Synopses & Reviews
Between the surface of the sea and depths of two hundred meters lies a remarkable range of fish, generally known as pelagics, or open-ocean dwellers. These creatures are among the largest, fastest, highest-leaping, and most migratory fish on the entire planet. Beautifully adapted to their world, they range from tiny drift fish and plankton-straining whale sharks to more streamlined predators such as tuna, marlin, sailfish, and wahoo.
Fishes of the Open Ocean, from leadingmarine biologistand world authorityon the subject JulianPepperell, is the firstbook to comprehensivelydescribe thesefishes and explore thecomplex and oftenfragile world in whichthey live. In whatwill be the definitivebook on the subject for years to comeand#8212;and, with over three hundredcolor images, the most lavishly produced as welland#8212;Pepperell details theenvironment and biology of every major species of fish that inhabitsthe open ocean, an expanse that covers 330 million cubic miles and isthe largest aquatic habitat on the Earth. The first section of the bookintroduces the various evolutionary forms these fish have taken, as wellas the ways in which specific species interact and coevolve withothers in the food web. A chapter on commercial andsport fisheries explores the human element in thisrealm and considers such issues as sustainability,catch-and-release initiatives, and the risks of extinction.
The second section of the book provides species accounts of open ocean dwellers organized by group, with overviews and general descriptions that are inclusive of range and distribution, unique physiological and morphological attributes, and the role of each species within its ecosystem. Global distribution maps, original illustrations from renowned artist and scientist Guy Harvey, and truly stunning images from some of the worldand#8217;s leading underwater photographers round out this copiously illustrated volume.
Review
and#8220;In this gorgeous book, ichthyologist Pepperell introduces famous and lesser known fish to the general reader. Part One describes the general environment of the open ocean, the role the fish play in the ecology, their general biology, and their importance to humans as sport or food fish. Part Two is a guide to the fishand#8212;and what fish these are! How many of us know that a blue marlin can weigh over 1,800 pounds? Also covered are mackerels, jacks, sharks, rays, and other lesser-known species.and#8221;
Review
"Pepperell begins with short discussions of food webs, morphologic adaptations that have independently evolved in several groups, and the impacts of commercial and sports fisheries. The remainder of the book summarizes the identification, distribution, and biology of all major open ocean species, including billfish, tuna, mackerels, jacks, and pelagic sharks and rays. Harvey has painted each species; many are also presented in informative underwater photographs."
Review
and#8220;For beginning scholars and avid anglers, this volume will undoubtedly teach them about the biology and ecology of the diverse assemblages of open ocean fishes. But for all, including seasoned researchers, the detailed illustrations and color photographs are much more than just a delight to look at, they offer the opportunity to differentiate the closely related species without compromising the innate beauty of each. Taken together, this book will be a wonderful resource for anyone generally interested in these fishes.and#8221;
About the Author
Julian Pepperell, PhD, is one of the best-known marine biologists in the world and a leading authority on marlin, sailfish, tuna, and sharks. He has conducted research on these fishes in partnership with governments across the globe for over thirty years and is an adjunct professor at a number of universities. He is past president of the Australian Society for Fish Biology and recipient of the prestigious Conservation Award from the International Game Fish Association. Guy Harvey is a unique blend of artist, scientist, diver, angler, and conservationist. In 1999 he collaborated with the Oceanographic Center of Nova Southeastern University to create the Guy Harvey Research Institute, providing scientific information for effective conservation and restoration of fish biodiversity.
Table of Contents
Part Oneand#160; Environment, Biology and Fisheries
1and#160;and#160; Why fishes of the open ocean?
2and#160;and#160; The oceanic web of life
3and#160;and#160; Form and function
4and#160;and#160; Interactions with humans
Part Twoand#160; Guide to the Fishes
5and#160;and#160; Billfishes
6and#160;and#160; Tunas
7and#160;and#160; Mackerels
8and#160;and#160; Jacks/trevallies
9and#160;and#160;and#160;Other pelagic gamefishes
10 Sharks and rays
11 Other open-ocean fishes
Bibliography
Index
Acknowledgements