Prologue: The wandering ichthyologist. Sedna, the sea goddess -- Ichthyo-curiosities -- A view from the deep : introducing the fish. How the flounder lost its smile -- Outrageous acts of colour. The salmon of knowledge -- Illuminations. O-namazu -- Anatomy of a shoal. Osiris and the elephantfish -- Fish food. Vatnagedda -- Toxic fish. Chipfalamfula -- How fish used to be. The doctor of the sea -- Fish symphonies. The fish and the golden shoe -- (Re)thinking fish -- Epilogue -- Appendix: Illustration species list.
Summary
Seventy per cent of the earth's surface is covered by water and reigning supreme among its creatures are the fish. Their mesmerizing and complex lives remain largely unseen, hidden beneath the waterline, out of sight and out of mind. Scales helps readers fathom the depths and watch these animals going about the glorious business of being fish. She inspires readers to think again about these animals and the seas they inhabit, and to go out and appreciate the wonders of fish.-- adapted from jacket.
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (pages 306-310) and index.