With a natural history and identification guide to the aquatic animal life of ponds, lakes and rivers, with more than 700 detailed illustrations and colour photographs, this book offers superb world coverage of the many kinds of fish, reptiles and amphibians living in the fresh water environment. The book begins with an accessible introduction to fresh water biology, including the evolutionary journey that begins with prehistoric armoured fish and concludes with the scaly, jawed creatures we recognise today. Specific sections are dedicated to the major fresh water animal groups - from bony and cartilaginous fish to reptiles, amphibians, aquatic mammals and invertebrates - and the major fish families are placed within a family tree. Further sections link sensory ability with navigation, feeding, vision, and look at the survival strategies underpinning behaviour such as schooling, courtship and nest-building. The major part of the book contains fully illustrated continental directories on key fresh water families. Creatures are grouped with close relatives to enable the reader to compare or distinguish between similar-looking species. Softcover, 256 pages, 29cm x 23cm.
Very good condition.