The Ceratioidei, a sub-order of the lophiiform fishes forms the most diverse vertebrate taxon below 1000 m depth in the sea. It contains 160 species, more than triple the number of the second most diverse taxon below the same depth. They are an intriguing and charismatic group exhibiting often grotesque appearances, elaborate bioluminescent luring apparatus and sexual dimorphism in the extreme. So rarely seen, many species are known only by their Latin binomial. Summarizing what is currently known about the Ceratioidei and describing their diversity is the ambitious aim of this book.
The book is extensively researched, and described to a level of detail well beyond the scope of more generic texts on deep-sea fishes such that no comparable volume exists. This makes this book of considerable value as a collation of biological and biosystematic information for ‘professional ichthyologists’ or deep-sea academics, but rather too much to be ‘enjoyed by all those who find excitement in the wonders of the natural world’.
The book is split into two sections, the first summarizes the existing knowledge on the morphology, biology and ecology of Ceratioidei in their diverse forms. This is conducted at family or genus level, where most of the diversity is observed. The second half of the book contains a detailed taxonomic classification at species level for all 11 families, 35 genera and all 160 currently recognized species with associated identification keys. It is very much for ‘readers who require more detailed systematic information’. The first section includes eight chapters covering broad aspects of Ceratioidei biology similar to many other fish biology texts (for example Randell & Farrell Reference Randall and Farrell1997), but weighted to the character of the suborder. ‘Locomotion, food and feeding’ for example are lumped together and dispensed in one of the shortest chapters representing a basic knowledge gap. In contrast an entire chapter is devoted to ‘Bioluminescence and luring’, a defining characteristic of the suborder.
The largest chapter in the first section covers ‘Biodiversity’, taxonomic descriptions at both family and genus level. It details the main distinguishing characters, associated entomology and then briefly outlines each species. Keys lead to family level descriptions which close with keys to differentiate among genera. This proves a particularly effective way of both organizing the chapter and allowing readers to navigate around. This chapter is followed by ‘Evolutionary relationships’ and ‘Geographic distributions’. The latter chapter contains descriptions of ocean basin, latitudinal and depth-related fish distributions and is supported by 24 maps with colour-coded sighting records. However, given that only 30% of the species are represented by more than 20 specimens and 13% by only one, conclusions regarding geographic distribution are weak. To a large extent chapters on ‘Biodiversity’ and ‘Geographic distribution’ summarize the content of the second half of the book.
The sheer diversity of the suborder is catalogued visually from the front cover thoughout first section, which is lavishly illustrated with over 300 figures, 69 of which are colour and include quality holotype or specimen photographs. These and the abundant black and white images go a long way to conveying the diversity the books aims to cover.
Pietch states an aim of drawing together scattered literature and data. This, he certainly achieves. Coverage is almost total for all peer-reviewed science and is supported by an incredible array of specialist texts. About 25% of citations were published prior to 1940, representing a strong historical focus that is evident from the very first chapter (‘Introduction and historical perspective’) and continues throughout. Extracts from a letter written on the Challenger Expedition speculating on the presence of bioluminescent lures are included for example. While this historical perspective is not necessary to describe diversity or detail the biology, it does make a more interesting and in-depth read.
The book is written with a strong taxonomic emphasis and is therefore weaker as a fish biology text. ‘Behaviour’, ‘buoyancy’, ‘diet’, ‘metabolic’ and ‘swimming’ are all absent from the index, leaving the reader to search independently within the appropriate chapter. In contrast, taxonomic and author names are extensively indexed (for example nine pages and two figures are given for ‘Beebe, W.’ while the next entry, ‘bebbei, Lasiognathus’, lists six pages and three figures). Despite the difficulty in tracking specific biological information, the specific focus on the Ceratioidei and the extent to which Pietch collates the available knowledge means this book is a valuable addition to the deep-sea biologist's shelf and an essential text for ichthyologists.
