front cover of Fishes of the Gulf of Mexico, Vol. 1
Fishes of the Gulf of Mexico, Vol. 1
Myxiniformes to Gasterosteiformes
By John McEachran and Janice D. Fechhelm
University of Texas Press, 1998

The Gulf of Mexico is the ninth largest body of water in the world and contains over 15 percent of all known species of marine fishes. This diverse fish fauna has been the subject of many publications, but, until now, no work has ever surveyed all known species, including the deep sea fishes and those of the southern Gulf.

This book is the first of two volumes that will cover the entire fish fauna of the Gulf of Mexico. An introductory section that outlines the Gulf's geographical setting, geological origin, current patterns, tides, sediments, meteorology, ecology, and biological exploration is followed by a key for the forty-four orders of fishes known from the Gulf. Keys and descriptions are provided for families, which are arranged phylogenetically, and for the species, which are arranged alphabetically, described, and distinguished from similar species. All but a few species are illustrated.

[more]

front cover of Fishes of the Gulf of Mexico, Volume 2
Fishes of the Gulf of Mexico, Volume 2
Scorpaeniformes to Tetraodontiformes
By John D. McEachran and Janice D. Fechhelm
University of Texas Press, 2006

This book is the second of two volumes that cover the entire fish fauna of the Gulf of Mexico. It includes the orders Scorpaeniformes, Perciformes, Pleuronectiformes, and Tetraodontiformes. Keys and descriptions are provided for the families, which are arranged phylogenetically, and for the species, which are arranged alphabetically, described (including distribution and life history), and distinguished from similar species. All but a few species are illustrated. The volume also includes a biogeographical synopsis of the fishes of the Gulf of Mexico.

[more]

front cover of Shore Ecology of the Gulf of Mexico
Shore Ecology of the Gulf of Mexico
By Joseph C. Britton and Brian Morton
University of Texas Press, 1989

To the casual visitor, the Gulf of Mexico shores offer mainly sun, sand, and sea. Even the standard field guides, focused on one group of animals or plants, barely hint at the wealth and diversity of habitats and species along Gulf shores. Shore Ecology of the Gulf of Mexico, using a “whole habitat” approach, breaks new ground in describing all the conspicuous vascular plants, algae, birds, mammals, mollusks, crustaceans, and other invertebrates for each marine habitat. The area covered begins west of the Mississippi delta in Louisiana and follows the shores west and south to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico.

Transitions between habitats also receive detailed treatment. The authors discuss changes in flora and fauna that result from differences in climate, shore geology, and patterns of precipitation in the succeeding habitats along the Gulf rim. They include discussion of more than 1,000 species of plants and animals, both on shore and in the near-shore subtidal zone, to give a virtually complete picture of western Gulf coast ecosystems. Excellent line drawings and photographs of over 800 species complement the text.

For marine scientists, students, and knowledgeable beachcombers, this is a thorough source on Gulf coast marine life.

[more]


Send via email Share on Facebook Share on Twitter