An authoritative visual guide to marine and freshwater life around the world including hundreds of fish, shells, crabs, corals, echinoderms, seals, jellyfish, sharks, turtles, rays, whales and amphibians. An informative directory details 1250 species, shown in superb artworks, with facts about distribution, habitat, feeding, size and breeding. Marine and freshwater habitats are described and explored, including cool lakes, coral reefs, tropical swamps, shallow streams and deep oceans. The watery habitats of the world are home to a more varied and concentrated array of animal life than anywhere on dry land. This guide contains an explanation of how certain key animal groups have evolved to live and breed within their different environments. The detailed directory section provides a comprehensive overview to the vast array of marine and freshwater life that inhabit the globe. Each profile features a descriptive identification guide and contains a map to pinpoint distribution, plus information on habitat, size, breeding and more. This visual encyclopedia offers an insight into the wonderful world of freshwater and marine creatures.