Guide Marine Meiofauna

Guide to the identification of marine meiofaua

In the sandy bottom of the beach and the seas lives a fascinating community of small animals, the meiofauna. The animals, one or a few tenths of a millimeter long, move in the gap system between the grains of sand. Representatives of almost every animal phylum are represented here, and sometimes the animals are so adapted to their habitat that they differ greatly from their relatives living elsewhere. Although the meiofauna is intensively studied, there are very few general and introductory works on it. A new book "Guide to the identification of marine meiofaua" by Prof. Dr. Andreas Schmidt-Rhaesa introduces the world of meiofauna and helps to identify the animals observed. In 32 chapters 53 authors describe all animal groups from the meiofauna. The chapters include a brief introduction, information on where to find the animals, how best to extract them from the sediment, and what the relevant characteristics are for identification. Identification keys provide an introduction to the respective animal groups. The chapters are preceded by a short introduction and a general key leading to the individual chapters. The rich illustration with many photos makes one of the special features of the book. It is hoped that this book will be a helpful introductory source to the world of meiofauna for beginners and an important source of relevant information for advanced students.

• Guide to the identification of marine meiofaua
  Published by Andreas Schmidt-Rhaesa
  Pfeil-Verlag, München, 68 €