Discover the astonishing truth about our aquatic cousins: how they think and what they know, their experiences and unique behaviours, and the many things we have in common.
There are 33,000 species of fish on our planet, and that number is constantly increasing. In context, that is more than all the species of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles added together, making fish the most numerous vertebrates on our planet. Waters worldwide are teeming with these elusive creatures, but how much do we really know about them? Grouped into thematic chapters – including the Dangerous and Deadly, Unusual Giants and Mini Marvels – inside biologist Doug Mackay-Hope profiles the secret lives of 50 of our most interesting underwater cousins in this insightful and myth-busting text, complete with charming watercolour diagrams and expert insights.
"[...] Mackay-Hope provides short profiles of just 50 of these 33,000 species. He has chosen well [...] the chapters describe the general ecology and special attributes of each of the selected species in sufficient detail and clarity to satisfy the curiosity of the non-specialist reader, and satiate the appetite of a more seasoned specialist audience. Whilst this is not a textbook, it Is clear that the author has an appreciation for published science, bringing some rigour to each species account."
–Colin Bean, The Niche 53(2), summer 2022