Coral Reefs

An illustrated look at corals and the reefs they build around the world, and the causes and dire consequences of their rapid disappearanceCorals are among the most varied lifeforms on Earth, ranging from mushroom corals and leather corals to button polyps, sea fans, anemones, and pulse corals. Bridging the gap between plant and animal, these marine invertebrates serve as homes to reef fish and share symbiotic relationships with photosynthesizing algae, which provide corals with their nourishment. This stunningly illustrated book profiles the astonishing diversity of the world's coral groups, describing key aspects of their natural history and explaining why coral reefs are critical to the health of our oceans. Representative examples of corals have been selected to illustrate the broad range of species, and the book's lively and informative commentary covers everything from identification to conservation, making it an essential resource for marine biologists, divers, and anyone who is fascinated by these remarkable sea creatures.Features more than 200 exquisite color photosHighlights key aspects of corals and their natural historyFeatures representative examples from around the worldIncludes photos of rare and unusual species

"Charles Sheppard’s Coral Reefs: A Natural History not only explains what corals are and how they live, but reveals through exquisite photography the glories of the reef at all scales."---Tim Flannery, The New York Review of Books, "In his gorgeous book, Life Sciences, professor Charles Sheppard celebrates the beauty of coral reefs and their dependants – ‘a wriggling tapestry of colour’ – while also warning of the threat to the reefs’ existence from ocean warming, pollution and soaring populations.", "Stunningly beautiful . . . . I will never look at a coral reef in the same way again and will marveleven more at their beauty and complexity."---Daria Blackwell, Flying Fish, "The book covers the huge list of dangers that reefs face today and how people are working to protect them. It looks at artificial reef structures and the marine life that lives on them. There are chapters on reef fish and sharks and how the diverse species living on the reefs interact. . . . I will never look at a coral reef in the same way again and will marvel even more at their beauty and complexity."---Caroline Robertson-Brown, Scubaverse, "This excellent book, by Charles Sheppard, a foremost author of academic, popular and educational books on coral reefs, reflects a lifetime studying and enjoying these ecosystems. . . . I recommend that, in addition, to getting your own copy, you give the book to budding (and experienced) marine biologists."---Mike Elliott, The Marine Biologist

Charles Sheppard is professor emeritus of life sciences at the University of Warwick. His books include The Biology of Coral Reefs and Coral Reefs: A Very Short Introduction. Consultant editor Russell Kelley is the author of the Indo Pacific Coral Finder and the Reef Finder. He is program director of the Coral Identification Capacity Building Program, which provides training in coral identification around the world.