The information on this page is taken from (1) "Book Reviews" and "Books Received" previously published in Journal of Aquariculture & Aquatic Sciences, (2) reviews and lists specially written and compiled for these on-line listings, and (3) pre-publication reviews for Journal of Aquariculture & Aquatic Sciences.

Marine Botany, 2nd ed. by: Clinton J. Dawes date published: 27 February 1998 publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. , 605 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10158-0012 I.S.B.N.: 0-471-19208-2 format: hardbound, xiv + 480 pages retail price: $79.95 Buy this book

This publication is a valuable reference for students and while it is not a book aimed primarily at aquarists, those with an interest in marine plants will want to add it their libraries. The species covered include one-celled algae, seaweeds, grasses and the plants of salt marshes and mangrove swamps. Plant classifications are covered as are species descriptions and the environments (habitats) in which they are found. Aspects of light penetration and absorbance, temperature, water motion, salinity dissolved oxygen and carbon dioxide and nutrients are discussed in detail. The concept of plant succession is covered (this is a factor too often overlooked in aquarium environments).

There is a chapter devoted to coral reefs and the plants found there. Included in this chapter is information about symbiotic algae and calcification. The discussion of reef macroalgae ecology is one which should be studied by all marine reef aquarists. There is a presentation of how factors such as how the domination or absence of hermatypic corals effects the marine algae communities on natural reefs. The importance of grazing by herbivorous fishes and urchins is shown and how it effects both the total algal biomass and species diversity. There are details given for the major kinds of reef communities and the characteristics of the algal species found therein.

The books concludes with an appendix of methods used to study marine plants, including their collection and transport. The index is extensive and the bibliography is fifty-three pages long.

Biogeochemistry of Gulf of Mexico Estuaries edited by: Thomas S. Bianchi, Jonathan R. Pennock & Robert R. Twilley date published: (1998) publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. , 605 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10158-0012 I.S.B.N.: 0-471-16174-8 format: hardbound, xix + 428 pages retail price: $89.95 Buy this book