The region where the warm Indian Ocean meets the chilly Atlantic off the coast of South Africa is home to about 2000 species of fish. It is famous for the discovery of the “living fossil”, the coelacanth, and for its shark gatherings. Coastal Fishes of Southern Africa (National Inquiry Services Centre South Africa, distributed by NHBS, , £25), by Phil and Elaine Heemstra, captures all this and more. It is a magnificent book. One of the authors’ aims is to recruit divers and anglers into scientific enquiry, showing them how their curiosity and local knowledge can help keep these waters full of fish.
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