From the tiniest marine creatures such as seahorses to the vast bulk of whale sharks, this book explores the denizens of the deep. The marlin is just one of the large predatory fishes, and the life and peculiarities of various species are presented in a way that's easy to read.

Today, we have many threats to marine life, from overfishing to human activity runoff and oil spills, to ever-increasing plastic pollution. The better we understand what is in the ocean, the more we may be inspired to save this fragile ecosystem. We don't even know for sure what we've lost, but we do know that some seabirds, seals and whales were driven to extinction or the brink of it. While it was thought that fishes were so plentiful, they would always be a sure crop, we now see that industrial fishing and trawling along with industrial quantities of wasted dead fish and bycatch have led to fish stocks collapsing around the world. More marine sanctuaries are required and strict enforcements against illegal and unregulated fishing have to be applied.

I learned a lot from this book and hope it reaches a wide readership. I recommend pairing this with Antarctic Affair by Fergus O'Gorman and Hungry Ocean by Linda Greenlaw.
I read an e-ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.

You know, when it comes right down to it, we humans really do not know a lot about what is going on under the surface of our oceans. Every so often, we will read a report of some strange creature washing up on our beaches, or caught up in a trawler's nets.
I thought I was somewhat knowledgeable about the subject. After all, I majored in conservation in university, and have been a lifetime fisherman. And, my wife was until her just recent retirement, was employed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency, in the marine mammal section. So I absorbed a lot of information from her discoveries.
However, the author has led me to items and habits of fishes that I had no idea of! It's like there's a whole new world under the sea's surface.
Meisel does a fantastic job of identifying and describing unusual creatures. He writes in an easily understood manner. And his writing ability guides the reader into imagining the fish in their minds.
From sardines to whale sharks, sea horses to eels, it's in here. Each article fascinating in itself. I feel that I have learned quite a bit, and the author makes me wish for more.
Give this book a try and you will be surprised too!

The underwater world is still largely a mystery, even with all the research that has been happening there. This was an interesting book about fishes (in case you are curious, yes this is the correct plural. Fish refers to multiple fish of one species while fishes refers to multiple fish of two or more species) I and their lives. I was familiar with a decent chunk of the information from marine biology lectures I have attended and some of my own reading, but even so I learned some new things (I will never look at sandy white beaches quite the same again!) I also appreciate that the author included a section on fisheries and aquaculture as both have major issues in their own way, although these parts do have less of an anecdotal tone than the earlier chapters. Given the nature of the content this makes sense, however, and it still remains accessible.

I do have three minor complaints, none of which had much of an impact n my enjoyment but are worth mentioning none the less. There are a few places where the book could have been a little more streamlined. For example, we read about the parrotfish life history and sex changes in two different places. It is definitely interesting but I do think it would have worked better if all the information was in one place. Second, some of the comments that compared fish to people felt a bit off. I understand that relatability is so important in getting people to care as someone who has dabbled in scientific communication, but it can be a hard line to walk. I know some people will love these of course since I think these were meant to be humorous but it's not really my sense of humour. Thirdly, I wish that the author was a bit more consistent in naming researchers. Sometimes the person would be mentioned by name and other it would just be "researchers" or "researchers from this university". Personally I very much prefer the former. Sure, there are extensive references but it's always nice to acknowledge them in text, especially since many people won't read the references. Of course you don't need to name every person every time but if you are already mentioning researchers you may as well mention who!

I am now realising how much longer the the criticism portion is but please don't let this turn you off the book! These really are minor things that pale in comparison to the good and likely in part come from my own scientific background. This is a interesting and accessible book about fishes that is worth picking up if you want to learn more about them.

This was such an interesting read! I'm always on the lookout for more books on marine life and this was a great addition to my collection.

In The Marlin's Fiery Eye and Other Tales from the Extraordinary World of Marine Fishes, biologist and conservationist Joe E. Meisel invites readers on an immersive journey into the captivating lives of saltwater fishes. Scheduled for release on March 15, 2025, this work delves deep into the mysteries and wonders of marine species, shedding light on their remarkable behaviors, adaptations, and life histories.

Meisel's narrative traverses diverse marine habitats, from sunlit shallows teeming with vibrantly colored species to the enigmatic depths of the ocean's twilight zones. He masterfully intertwines scientific insights with compelling storytelling, making complex marine biology accessible and engaging to a broad audience. Each chapter unveils the unique stories of different fish species, offering readers a profound appreciation for the ocean's biodiversity.

Beyond exploring the intrinsic wonders of marine life, Meisel addresses pressing environmental challenges confronting global fisheries. He connects the featured species to broader discussions on food demand, aquaculture, and sustainability, prompting readers to reflect on humanity's intricate relationship with the oceans.

The Marlin's Fiery Eye is poised to become an essential read for marine enthusiasts, environmentalists, and anyone intrigued by the hidden wonders beneath the ocean's surface. Meisel's passion and expertise shine through, offering a narrative that is both educational and profoundly inspiring.

I am the worst fisherman alive. but I always enjoy a good marine story. This is a wonderful book full of them. Read this one and reap.