Apart from academics and ecologists, the field guide is targeted at fisherman, students, children and nature enthusiasts, to introduce and expand their appreciation of life in freshwater; Over 900 beautiful photographs; Detailed maps, info on habitats, size and movement as well as family trees are also included in this book; Currently the field of freshwater ecology in southern Africa presents a gap in terms of a practical and comprehensive field guide. Much of the existing literature is confined to academic publications, outdated field booklets, and the comprehensive set Guides to the Freshwater Invertebrates of Southern Africa, which spans 10 volumes and are therefore impractical for field use.

This book is a field guide to the commonly encountered freshwater macroinvertebrates of southern Africa. It highlights the incredible variation and beauty of freshwater macroinvertebrates, which play a critical role in freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems. The threat to these organisms is great as their habitats are increasingly threatened, either directly by human activities such as mining and agriculture, or by fluctuating water temperatures due to climate change. Christian Fry hopes that this book will create a greater understanding and interest in these tiny creatures and that there will be better care, enthusiasm and conservation of them. This book will appeal to all fisherman, students, children and nature enthusiasts as well as academics and ecologists, to introduce and expand their appreciation of life in freshwater. This book was made possible with the support of the BRO Trust.