Marine planktonic ostracods
The Marine planktonic ostracods Synopsis coveres species-level identification for offshore marine Ostracoda.
The Ostracoda are a subclass of relatively small crustaceans which occur in most aquatic habitats. Many aquatic biologists can recognise an ostracod as such but comparatively few can identify one to species level. Consequently this numerically important group has sadly been neglected. However ostracods are of ecological importance. They form the the second-most abundant prey, after copepods, in the stomach contents of some very abundant fishes at mesopelagic depths. Indeed some fish and siphonophore species specialise in ostracod predation.
Synopses of the British Fauna is a series of identification guides. Each volume in the series is a detailed account of a group of animals. They bridge the gap between standard field guides and more specialised monograph or treatise. Since 1993 the the Field Studies Council has published these guides on behalf of the Linnean Society.
These volumes are suitable for the lab or field. The editors aim to keep them as user friendly as possible, with technical terminology at a minimum and a glossary of terms. However the complexity of the subject matter makes the books more suitable for the more experienced practitioner.