Early Stages of Atlantic Fishes: An Identification Guide for the Western Central North Atlantic, Two Volume Set

The Early Life History (ELH) of marine fishes in Fishing Area 31, which includes the western central North Atlantic, Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, has remained somewhat incomplete over the years. This certainly was not because of any lack of interest, but rather because of the lack of a comprehensive merging of studies that would provide us with a broad understanding, as well as identify any gaps in the literature.Early Stages of Atlantic Fishes: An Identification Guide for the Western Central North Atlantic fills the void in an exceptionally thorough fashion. Coordinated by William Richards, one of the United States' most respected fishery scientists, this two-volume set is the definitive reference covering the ELH of those fishes found in that part of the Atlantic stretching from North Carolina to the equator, across the territorial waters of at least 40 countries. With contributions from more than 70 international experts, it should be of great interest to fishery scientists, marine biologists, oceanographers, and ecologists.Over 2600 pages, this two-volume masterwork covers the eggs, larvae, and juveniles of all families known to inhabit this area. It brings together all of the published information of merit plus original research results, providing information designed to identify these ELH stages generally collected by plankton nets. Chapters in the volume are devoted to each of the 214 families. All of them include a brief synopsis of the family, early life-stage identification, meristic data tables, and significant accounts of lower taxa, with one page giving detailed information and the facing page devoted to illustrations.Discusses methodology and techniques for conducting larval studies, including the handling of specimens, throughout the world