The Ultimate Guide to Hawaiian Reef Fishes: Sea Turtles, Dolphins, Whales, and Seals

by John Hoover

Features hundreds of clear underwater photographs and detailed easy-to-read descriptions of 386 fish species, as well as the whales, dolphins, and turtles most often seen in Hawaii. This is the most complete Hawaii field underwater guide.

Genres: Reference, Nature, Nonfiction

400 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2008

Reviews

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This truly is the ultimate guide for reef fishes for Hawaii. I didn't think John could make his previous fish guide any better, but he certainly did! The guide provides interesting information on the development, behavior, migration, and breeding of not only fish, but also Sea Turtles, Dolphins, Whales, Seals. Some of the pictures are from his previous books, but included are additional pictures of immature's, juveniles, females, all fish that one may occasionally see,scratch their head, and say, "what in the heck was that?" I have a particular fondness for page 80, the Phoenix Island Damsel Fish. My husband discovered this fish, while swimming in the reef, off the front of Alii Villas, where we live in the winter, (we don't live in the reef, we live in the condo), and then alerted John, who was then able to get a superior picture of this little fella. Apparently a "life fish" for John as well as Jeff. The PDI swims about really fast. darting in and out of the coral, so our picture really sucked! John, being an expert, had no problem. PS: http://konafishwatching.blogspot.com/ is an exceptional Blog site Jeff writes, almost daily, about the fish of Hawaii. You can also access it by Googling Jeff Hill Kona. Let us know how you like the site. And if you come to Hawaii...GET THIS BOOK. It is wonderful

[Pop Bop · Rating 5 out of 5]

386 (fish) Is More Than 240 (fish)

For years we have relied on John Hoover's "Hawai'i's Fishes, a Guide for Snorkelers and Divers" as our go-to identification guide when snorkeling in Hawaii, (mostly on the Maui West and South shores). Imagine our delight when we found this volume on display at the Maui Ocean Center, The Aquarium of Hawaii.

Here's what Hoover writes in his introduction, and it is absolutely correct, (like everything else he does, apparently) - "This comprehensive guide ..is based on '..a Guide for Snorkelers...', but contains more species, more pictures, and more stories - in short, it's an upgrade." This is, indeed, a "larger and more complete reference." There are over a hundred new fishes, over 500 more excellent quality photographs, and all new chapters on whales, dolphins, seals, sea turtles, and sea snakes. There is also much more information about habits, life cycles, behaviors, and so on.

Without doubt and hands down this is the preeminent and essential identification guide for any diver or snorkeler, from vacationing amateur to experienced old hand. A marvelous find.

[Rick Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you live in Hawaii and spend any time in the ocean, this the one book you must own!

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please buy this book. It has all the information you will ever need. The pictures are great and I've learned a lot about each creature because of the in depth information.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I've read so far on Hawaiian reef fishes. Made me a bit of a snorkeling expert. I impress my friends on my knowledge because of this book.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent photos and descriptions for anyone trying to identify reef fish. I like the eels the least, and the butterfly fish the most!