AQUATIC ANIMALS IN THE WILD AND IN CAPTIVITY

Six aquatic habitats (freshwater lakes and wetlands; rivers; estuaries and salt marshes; coasts; coral reefs; and the open sea) and the animals that live in them are described, together with an overview of new aquariums that emphasize displaying animals in naturalistic settings plus chatty facts about birds, mammals, fish and invertebrates living in and around the waterways. The vivid color photos and informational tidbits are intriguing: e.g., the Baltimore Aquarium discovered that the blue poison arrow frog could be induced to lay eggs in the snapoff bottoms of two-liter soda bottles; and a giant Pacific octopus at the Scripps Aquarium supplemented his diet by climbing out of his tank at night and snacking on fish in neighboring tanks. One error will irritate shark fanciers: ""Instead of laying eggs like most other fish, sharks are live-bearers, animals that give birth to living young."" Some are, yes, but some aren't (as visitors to the Smithsonian Museum shark exhibit will attest). Still, an attractive and informative book--a strong plea for protecting our watery environment and its inhabitants. Index.