A Field Guide to Coastal Fishes: From Maine to Texas

The definitive illustrated guide to the fishes of America’s Atlantic and Gulf coasts, now fully updated for a new generation of anglers, naturalists, and marine scientists. The coastal waters of the eastern United States are home to an extraordinary diversity of marine life. A Field Guide to Coastal Fishes is the definitive guide to identifying the more than 1,140 fish species found in brackish and marine waters from Maine to Texas, making it an indispensable companion for anyone who spends time on the water or wants to better understand the rich ecosystems of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Created by acclaimed scientific illustrator Val Kells and renowned ichthyologist Kent Carpenter, this thoroughly revised second edition reflects fifteen years of advances in fish taxonomy, genetics, and species classification. Species accounts have been updated and reorganized to align with recent scientific understanding, while new and revised illustrations incorporate the latest visual records, ensuring the most accurate illustrated reference available. The guide provides detailed identification information alongside insights into each species’ biology, habitat, distribution, and size. Featuring more than 1,300 full-color illustrations presented alongside concise descriptions, this comprehensive volume remains the most complete and up-to-date guide to East and Gulf Coast fishes. A Field Guide to Coastal Fishes is an essential resource for anglers, divers, boaters, students, naturalists, researchers, and anyone fascinated by the remarkable diversity of life beneath the surface.