This identification guide covers all coral groups, and with a wealth of background information it is suitable for both divers and aquarists.
Today the term “coral reef” calls to mind one of the most fascinating and varied environments on our planet.
Coral reefs are formed by tiny polyps that draw lime from the sea water and shape it into cup-like habitats. Millions of these minuscule cups are joined together in rows and layers to form huge limestone structures.
With more than 1000 photographs and several captivating short stories, this book provides a breathtaking panorama of the coral world and identifies its inhabitants like gorgonians, stoloniferans, soft corals, sea pens and the popular stony corals as well as sea anemones, black and fire corals.
Contents
• Introduction
• Cnidarians
• Anthozoans
• Octocorallians
• Gorgonians
• Stoloniferans
• Leather and Soft Corals
• Blue Corals
• Sea Pens
• Hexacorallians
• Stony Corals
• Sea Anemones
• Corallimorphs
• Zoanthid polyps
• Tube Anemones
• Black Corals
• Hydrozoans
• Fire Corals
• Index
• Glossary
• Picture Stories
 Civilisation's Pressure on Corals
 Red Gold
 Coral Farming
 In Case You Haven't Had Enough!
 A Microscopic View
 Coral Bleaching
 Tuvalu - How Do You Do?
 Coral Spawning At Reef HQ
 Anemone-City
 A Full Moon's Consequences
 Polyp Killer
