Book excerpt: Brimming with illustrations and descriptions of more than six hundred species, SeaLife is the most comprehensive reference available in a single volume to the vast panorama of vertebrate and invertebrate creatures inhabiting the world's oceans and shores. Topics covered include oceanography and marine biology; biology of marine environments; marine invertebrates; marine fishes; marine reptiles; seabirds; whales, dolphins and porpoises; dugong and manatees; seals, sea lions and walrus; and marine otters and polar bears. With 56 color plates, 1,000 black-and-white illustrations, 75 maps and an extensive reference section, this book is an essential companion for all marine enthusiasts.