The Andaman & Nicobar Islands comprise more than 500 islands, islets and rock outcrops, emerged in the eastern region of Bay of Bengal. They lie between 6°45'N and 13°42'N lat. and between 92°12'E and 93°57'E long. These islands are well known to support one of the richest coral formations in the Indo-Pacific region. The reefs of these islands are of fringing type. At present, due to extensive damage of the habitats, the coral reefs are largely restricted to some scattered areas as patches around the islands. These reefs are supporting multi-coloured organisms including sessile, sedimentary and encrusted forms. Of these, the soft corals (Alcyonaceans) are the most common group of sessile macroinvertebrates conspicuous by their usual encrusting colonies.
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.
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