The New Encyclopedia of Aquatic Life is a comprehensive reference work that examines the behavior, ecology, and evolution of all fish and invertebrate groups living in Earth's waters. Written by a team of distinguished zoologists, this authoritative two-volume set includes examples from all corners of the Earth and will appeal to the generalist as well as the dedicated reader. The lively text, full-color photographs, and illustrations make this reference the most extensive and engaging introduction to the vast array of aquatic life available.

The encyclopedia is divided into two volumes: Aquatic Invertebrates and Fishes and Fishes and Aquatic Mammals. Fishes form the most obvious fauna of our oceans, rivers, and lakes. Although many hundreds of millions of years ago they spawned the higher terrestrial animals, today these creatures remain aquatic—they do not come out of water onto land. Some of the many orders of fishes covered are sharks, eels, catfishes, and lantern fishes. Referring to an immense variety of inconspicuous animals as well as the more familiar crabs, lobsters, and squid, aquatic invertebrates are extremely diverse and have a long evolutionary history. Some of the invertebrate classes included are hydras, sea anemones and corals, clams and mussels, barnacles, and sea spiders.
Examples of aquatic mammals include whales and dolphins, as well as seals and sea lions.

The New Encyclopedia of Aquatic Life extensively reviews the fascinating diversity of the hidden world under water. In addition to covering virtually all groups of aquatic life forms, the volumes also contain special features that provide interesting information on topics related to aquatic life—great migrations, fishes underground, caring for young, coral reef conservation, medicinal leeches, krill and the marine food chain, and more.
This authoritative reference engages readers in a process of discovery that will lead them into an underwater world of wonderful and diverse life. The definitive guide to the subject, The New Encyclopedia of Aquatic Life is a must for school and public libraries, as well as for those who are fascinated by fishes and other forms of life living in the planet's waters.