What Color Would You Be to Hide in the Sea?

Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego has turned a page in the history of its exhibits.

Inspired by its The Art of Deception exhibit of marine organisms that use camouflage to attract prey or hide from predators, the aquarium has published What Color Would You Be to Hide in the Sea? This stunning new book is ideal for all ages and celebrates the fascinating camouflage strategies used by some of the ocean’s most beautiful creatures, including several featured within the exhibit.

“What Color Would You Be to Hide in the Sea? is one more creative way we’re bringing people and the ocean closer together,” said aquarium Executive Director Nigella Hillgarth. “We’re delivering our message of ocean discovery and conservation beyond the aquarium walls to generations of readers through this colorful and entertaining book.”

Marine animals often compete to find food and mates, and to survive and reproduce in the wild ocean. Survival strategies can include a false eye spot, a squirt of ink—even limbs that resemble sea weeds.

The book’s rich blend of stunning photographs from the aquarium’s exhibit, lush watercolors, playful poems, and fascinating science notes offer children and adults a chance to uncover the marine creatures normally hidden in the sea.

Created exclusively by Birch Aquarium, this beautiful book helps support the aquarium’s mission to provide ocean science education, to interpret Scripps Institution of Oceanography research, and to promote conservation. With an increased understanding of the oceans and Earth, it is hoped that people will respect and protect the natural environment.

What Color Would You Be to Hide in the Sea? was made possible through the generous underwriting of Marty and Russ Ries, members of the Scripps Oceanographic Society support organization. The Rieses share the goal of inspiring young people to take an interest in the wonders of the ocean world, to learn about science, and to increase ocean literacy,

Recognition of support also goes to those members of the San Diego Underwater Photographic Society whose exhibit photographs accompany the poetry published in this book. The fish illustrations of Eques, Inc. also are included from the exhibit.

This first edition book is available for $18.95 at the aquarium bookshop, or online (http://bookstore.ucsd.edu/aquarium/merchant.cgi).

— Lydia Cobb