Reef Fish Identification: Galapagos

I just returned from a week in the Galapagos islands, snorkeling almost every day. Several members of our guided group had various wildlife books, but our guide had this one and for fish it was all we needed and almost all we used. The pictures -- usually three to a page with accompanying text opposite -- are excellent for identification purposes, often showing variants. The notes include distinctive identifying characteristics. I recommend this book unreservedly for anyone planning to snorkel or SCUBA dive in the islands. I bought my copy after returning home because it so nicely encapsulates some of my best memories of the trip, but I wish I'd had it along so that I could have annotated it as the trip progressed.

I took Humann's book on Galapagos reef fish identification on a recent cruise of the islands after reading through it twice. We had the opportunity for lots of snorkeling, and the snorkelers on the trip borrowed my Reef Fish Identification: Galapagos constantly during the entire trip. The organization of the book (mainly by shape), the superb photographs, the very clear diagrams indicating diagnostic characteristics, and the descriptions make this a very easy book for the layman to use. The coverage appears to be essentially complete; there were very few fish we were unable to identify. Tropical fish often show a great deal of variation, a point that Humann discusses and illustrates as needed. The book also includes information on the ranges and depths at which the fish are likely to be found, which is very helpful.If you are a snorkeler or scuba diver and are planning a visit to the Galapagos, by all means take a copy of this book. Better yet, take two copies--one to use yourself, and one to loan out, because it will certainly be in demand.Definitely a "must have" for those who plan to explore the waters of these fascinating islands.

There is nothing which can compare to this very visual and consumer friendly reference book. Unique photos, excellent layout and easy recognition of the descibed species make this volume a must for every scuba diver visiting the Galapagos.

Another wonderful book in the Humann/DeLoach series. The photos are amazing and there are simple diagrams to help you distinguish between similar-looking fish. Now if only they'd add a reef creature guide and a reef coral guide specific to the Galapagos...

One of the things I liked best about this book was the clear and vivid photos of all the reef fish off the coast of the Galapagos. It made identification easy, and it's easy flip pages made it a perfect traveling guide. If you are planning any reef exploration it's a must!