This is an absolutely amazing reference book for those looking to explore the ichthyofauna of the Gulf of California! However, I must warn you, it is also highly read! We all have our fauna guides and love the attention to detail they provide without going over the top and killing us with anecdotes. This volume is an excellent balance between the two! It seems as if it would be nice in nearly every wildlife guide or manual to have a concise summary of characters, distribution and habitat preferences AND a short account of possible behavioral characteristics that might be a plus when searching out specific animals. This guide is able to provide a well rounded approach to this task. Not only are there maps that apply to different depth distributions, there is a very personal approach to the information presented, despite multiple authors. There are so very many "guides" out there, (although NOT for this region), and so few real introductions to the ecology and biology of systems contained within a geographic range. This book is a model for both, and at minimum, it provides a great experience from afar if you cannot make it to the waters in person. Highest recommendation.