When you think of crustaceans, you probably think of crabs, prawns and lobsters. But Australian waters abound with many types of crustaceans. Most of these we never think about--we may not even know they exist. Without them, however the food chains in the oceans would collapse. They are indispensable to the larger marine animals, and so to ourselves.
A Field Guide to Crustaceans of Australian Waters is a complete summary of Australia's known crustaceans. It is the only book of its kind. A great deal of research has been undertaken since the first edition of this book was published. Our knowledge has expanded and with it our understanding of some very strange and 'clever' life cycles and adaptations, and some very curious behaviours. This second edition incorporates up—to—date information, checked by world experts, and even features the recently discovered subterranean crustaceans, some of which have never--literally--seen the light of day.
The book will be of interest to fishermen, both amateur and professional. Marine zoologists, research organisations and fisheries will find it useful for identification and other purposes. For the general reader it will open a door on the competitive and often dangerous life of ocean-dwellers.