• • Alan Powderham's dazzling photography is complemented by Dr Sancia van der Meij's scientific expertise, creating a scientifically rigorous yet breathtakingly beautiful reference work. Van der Meij is an experienced coral reef specialist while Powderham's use of rebreather diving technology allows him to get unusually close to his subject matter.

• • The spectacular landscapes and natural riches of the Coral Triangle are under threat from overfishing, climate change, unsustainable tourism, habitat destruction and poor governance. This book showcases exactly why we need to protect this unique ecosystem, contrasting its existing beauty with images of the damage already being perpetrated. 10% of the author royalties are going to Conservation International to aid their work.

• • The book covers many of the groups of animals seen on a reef that have been largely omitted by others. It reports engaging observations giving insights to many unique animal behaviours and relationships, that make it stand out from other books.

"Endlessly fascinating, unpretentiously educational, thoughtfully accessible and beautifully presented" - Alex Tattersall, award-winning underwater photographer and the founder of Underwater Visions.

The Coral Triangle, straddling the confluence of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, harbours the greatest biodiversity of marine life on the planet. It is home to a wondrous variety, including 75% of the world's coral species and around 2500 species of fish. The biological and environmental diversity is driven by the volcanically active and complex geology of the so called 'Ring of Fire'. Habitats range from underwater slopes of volcanic black sand to extensive coral reefs in atolls and vast calderas. While clearly vulnerable to increasing global threats such as climate change, pollution and overfishing, the Coral Triangle currently features some the richest coral reefs in the world.

With stunning photography supported by an engaging and accessible text, this book highlights and celebrates this biodiversity along with the underlying message that it needs our care and protection before it is too late.