Secret Life of Fish: The Astonishing Truth about our Aquatic Cousins

Fish are the most numerous vertebrates on our planet, with 33,000 species. This comprehensive book profiles 50 of our most interesting underwater cousins, including the White-Spotted Pufferfish, Ocellate River Stingray, Bargibant's Pygmy Seahorse, and Whale Shark. It includes charming watercolour diagrams and expert insights, with maps showing where in the globe they can be found and facts on how they live, hunt, and escape predators. Beautiful illustrations and photographs accompany each entry.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 224 pages
\n Publication date: 28 September 2021
\n Publisher: The Ivy Press
\n

Discover the captivating world of our aquatic relatives: their cognitive abilities, knowledge, experiences, and unique behaviors. Delve into the depths of their existence, exploring the many things that unite us with these remarkable creatures.

Our planet is home to an astounding 33,000 fish species, a staggering number that exceeds the combined count of mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles. As a result, fish claim the title of the most numerous vertebrates on our Earth. The vast waters across the globe teem with these elusive organisms, yet our understanding of them remains relatively limited.

In this comprehensive book, biologist Doug Mackay-Hope takes us on a journey to uncover the secret lives of 50 captivating underwater cousins. Organized into thematic chapters such as "Dangerous and Deadly," "Unusual Giants," and "Mini Marvels," this book provides an insightful and myth-busting exploration of the underwater realm.

Through charming watercolour diagrams and expert insights, Mackay-Hope profiles a diverse range of fish species, including the White-Spotted Pufferfish, whose spines conceal a deadly toxin, the Ocellate River Stingray, known for its lethal touch, and the Bargibant's Pygmy Seahorse, measuring just 2 cm in length. Discover the awe-inspiring Whale Shark, growing to around 13 meters in length, and the peculiar creatures of the deep ocean, such as the Peter's Elephantnosed Fish and the kaleidoscopic Picasso's Triggerfish.

This book is a treasure trove of fascinating fish facts, accompanied by detailed maps that showcase their distribution across the globe. Learn about their habitats, hunting strategies, and ingenious ways of evading predators. Beautiful illustrations and photographs accompany each entry, enhancing our understanding and appreciation of these remarkable creatures.

In addition to its educational value, this book serves as a reference for fish enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. With a foreword by renowned TV presenter Jeremy Wade, known for his work on "River Monsters" and "Mighty Rivers," and a passionate official fish aficionado, Mackay-Hope brings his expertise and enthusiasm to the pages.

Whether you are a seasoned fish enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of underwater wonders, "Fifty Fish: An Underwater Compendium" will captivate your imagination and inspire a deeper appreciation for our aquatic cousins. So, dive into the pages of this book and embark on a journey of discovery, where you will uncover the astonishing truth about our aquatic relatives and the many things that we have in common.

\n Weight: 820g\n
Dimension: 172 x 233 x 30 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780711260993\n \n