The warm shallow waters of the Caribbean, The Bahamas and the neighbouring continental shelf are blessed with an abundance of coral reefs. These beautiful but fragile living organisms are ancient geological ecosystems which evolved in conditions of extreme stability and as a result large numbers of species have established close inter-relationships. This beautifully illustrated book celebrates the extraordinary marine symbiosis and wonderful diversity of life forms which are sustained by the reefs. It also highlights the dire environmental consequences which damage to the reefs can bring. An authoritative and easy to use guide to this natural underwater splendour, illustrated throughout with meticulously accurate colour artwork.