Millions of people spend time around the ocean. In doing so, most have come into contact with an animal that has a protective mechanism of some sort. Landau explains in detail, with the aid of illustrations, the types of marine animals that exist in the waters of the Atlantic Coast, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean and the particular type of toxins or dangers each poses.
\ BooknewsWith index entries of "abdominal pain" and "seizure," one quickly infers from this swimmers' nightmare guide that the sea presents many insidious protagonists other than the behemoth of fame (though you may regret eating the liver of some sharks). The author presents a menagerie of marine creatures diverse in their species, distribution, and biochemical and other modus operandiwhich actually evolved to be more defensive than offensive. B&w illustrations show what to avoid; includes welcome treatment notes; glossary. Paper edition (unseen), $19.95. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.\ \