Sharks of the world

Compagno, a leading shark taxonomist and author of a multivolume series (FAO Species Catalogue, UN Development Programme), and his coauthors have produced the first field guide to include every known species of shark in the world. He covers over 450 species, including many as-yet-unnamed species and some that are only known from a single specimen. Each is illustrated with both a line drawing and a beautifully rendered color painting; in most cases a ventral view of the head and illustrations of the teeth are included. The distribution of each species is shown with a small map. In addition to important identifying characters, each species treatment includes information on habitat, behavior, biology (including gestation period and size at birth), and population status and utilization. A brief but superb introduction to basic shark biology, with excellent diagrams of the internal anatomy, and shark evolution is followed by a discussion of management and conservation concerns and an illustrated key to all the orders and families of sharks. Packed with information, this is an invaluable guide for anyone interested in this fascinating group. Extensive glossary. ^BSumming Up: Essential. Lower-level undergraduates and above; general readers. G. C. Jensen University of Washington