Field Guide to Corals and Coral Associates of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

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As elsewhere, the archipelago of Andaman and Nicobar Islands located between Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea are unique in supporting extensive coral reefs, reputing the Andaman Sea as a coral paradise. The reefs of these Islands with over 200 species of corals are harbouring more than 1000 species of colourful fish, in addition to a large number of animal groups. According to expert workers on this region, there still exists a great number of undiscovered marine life including corals. To enjoy the beauty of these marvelous reef denizens, one should have a basic knowledge on various marine groups and their components. It is not easy to identify the corals and their associate animals unless one is an expert in the various fields. There is always a possibility of miss identification of faunal groups by common people.

Lack of any guide books on the corals and their associates of this region and over a decade of exploration of reef areas of these islands prompted the author to bring out this volume. Keeping in view of the uniqueness of the reefs of these Islands, an effort has been made to expose the underwater life through this illustrated guide on "Corals and Coral Associate Fauna". It is hoped that this guide book help in understanding and appreciate the marvels of reef ecosystem by amateur naturalists, experts, researchers, swimmers, snorkelers and SCUBA divers."

It is a difficult task to present in this guide all the corals and their associate fauna that inhabit this region. Therefore, brief information on corals and coral formation, biology and ecology of associate animal groups with 571 colour photographs of common species which are frequently encountered are provided to convey the veracity of underwater world of reefs.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR D.V. Rao

Dr. D.V. Rao had his early education in his native town, Rajahmundry of East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh. He received his M.Sc. Degree in Zoology (Marine Biology) and Ph.D. for studies on Reef Fishes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands from Andhra University, Visakhapatnam. Dr. Rao is Scientist in the Andaman and Nicobar Regional Station of Zoological Survey of India at Port Blair. He is also a PADI Scuba Diver. During the posting at Port Blair, he extensively surveyed Andaman and Nicobar Islands including many remote and uninhabited islands and studied mainly the reef associated fauna, particularly fish and soft corals. In addition to several research publications to his credit, Dr. Rao authored three books: Ichthyofauna of Bay Islands, Poisonous and Venomous Fishes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Soft Corals of Andaman Islands. The present Guide to Reef Fishes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, like the earlier works, is the outcome of dedicated and sincere efforts during field studies for more than a decade in these islands. This is the first comprehensive publication on Indian Reef Fish Biodiversity dealing with more than 700 spectacular and colourful denizens. The book is designed to serve as a valuable field guide to amateurs, ichthyologists, reef-watchers, conservators etc.