Abstract
The guide intends to facilitate the identification of the most common forms of marine life that inhabit southern African coasts. Invertebrates, fish, reptiles, mammals and plants, are included. In particular, focus is on the life of open coast beaches and rocky shores, and the most frequently encountered species that live in the intertidal zone and in shallow subtidal waters that can be readily explored by scuba-divers are covered. More than 1400 species are included, being presented in taxonomic groups according to the classification system of the animal and plant kingdoms. Most species are illustrated with colour photographs, and descriptive notes are given regarding identification, size, biology, maps, and related species.