The Lives of Octopuses and Their Relatives: A Natural History of Cephalopods

by Danna Staaf

An engaging and beautifully illustrated introduction to some of the world’s most interesting and charismatic marine creatures

Dive deep into the fascinating world of cephalopods―octopuses, squid, cuttlefish, and the mysterious nautilus―to discover the astonishing diversity of this unique group of intelligent invertebrates and their many roles in the marine ecosystem. Organized by marine habitat, this book features an extraordinary range of these clever and colorful creatures from around the world and explores their life cycles, behavior, adaptations, ecology, links to humans, and much more. With stunning photographs and illustrations as well as profiles of selected species, The Lives of Octopuses and Their Relatives is a comprehensive, authoritative, and inviting introduction to the natural history of these charismatic creatures.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biology, Science, Nature, Animals

288 pages, Hardcover

Published September 19, 2023

About the author

When Danna Staaf met an octopus at the age of ten, it changed her life. She set up a saltwater aquarium to keep eight-armed pets in her bedroom, learned to scuba dive off the coast closest to her home in Southern California, and eventually earned a PhD in the biology of squid babies. Currently working as a science writer, she also wields words in the world of fiction, and helps her husband raise two story-hungry children.

Reviews

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a really comprehensive lesson on the octopus and squid as well as a supporting cast
of cuttlefish and the nautilus please see THE LIVES OF OCTOPUSES & THEIR RELATIVES
(A Natural History) by Danna Staaf.

In a full color, state of the art- durable hardcover Staaf personally delivers not only a
Cephalapodian Who's Who but delivers an overview of their world and ours.
Evolutionary traits we share, those we do not.
Vivid history, painless biology, fascinating geography ~ it's all here.
Thorough and palatable, simple and clear, it's a lesson that leaves you informed,
knowledgeable. Fulfilled.
The kind of biology class that encourages you to want to learn more about the planet we
share with some misunderstood, often maligned creatures. 21st century certified.

With a wink and a confidential aside, she describes the Stubby Squid's 'memorable behavior'
as "Being adorable."
In examining the issue of mercury levels in polar invertebrates, she notes that The Antarctic
New Squid and The Glass Squid both shared a geographic location.
"Both species participated (unintentionally)in a 2020 study....."
As if they had a choice.
Yes, the material is serious. Yes, it's informative. But, the little touches of humor go a long way
to making the reader relaxed. I WANT TO READ THIS, not, I HAVE TO read this.

The book wraps up with a list of recommended books, all accessible. Available to the public.
Not dusty and obscure. Scientific Journals with their publication info and internet links.
Organizations and their on-line addresses. You don't have to leave home. Read in your 'jammies.'
Oh, AND a simplified glossary of terms. Even I understood them....

LIVES is the complete package for the budding marine biologist.
Serious student.
Armchair scientist.
Child-in-you : still curious enough to WANT to understand the world ,
and now grown up enough to try.

[Wing · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is, I think, written for high school students. It covers as much about marine ecology as it does about cephalopods themselves. As expected, there are plenty of beautiful and captivating photos of these amazing creatures. And yes, one can learn quite a few things from the book. However, many of these are presented as brute facts—granted, many of the details still elude scientists—and there is a lack of deeper explanation of the reasons behind them. The only other volume in the series that I have read is on seaweeds, and I must admit that this one on cephalopods is, on balance, more logically organized and presented.

[Max Duijsens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, with clear (and sometimes funny) writing, and beautiful photography. A real gem in my collection on cephalopods :-)
The book has a clear structure, after some introductory chapters, of going through different habitats and then describing a selection of cephalopods that live there.
Couldn't be happier with this book!