAST SUBTIDAL MARINE INVERTEBRATES.
Gotshall
and Laurent
Covers
over 250 species of inshore and sub-tidal species along the Pacific coast
of north-west America. Identification includes habitat and depth. A very
good identification guide; many of the species are identical or similar
to those of the western Pacific.
Softcover,
108 pages, full colour. We have limited stock.
$30. |
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PACIFIC
OCEAN ISLANDS:
FIJI
SOLOMONS
TONGA
VANUATU
Neville Coleman.
These superb marine guides
are from Neville Coleman's World of Water Wildlife Series. $27.50 |
 .  . |
These superb marine guides are
from Neville Coleman's World of Water Wildlife Series. Each is of eighty
pages, full colour throughout with over 500 photographs, scientific index,
brief history and tourism information. They cover the major species within
all the major marine groups, from alga to zoanthids, with an excellent
section on fish and crustaceans.
Note: The section on Pacific
Ocean marine life is the same in each book - only the indicdental tourist
information, history, land flora and fauna and ecological data is different
for each island group. Thus, if travelling to more than one of these groups,
it is not necessary to purchase more than one book in order to cover the
spectrum of marine life. |
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THE RED SEA
Peter Vine.
An historical, geographical,
biological, cultural and commercial look at the Red Sea. A marvellous overall
introduction to this incredible world region, abundant in marine life and
cultural diversity. Hardback, 128 pages, 305x128p, 198 colour illustrations.
Sorry, only one copy left.
$54.00 |
|
RED SEA REEF FISHES |
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UNDERWATER
GUIDE TO THE SOUTH CHINA SEA
Ming
and Alino.
An
excellent guide to the marine life in the waters off eastern Malaysia.
Hardcover,
dustwrapper, 144 pages, full colour.
$34.00 |
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UNDERWATER
GUIDE OF TAHITI
Bagnis
& Christian.
Covers
major marine life (not destinations). Excellent reference and identification
guide to fishes, reptiles, invertebrates.
Softcover,
152 pages, all colour.
Limited
stock. $22.00 |
| MARINE LIFE - EDUCATION
Whereas all marine books
listed are educational, this section lists books specifically aimed at
the novice marine naturalist and diver who wishes to gain an overall understanding
of the marine environment - what Neville Coleman talks as "sorting out
the stuff". The books listed here must be free of technical language yet
sufficiently 'scientific' to provide the necessary background to a better
understanding of marine life. |
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UNDERWATER NATURALIST
Neville Coleman.
This excellent book is more
than a simple 'Asia/Indo-Pacific Marine Life Identification Guide'. It
is more of an education course in the marine sciences, providing
divers, snorkellers and anyone interested in marine life with the grounding
necessary to understand the concepts of taxonomy - the 'classification'
of plants and animals. It covers all the major familes from algae and sponges
and corals and cnidarians to crustacea, the fishes and mammals.
Excellent value, for its
content and presentation: hardcover (laminated board covers, oblong format,
96 pages, full colour throughout, glossary, index. A great 'starter kit'
for anyone interested in marine life.
$32.50 |
|
CEPHALOPODS
- A WORLD GUIDE.
Mark
Norman.
Octopuses,
Argonauts, Cuttlefish, Squid, Nautilus.
Covers
the world, especially the Pacific and Indian Ocans, Atlantic, Caribbean,
Arctic and Antarctic. The author is an Australian marine scientist, at
Museum Victoria. This is a remarkable book or remarkable ‘alien-like' creatures
that cintuinue to fascinate anyone who has made contact. Includes 35 picture
stories making it an indeal book for identification and general knowledge.
Red of the mythology of the Kraken, Sperm Wars, the incredible Nautilus,
Mugged by a Squid, a Dutch Marriage (?), and the Ginat Cuttlefish Spawning
grounds. 318 pages, full colour. Some of the photographs are truly
bizarre, whilst others are photographically superb, with contributions
from Rudi Kuiter, Becca Saunders, Roger Steene, Norbert Wu. A very important
book, contributing so mucg to our knowledge of marine life.
$76.00
An
IKAN Series book. |
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A
GUIDE TO SQUID, CUTTLEFISH AND OCTOPUSES OF AUSTRALASIA
Mark
Norman and Amanda Reid
This
is an excellent book. It divides the cephalopods into five sections - Nautilus
- Cuttlefish, Bobtail Squd and their allies - Squd - Vampire Squid - Octopuses.
After a brief ‘history' of cephalopods, and their biology, the identification
section continues with a half page photo of the animal, with text and a
distribution site map. Additional photograaphs or drawings help to illustrate
the animal. Individual biology is given, with identification details. The
book covers some sixty species, from the Ginat Squid to the deadly Blueringed
Octopus. Eight colour plates of thirty cuttlebone photographs assist to
identify the species from their ‘bone' - not that the family parrot would
particularly care!
An
excellent guide, in full colour, 96 pages, softcover.
Note:
Was out of print - now available again.
$29.95 |
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JUST
RELEASED
INDO-PACIFIC NUDIBRANCHS
AND SEA SLUGS.
A Field Guide to the World's
Most Diverse Fauna.
Terrence Gosliner, David
Behrens, Abgel Valdes.
A most comprehensive guide
to Indo-Pacific nudibranchs and sea slugs, from South Africa to Easter
Island and from southern Japan to northern Australia. More than 1200 species
and 1500 photos, including descriptions of distinctive characteristics,
natural history, size, and
geographic distribution.
A4 size, softcover bound, 425 pages. $125.00. |
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NUDIBRANCHS OF THE WORLD
*** JUST RELEASED - IN STOCK ***
Helmut Debelius and Rudie
H. Kuiter.
We frequently speak of ‘the
ultimate guide', the ‘bible' of reference, yet not every reference book
deserves such an accolade. The IKAN series of books certainly do, but whereas
you may have thought that publisher/author Helmut Debelius has reached
his zenith, he pulls another one out of his bag of exceptional knowledge,
and produces - ‘Nudibranchs of the World'. This not an update of the acclaimed
IKAN series Nudibranchs and Sea Snails, nor in many respects does
it replace it - Nudibranchs of the World is a brand
new compendium of over 2500 colour photographs covering some
1180
species, allowing the identifcation of, probably, all known species.
Accompanying information includes location and distribution, defence, behaviour,
mimicry, camouflage size, and a general description. Because of the books
organisation into family, genus, species, it is possible to discern the
slight variations of som species between locations. Although authoured
by Debelius and Kuiter, a total of 145 photographers from all over the
world have contributed to the book.
Hardcover, laminated board
covers, large A4 format, 360 pages, index. $88.00 |
A typical page. |
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NUDIBRANCH
ENCYCLOPEDIA - Catalog of Asia/Indo-Pacific Sea Slugs.
Neville Coleman. $88
Any diver or marine life
naturalist and enthusiast who does not know of Neville Coleman had obviously
never read a book on the subject of Australis's rich and diverse marine
life, so this book will not interest them. But those who have an insatiable
appetite to learn about life under the sea will know that Neville's work
over the past four decades has been prolific - and he continues to produce
more extensive publications as well as the smaller ‘introductory' texts
on marine life that he is so popular for. The Nudibranchs Encyclopedia
is one of his largest, and best, works, with over three thousand images
of the delightfully exquisite Nudibranch family, and perhaps the less atrractive,
yet equally exotic and unusual Opisthobranchs family. There are, generally,
eight photographs of 70 x 40mm each per page, with limited but important
text of four lines each covering the common and scientific name, general
adult size, location found with brief description of habitat, general comment,
and photographer. Many of the photographs have been taken by Neville, but
not all of course, with many other contributors from within Australia and
overseas, hence the encyclopedia is extremely comprehensive, and thus a
superb identification guide. I am constantly intrigued by natur'es incredible
diversity to provide so many different, by way of shape, size and colour,
or a simple slug with exposed ‘lungs'. Why so many species? Why so many
colours? I'm not sure that Nevile answers these questions, but there is
an extensive forty page section at the beginning of the book which describes
the biology and natural history of the animals, answering questions on
habitat sight, smell, ‘hering', taste, touch and other senses; respiration,
locomotion and general mobility, ‘tailing', burropwing, ‘mantle flapping',
food and feeding, reroduction, defence and mimicry. This is a wonderful
contribution to the vaste library of Australian marine life, and well worth
the place on any marine enthusiast's shelf. Hardcover, laminated boards
(ie no dust jacket), 416 pages, full colour throughoput, sciwntific-name
index, glossary of terms, reference bibliography. |
 |
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NUDIBRANCHS
AND SEA SNAILS
From
the Red Sea to South Africa and across to the West Coast of the Americas.
Helmut
Debelius.
At
last - a definitive guide to Nudibranchs which includes Australia's Great
Barrier Reef, Papua New Guinea and the islands of the Pacific. Debelius
has also included the subclasses Prosobranchia - the abalones, limpets,
cowries coneshells, helmets and tritons just to name a few. Not only is
this a superb book for knowledge and identification, but it is also extremely
well produced, in hardcover, on quality art paper, with excellent design
layout. For a more complete description, see the section on Nudibranchs,
below.
An
IKAN
series book.
$76.00
Highly
recommended. |
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1001 NUDIBRANCHS
Catalogue of Indo-Pacific
Sea Slugs: Identification, Biodiversity, Zoology.
Neville Coleman.
Contains over 1700 full
colour photographs, a most comprehensive identification guide which includes
temperate and tropical Australia, PNG, NZ, Indonesia, Maldives, and other
island groups. With (generally) fifteen images per page, it provides for
ideal identification, with brief text. The introduction - What is an Opisthobranch?
What is a Nudibranch?, provides descriptions of the zoology of the animals,
and shows the differentiation from sea hares and other similar species.
Sections include how the live, where they live, how they eat, and how they
can be found.
Softcover, 144 pages, full
colour, scientific name index.
$64.00 |
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NUDIBRANCH
BEHAVIOUR
David Behrens.
Nudibranchs are among the
most beautiful creatures on the reef, with colors and shapes that dazzle
and delight. Unlike fish that may disappear before our eyes in a flash,
the showy nudibranch glides slowly along the substrate, allowing us the
time to savor this extraordinary sight. With their shell-less unprotected,
bodies how do they survive in seas filled with hungry mouths? How do these
sightless creatures navigate the reefs to find food and mates? What and
how do they eat? How do they reproduce? What special relationships have
they developed with other reef inhabitants? These and many more questions
are answered in this informative and lavishly illustrated book. You will
never look at nudibranchs the same way again.Softcover (flexibinding, plastic
coated). 176 pages, full colour throughout.
$48.50 Highly
recommended. |
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NUDIBRANCHS
OF THE SOUTHERN PACIFIC
Neville
Coleman.
As
a basic introduction to order Nudibranchia, Coleman's colourful book fills
the bill admirably. The introduction covers the natural history of the
‘nudibranch' in sufficient detail to aappreciate the 200 or so colour photographs
of the species that follow. The photographs are clear, the text limited
but sufficient for identification, giving scientific name, food, depth,
location, and an occurance ‘rating'. Softcover, 64 pages, full colour.There
is a dearth of information on nudibranchs, particularly on Southern water
species, so Coleman's small but useful title is most appreciated.
Softcover,
64 pages, includes natural history then some 150 species with full colour
photograph.
$24.00 |
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SEA
SLUGS OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Fred
Wells & Clayton Bryce.
Pity
about the name - this is a book on sea slugs, seahares, pteropods, the
beautiful bubble shells, nudibranchs and other beautiful marine creatures
of the Class Gastropoda, many of which occur in the eastern states. Nudibranchs
contribute to fifty percent of the book and as there is a little general
literature on the Order, particularly Australian species, this title is
most welcome. Softcover, 184p, full colour. $32.00
Review |
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UNDERSEA
JEWELS - A COLOUR GUIDE TO NUDIBRANCH
Richard Willan and Gary
Cobb.
This book records the endeavours
of Gary Cobb in studying the sea slugs of southern Queensland in the three
years from 2003. Gary has been a regular contributor to the Forum over
that time, and those of you familiar with his contributions will not be
surprised at the high quality of the photographs which grace this book.
Richard Willan has researched these fascinating animals for many years,
and between them, the authors have produced a valuable record of the fauna
of this relatively small part of the eastern Australian coastline. That
their book includes nearly 300 species from such a small area is an interesting
point in itself, illustrating just how diverse the opisthobranch fauna
can be in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-West Pacific.This
book is well designed, with one species per page, with one large photo
and two smaller photos to show colour variations or egg mass etc. The text
accompanying each species describes the external features. This is a book
for anyone interested in sea slug diversity. Apart from a few eastern Australian
endemic species, such as Rostanga arbutus, the species in this book could
have been found in New Caledonia, Fiji or Indonesia and so it is certainly
a must for anyone interested in the fauna of the Indo-west Pacific. (Extract
of review by Bill Rudman, Sea Slug Forum, Australian Museum, Sydney).
Softcover, 312 pages, full
colour throughout.
$59.40 |
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DANGEROUS
MARINE CREATURES
Carl
Edmonds.
A
field guide, with details on medical treatment. This is ostensibly a reprint
of the popular Australian edition which is not out of print. Edmonds needs
no introduction to Australian divers, and once again has the authoritive
work on the subject. The book is well illustrated, with numerous case studies
covering animals that cause trauma (shark bite), venomous (stinging) marine
animals, poisonous animals, and infections. Symptoms, first-aid, medical
treatment, and prevention are dominant. It is definitely recommended reading
for sport divers.
Softcover,
276p, full colour.
$54.00 |
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DANGEROUS
SEA CREATURES
Neville
Coleman
Aquatic
Survival Guide, with a comprehensive First Aid Management Section.
Few
books can be regarded as a musst for all divers - but this is one of them.
Not only does it escribe the sea animals that may give us some concern,
but it shows how to prevent injury, nd if that is not successful, to treat
an injury. Some of the animlas may surprise you as being dangerous - all
the more reason to know the environment in which you are diving. Covers
the biting animals, the poisoners, the venomous stingers, and other must-know
information such as dermatitis and malaria. Exceptionally well laid out
with picto-graphs for ease of knowledge.
Softcover,
full colour , 96pages.
$32.00 |
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HAZARDOUS
SEA CREATURES
A
Personal Survival Guide.
Nevile
Coleman.
As
the author states on the cover, 'Prevention is better than cure!'. The
book is divided into three sections, with chapters within each: Dangerous
Sea Creatures, Venomous Sea Creatures, Poisonous Sea Creatures. Each 'creature'
described includes a mention of Precautions, but no cure is mentioned if
the precautions are not heeded. Coleman's
useful book will not prvent you from being bitten in half by a great white
if you happen to be in the wong spot at the wrong time, but it will prevent
you from being stung, jabbed or bittenm due to ignorance of underwater
mrine life. This is a must for all divers.
Softcover,
64 pages, full colour.
$21.00 |
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AUSTRALIAN
MARINE SHELLS.
Australian
and Indo-Pacific Marine Gastropod Molluscs
Barry
Wilson
In
two magnificent volumes. Perhaps the definitive work on the subject from
the Curator of Molluscs at the W.A. Museum. Volume 1 covers the marine
prosobranchs from limpens to parasite eulimids, with a comprehensive section
on cowries. It has an extensive introduction on gastropod classification
and biology. Volume 2 covers the carnivorous neogastropods, murex and terebras,
volutes and cones. Each volume is lavishly illustrated in colour. Volumes
may be purchased separately or in a two volume slip-case set. Hardcover,
dust jacket, 408 + 370 pages. A detailed brochure is available by post
- contact us.
Vol
1 and 2 in slipcase. $260.00
Highly
Recommended. |
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ALL
ABOUT ABALONE.
Ric
Fallu.
This
is only a small softcover book of medium format, 56 pages, but it packs
a wealth of important information - the lifecycle of the abalone, how to
fish and farm them, and how to cook and keep them in aquariums.
Limited
copies available.
$16.00 |
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SEA
SHELLS OF SOUTH-EAST AUSTRALIA.
Patty
Jansen.
A
nicely put together book, suggested as the the first popular colour book
ever published on shells of South-East Australia. Covers some 414 shell
species. Non-technical without being over-simplified, the book will interest
divers, marine naturalisrts and beachcombers.
Full
page colour plates with 6 to 20 shells per page. Very well laid out.
$29.95 |
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SEASHELLS
- COLOUR GUIDE
Tucker
and Abbott.
A
handy inexpensive book to slip into the dive bag.
Softcover,
160p. Colour.
$10.00 |
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SHELLS
ALIVE!
Neville
Coleman.
This
is not an identification guide - indeed, it is far more useful as it describes
the biology and habitat of the various types of shells, the composition,
form, growth, and biology of shells, folowed by a description of the various
groups of shells, and a chapter opn cephalopds. and is thus far more useful.
Hardcover,
dustwrapper, 98 pages, medium format, some colour plates, excellent diagrams.
$24.00 |
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SEA
SHELLS OF THE WORLD - WITH VALUES
A.
Gordon Melvin. .
How
much is your Golden Cowrie worth? An exceptional guide to shells and their
value on the world market. First published in 1966 so the values are a
bit low.
Hardback,
176pages, colour, 155x215mm.
Limited
copies.
$26.00 |
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SPONDYLUS
Kevin
Lamprell.
Full
colour. The spiny oyster shells of the world.
Hardcover,
dustwrapper.
$32.00 |
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