Detail:  Organ pipe-, Leather-, Horn-Corals and Sea Pens belong as "flower animals". Anthozoans to the larger phylum of sea anemones Coelenterates. Thousands of species have ben described, some more than others.

Even though they look like beautiful plants, they are animals, nevertheless, and not flesh-eating plants, as they are sometimes called.

These animals inhabit almost all of our salt water areas from the shallow tide water areas to the deepest oceans. With the exception of sea pens, all of these animals live attached to the bottom or ocean floor. The largest number can be found in subtropical seas, especially along the coral reefs.

Even though numerous scientific books are available about the forms and shapes of these animals, there is very little we know about the living habits of Leather corals and their relatives. Observation of these fascinating creatures in aquariums can be very time-consuming, but helpful.

The authors have tried with pictures and text to show and describe the species that can normally be found in aquarium supply stores. Because new species always arrive with shipments, it is impossible to describe them all. The results of years of study by the authors of the different living habits of these "flower animals" has been consolidated in this book for your information.

To round out the book, information has also been provided concerning aquariums, lighting and feeding.