Australian Echinoderms: Biology, Ecology and Evolution

Echinoderms — including feather stars, sea stars, brittle stars, sea urchins and sea cucumbers — are some of the most beautiful and interesting animals in the sea. They play an important ecological role, and several species of sea urchins and sea cucumbers form the basis of important fisheries. Over 1000 species live in Australian waters, from the shoreline to the depths of the abyssal plain, and the tropics to Antarctic waters. is an authoritative account of Australia’s 110 families of echinoderms. It brings together comprehensive information on the identification, biology, evolution, ecology, and management of these animals in a single volume for the first time. Richly illustrated with 700 beautiful color photographs and written in an accessible style, is the perfect companion of marine enthusiasts, marine conservation groups, ecologists, and academics as well as fisheries managers in Australia and anywhere these fascinating animals are studied.