"This field guide covers major animal groups of the southern and eastern Mediterranean Sea, including crustaceans, molluscs, sea urchins, fishes, sea turtles, and marine mammals that can be encountered in fisheries landings, on the market, or at sea. A total of 372 species was selected according to their economic interest, commonness, and endangered or invasive status. The field guide starts with a brief introduction characterising the Mediterranean Sea, notably basic physical and chemical features, biodiversity, and fisheries. It is followed by a pictorial index to the different families described and a glossary of terms. Each section contains an introduction with technical terms and measurements of a taxonomic group, as well as Order and Family characteristics and species accounts. Each account includes scientific nomenclature, FAO common names, size, habitat and biology, importance to fisheries, and distribution, as well as annotated illustrations highlighting relevant diagnostic features. Tables comprising vernacular names from the countries covered by the guide are also included. The field guide is translated into Arabic for better dissemination among Arabic-speakers, particularly fishermen."--Page iv.