New guide about catch of the day

Do you know your blowfish from your bluefish Smelt from snook ?

If not, consider taking "Field Guide to Seafood," the latest entry in food writer Aliza Green's "Field Guide" series, on your next trip to the fishmonger. These pocket-size books tackle food with Green's signature breathtaking thoroughness.

Green's "Field Guide to Seafood" (2007 Quirk Books, $15.95) is divided into sections covering fish, mollusks, crustaceans and the entertaining "other water creatures," which includes turtles, frogs and sea urchins.

The entries in each section offer detailed information on each variety of seafood, including other names (bluefish, for example, goes by amikiri in Japan), the best season for it, how to select it, store and prepare it, and flavor affinities.

Though there are many recipes and serving suggestions, this book is more reference than cookbook. An insert of color photographs is particularly helpful when trying to identify your catch.