Rock pools

By (author) Peter J. Hayward

Publication date:

27 September 2022

Publisher

Pelagic Publishing

Dimensions:

210x148mm
6x8"

ISBN-13: 9781784273590

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 captivating 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.

Editor’s preface
Acknowledgements
About the author
About Naturalists’ Handbooks

1. Introduction
2. The pool environment
3. Rock-pool seaweeds
4. Rock-pool animals
5. Identification
Key A Guide to major invertebrate animal groups
Key B Sessile, modular animals
Key C Sea spiders (Pycnogonida)
  Key D Isopods
  Key E Amphipods
  Key F Decapods
  Key G Shelled gastropods
  Key H Chitons
  Key I Bivalves
  Key J Polychaetes
  Key K Heterobranchia
  Key L Sea anemones
  Key M Echinoderms
  Key N Rock-pool fishes
6. Investigating rock pools
7. References and further reading

Index

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.