Early Alert
On SaleSharks and Rays of Australia
Second Edition
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323 Maps, Colour illustrations, Line Art,
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Description | Vodcast | Features | Contents | Sample | Readership | Reviews | Author Information | Related Titles
Description
The waters around Australia are home to the greatest diversity of sharks and rays on Earth. Spookfish, numbfish, stingarees, fiddler rays and cookie-cutter sharks are just some of the 322 shark, ray and chimaerid species illustrated in the latest edition of Sharks and Rays of Australia.
Australia’s sharks, rays and chimaerids — collectively known as Chondrichthyans — are just as intriguing as their names suggest. Their eclectic colours, shapes and patterns reflect environments ranging from remote estuaries to ocean depths. Their new descriptions, and their striking portraits by watercolourist Roger Swainston, will help to guide the identification and conservation of these diverse species.
The first edition of Sharks and Rays of Australia was produced in 1994. Since then, 29 species have been discovered in Australian seas and more than 100 species have been named and formally described. As well as documenting these advances, the new edition includes updated species classifications and descriptions, distribution maps, line illustrations by Georgina Davis, family keys and outlines of Chondrichthyan biology and interactions with humans. The book catalogues a rich seam of Australia’s marine biodiversity, providing an indispensible compendium for scientists and a baseline reference for the fishing industry.
Sharks and Rays of Australia is an essential reference for professional and recreational fishermen, divers, naturalists, students, fish and conservation biologists, and anyone interested in sharks and rays.
Vodcast
Interview with Peter Last and John Stevens
Press play arrow to start
- The definitive reference to Class Chondrichthyes found in Australian waters
- Brings 322 species (182 sharks, 125 rays and 15 chimaerids) to life
- 300 full colour paintings in precise detail by Roger Swainston
- 600 line illustrations by Georgina Davis
- Updated family keys, species ranges and location maps
Contents
View the table of contents and introduction.
Sample
View sample pages from Sharks and Rays of Australia.
Reviews
"Magnificent. Probably the best value book you'll ever buy.
The authors and the publisher, the CSIRO, have done a wonderful job. It is comprehensive, incredibly detailed, intensively researched and outstandingly well illustrated. Even if you are not terribly interested in Australia's huge range of sharks and rays, this book is worth purchasing as a work of art.
It really is that good."
Ausmarine, October 2009
"The authors' expertise is reflected in the quality of the book's content. In-depth descriptions and full colour illustrations make this the essential reference for professional and recreational fishers, divers, marine biologists - basically, anyone interested in cartilaginous fishes. Information on how to use the book and a wonderfully succinct glossary make for a very user-friendly reference."
Fiona Maxwell, Wildlife Australia Magazine, Spring 2009
"Not only will shark aficionados want to own and browse through this book, but anyone interested in the amazing biodiversity of our oceans will be fascinated by its contents. You will be enthralled by weird and wonderful creatures such as the rare, bottom-dwelling goblin shark, with its alien-like protrusible jaws…Heck, I would buy this book for the illustrations alone. If you want to see 'fish art' at its best, take a look at the wobbegong paintings. Simply stunning."
Dr. Julian Pepperell, www.bluewatermag.com.au, 2009
"It is difficult to find fault with this beautifully produced and presented book...This book will be a welcome addition to the libraries of marine scientists, fishers and all other ocean lovers, and is a great credit to the authors and their colleagues involved in improving our understanding of Australia's marine fauna and, in particular, this vulnerable group."
Dr Ken Graham, Australian Museum Magazine, June-August 2009
“The fully updated second edition of Sharks and Rays of Australia provides the most comprehensive description of Australia’s chondrichthyan fishes available today. One of the most helpful identification aids, particularly for use in the field, is Swainston’s technically accurate yet artistically stunning composite illustrations.”
Rory McAuley, Australian Marine Sciences Association Bulletin, 2009
“The book catalogues a rich seam of Australia’s marine biodiversity, providing an indispensible compendium for scientists.”
ARAZPA News, May 2009
“I looked forward to the second edition of this great book…and I am happy to report that it is even better than the first edition. At a recommended price of $120, this is not a cheap book, but for anyone with more than a passing interest in our sharks and rays, it is an essential reference tool that will be used for many years to come.”
Julian Pepperell, tradeabout.com.au, 2009
Readership
Sharks and Rays of Australia is an essential reference for professional and recreational fishermen, divers, naturalists, students, fish and conservation biologists, and anyone interested in sharks and rays.
Author Information
Dr Peter Last is Curator of the Australian National Fish Collection, and a Senior Principal Research Scientist at CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research, Hobart. Dr Last specialises in the taxonomy, biogeography and systematics of the Australian fish fauna, and is a world authority on the taxonomy of sharks, skates and rays.
Dr John Stevens is a Senior Principal Research Scientist at CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research, Hobart. Dr Stevens has more than 30 years’ experience working on the systematics, biology, ecology, fisheries and conservation biology of chondrichthyan fishes (sharks, rays and chimaeras).
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