Best (REEF) reference book??

[underachiever]

What is the best reference book for identifying all the living creatures on a reef? The ones that swim and the ones that don't.

Tanks,
Randy

 

[archman]

What part of the world? Either way, check out the Paul Humann series of books. If he doesn't have a photo-rich field guide for an area, it's on his to-do list.

 

[underachiever]

The Keys (or the Carribbean) for a start. That will probably be the locations for a while.

 

[archman]

For Florida & Caribbean fishes, try Reef Fish Identification, 3rd edition: Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean. You can order these online from Barnes & Noble or Amazon. A lot of Florida dive shops carry them too.

 

[del_mo]

Here are two books to consider....highly recommended:
National Audubon Society - Tropical Marine Fishes
Reef Fish Behavior - by Ned Deloach and Paul Humann

 

[Charlie99]

For Florida & Caribbean fishes, try Reef Fish Identification, 3rd edition: Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean. You can order these online from Barnes & Noble or Amazon. A lot of Florida dive shops carry them too.

And for the rest of the things on the reef, Humann has two other books: Reef Creature ID for the invertebrates, and Reef Coral ID for the coral of the reef itself. All three books can be bought as a set for about $100. These books are edited by Ned Deloach.

Once you have used those 3 for indentifying fish, invertebrates, and coral, a good book to learn about behavior and interactions is "Reef Fish Behavior" by Ned Deloach, with photographs by Paul Humann. It's designed as a companion to the Humann Reef ID books.

 

[underachiever]

Thanks for the help. Now to a used book site.

 

[Jcsgt]

Paul Humann also puts out a couple interactive DVDs
http://www.fishid.com/cgi-bin/shop.cgi?action=show&product=RNET_CD&session=LC3VVDJS

 

[archman]

Thanks for the help. Now to a used book site.

If you get the Reef Fish book, make sure it's the 3rd edition. This is MUCH improved over earlier editions.

 

[bjpell]

I totally agree with all that is said about Paul Humann's series of id books. You can’t go wrong with them if you dive the Caribbean, Gulf, or Florida. I bought the 3 book ID series on Amazon for about $75 with shipping. One of the best series I have ever added to my library. Make sure you get the 3rd edition and with the protective plastic covers. Watch out because many are selling paperback, or the older 2nd edition. LeisurePro has it for 99 bucks if I remember right and they are also the right books.

Hope this helps.

-=ben