On rocky coastlines, receding tides leave standing pools that have long held a fascination for the amateur seashore naturalist, revealing glimpses of colourful and curious marine plants and animals. Animal diversity is far greater in the sea than in terrestrial or freshwater habitats, and the hugely varied fauna of rock pools reflects that fact. Rock pools also undergo dramatic shifts in temperature, salinity and pH, making such habitats crucibles of adaptation and change. This Naturalists’ Handbook offers a comprehensive introduction to this mysterious world, with chapters covering rock-pool ecology, seaweeds, animals, identification and guidelines for possible fieldwork and further study.

Also presented are detailed keys to all the main groups likely to be encountered when rockpooling around Britain and Ireland – from sea squirts to chitons, from anemones to sea spiders, from amphipods to fishes. Rock Pools is an indispensable tool in discovering these kaleidoscopic habitats and their multitudinous inhabitants.

About The Author

Peter J. Hayward

Product Details

Publisher: Pelagic (October 15, 2022)
Length: 183 pages
ISBN13: 9781784273590

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Raves and Reviews

This is a holistic guide to one of the most accessible and fascinating marine habitats, written by one of the great authorities on marine ecology. Engaging introductory chapters that illustrate the physical and biological processes experienced by rockpools and their inhabitants, are paired with illustrated keys to taxa. This is the perfect companion for anyone who wishes to delve deeper into the shallow oases of the rocky shore.

– Dr Andrea Waeschenbach, Senior Researcher, Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum

...in many places we will come across rock pools full of wonderful wildlife, but can you ID them? This book will help you... ideal to get your children/grandchildren into searching the rock pools.

– John Miles, birdwatching.co.uk

The illustrations are very well done and the information contained in the book show Peter's in-depth knowledge of the species that occupy this amazing environment... Congratulations to Peter and Pelagic Publishing for producing a book that deserves to be used as the definitive guide to rock pools.

– Neil Garrick Maidment, British Naturalists' Association