Synopses & Reviews
If you travel the open ocean anywhere in the tropics, you are very likely to see flyingfish. These beautifully colored "ocean butterflies" shoot out of the water and sail on majestic, winglike pectoral fins to escape from predators such as dolphins, swordfish, and tuna. Some can travel for more than six hundred feet per flight. Yet despite their prevalence in warm ocean waters and their vital role in the tropical food chain, surprisingly little is known about flyingfish--more than 60 species are said to exist, but nobody is sure of the number. This beautifully illustrated book presents flyingfish as you've never seen them before. It features more than 90 stunning color photos by renowned naturalist Steve Howell, as well as a concise and accessible text that explores the natural history of flyingfish, where they can be found, how and why they fly, what colors they are, what they eat and what eats them, and more.
The ideal gift for fish lovers, seasoned travelers, and armchair naturalists alike, this first-of-its-kind book provides a rare and incomparable look at these spectacular marine creatures.
- Presents flyingfish like you've never seen them before
- Features more than 90 stunning color images
- Explores the natural history of flyingfish, where to see them, how they fly, and more
- The ideal gift book for fish lovers, ecotravelers, birders, and armchair naturalists
Review
"A mesmerizing natural history."--Scott Shalaway, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Review
"Beautiful. . . . Informative as Howell's book is, the best thing about it are the photographs. The pictures of the different varieties of flyingfish captured in flight are truly spectacular."--Asbury Park Press
Review
"Charming. . . . [A] great book for any fan of natural history and anyone who still remembers they day they discovered some fish can fly!"--Gabriel Thoumi, Mongabay.com
Review
"Ornithologist Steve Howell's engrossing natural history is embellished with 90 superb colour photographs of the ornate goldwing and other beauties among these 'ocean butterflies'."--Nature
Review
"Watching flyingfish is one of my favorite things about pelagic trips. If you'd like to find out more about these strange fish, this tiny, but attractive, book is for you."--Grant McCreary, Birder's Library
Review
"This slim book is filled with fascinating facts, interesting anecdotes and lovely photographs about a widespread family of fishes that are almost completely unknown. Fishkeepers, fishermen, globetrotters and nature lovers--whether an adult or a young person--will enjoy this book. Hopefully, it will help inspire both research and conservation efforts focused upon these essential animals."--Devorah Bennu, GrrlScientist, Guardian
Review
"Delightful. . . . Answers many questions about these interesting fish."--Gerry Rising, Buffalo News
Review
"The Amazing World of Flyingfish . . . is amazing. Once I opened it I did not put it down. . . . I now have a strong urge to be back on the bow, looking at the deep blue water, waiting for that mysterious explosion of gossamer and silver. Fish enthusiasts, travelers, naturalists and photographers will love this book, so buy it for friends and family. Most of all buy a copy for yourself."--Roy John, Canadian Field-Naturalist
Review
"I highly recommend this wonderful book to anyone interested in the diversity of life and/or sea creatures."--DRK, Wildlife Activist
Review
"It is a beautiful little book."--DOB, Flying Fish
Synopsis
A one-of-a-kind illustrated book that presents flyingfish as you've never seen them before
If you travel the open ocean anywhere in the tropics, you are very likely to see flyingfish. These beautifully colored ocean butterflies shoot out of the water and sail on majestic, winglike pectoral fins to escape from predators such as dolphins, swordfish, and tuna. Some can travel for more than six hundred feet per flight. Yet despite their prevalence in warm ocean waters and their vital role in the tropical food chain, surprisingly little is known about flyingfish--more than 60 species are said to exist, but nobody is sure of the number. This beautifully illustrated book presents flyingfish as you've never seen them before. It features more than 90 stunning color photos by renowned naturalist Steve Howell, as well as a concise and accessible text that explores the natural history of flyingfish, where they can be found, how and why they fly, what colors they are, what they eat and what eats them, and more.
The ideal gift for fish lovers, seasoned travelers, and armchair naturalists alike, this first-of-its-kind book provides a rare and incomparable look at these spectacular marine creatures.
- Presents flyingfish like you've never seen them before
- Features more than 90 stunning color images
- Explores the natural history of flyingfish, where to see them, how they fly, and more
- The ideal gift book for fish lovers, ecotravelers, birders, and armchair naturalists
-- "Asbury Park Press"
Synopsis
"For those readers who have never ventured onto a tropical sea and don't yet believe that fish can fly, prepare to be dazzled by Howell's stunning photographs and to be amazed and charmed by flyingfish."--Robert L. Pitman, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
About the Author
Steve N. G. Howell is a senior leader with WINGS, an international bird tour company, and has spent almost four years of his life traveling throughout the worlds oceans. His books include Rare Birds of North America and Petrels, Albatrosses, and Storm-Petrels of North America (both Princeton).
Table of Contents
Preface ix
WHAT IS A FLYINGFISH? 1
WHERE DO FLYINGFISH LIVE? 5
HOW MANY KINDS ARE THERE? 7
HOW BIG ARE THEY? 10
HOW DO THEY FLY? 12
WHY DO THEY FLY? 19
WHAT COLORS ARE THEY? 27
HOW CAN I IDENTIFY THEM? 34
A Note on the Photos 39
Acknowledgments 41
References 43
Index 45