This guide to the marine fauna of the continental shelf seas of north-west Europe provides dichotomous identification keys for macrobenthic invertebrates and coastal fish. An introduction to the marine environment of the region is followed by a guide to the animal groups covered, and each major taxonomic group is treated, in twelve separate chapters, each commencing with a brief description of the morphological and biological characteristics of the group. Technical terms are defined, with especial reference to their significance in classification and importance for identification. Keys to high ... More

This guide to the marine fauna of the continental shelf seas of north-west Europe provides dichotomous identification keys for macrobenthic invertebrates and coastal fish. An introduction to the marine environment of the region is followed by a guide to the animal groups covered, and each major taxonomic group is treated, in twelve separate chapters, each commencing with a brief description of the morphological and biological characteristics of the group. Technical terms are defined, with especial reference to their significance in classification and importance for identification. Keys to higher taxonomic categories, where useful, and to families lead to keys for the identification of selected species. Confirmatory diagnoses are given for most families. Short descriptions and notes on occurrence and distribution are provided for each species, and the majority are illustrated by line drawings. Coverage varies from group to group, being fairly comprehensive for conspicuous, well-known animals, such as anthozoans, molluscs, echinoderms, and fish, while the selection of species is smaller for some taxonomically difficult or poorly documented groups, such as sponges and sea squirts. However, where possible, the actual or potential diversity of each group within the region is indicated at family level. This edition incorporates systematic and phylogenetic revisions current at submission. Keys have been reviewed and improved; nomenclature has been updated, and descriptions and distributions have been improved or revised where appropriate. Species additional to those in the first edition include several seen to be more common than previously apparent, and a number of newly arrived exotics.