Cephalopods of Australia and Sub-Antarctic Territories

Description:

Australian waters contain the highest diversity of cephalopods (squid, cuttlefish and octopus) found anywhere in the world. They are highly significant ecologically, both as top-level predators and as prey for numerous vertebrates, including fishes, seals, cetaceans and seabirds. This comprehensive guide covers 226 species, which represent over a quarter of the world's cephalopod fauna. With an emphasis on identification, this book includes keys, species descriptions, full-colour illustrations and distribution maps, as well as a summary of the biology and behaviour of cephalopods and fisheries information. This is an invaluable tool for researchers and fisheries experts as well as amateur naturalists, fishers and divers.

Enables all named cephalopod species to be reliably identified

Using a number of identification tools, enables recognition of commercially exploited species by a variety of end-users – essential for fisheries and conservation management

Includes an extensive literature review that will provide an invaluable starting-point for anyone working on this group of fascinating invertebrates

Contains outstanding illustrations, including colour illustrations of live animals

Provides keys and distribution maps

Identifies the current ‘gaps’ in our knowledge as a basis for future research effort

Includes up-to-date biology and fisheries information