ANNALES · Ser. hist. nat. · 30 · 2020 · 1
129
OCENE IN PRIPOROČILA, 129–129
Book review: A MINIATURE OCEAN
Authors: Lovrenc Lipej, Manja Rogelja & Borut Mavrič
Editor: High school, electrical and naval school Piran 
(GEPŠ), 221 pp. 
I was asked to prepare my scientific opinion re-
garding the manuscript of the monograph entitled “A 
miniature ocean”. This manuscript is dealing with the 
Aquarium in Piran, an institution with long tradition in 
the Slovenian coastal town. The monograph with 222 
pages is a remarkable compilation of data, concerning 
the Piran Aquarium and its scientific and educational 
role in the northern Adri-
atic area. Opening chapters 
offer a short description of 
the history of aquaristics 
and the roles of modern 
aquariums. The authors 
are trying to convey the 
importance of aquaria from 
different aspects, such as 
marine biology, nature 
conservation, education, 
cultural role and populari-
zation. Separate chapter is 
dealing with the scientific 
contribution the staff of 
the Piran Aquarium made 
together with the partner 
institutions, such as the 
Marine Biology Station Pi-
ran of the National Institute 
of Biology, in publishing in 
scientific literature, with 
special regards to invasive 
species, tropicalization, 
and rare, less known and endangered species. A spe-
cial chapter is dedicated to the functioning of the Piran 
Aquarium from various aspects, such as animal col-
lection and husbandry, life support systems, etc. The 
bulk of the monography presents a survey of algal and 
animal species, which are regularly or occasionally 
displayed in the tanks of Piran Aquarium. One hundred 
and seventy species are presented in this chapter. A 
key for understanding various definitions is presented 
before the list itself, so the reader has no problem in 
understanding what certain labels mean. Every single 
species is presented on one page with a close-up 
photograph, a short description, its size, habitat and 
distribution. Finally, if there are any facts the reader 
may find interesting, they are mentioned at the very 
end of the page. This chapter is followed by a diction-
ary where all scientific terms are explained, by index 
of Latin and Slovenian names of species, literature and 
presentation of the authors. The monograph is illus-
trated with more than 230 excellent color photographs 
and some original illustrations in black and white. 
Since books such as this one are not common in 
scientific literature, it is quite difficult to compare it and 
asses its value. However, it is a valuable contribution 
since it presents in detail an important Slovenian institu-
tion and shows the importance such institution has to the 
local community, also demonstrating the wide range of 
activities done by the staff of the Aquarium. One of the 
most important tasks is certainly raising the awareness of 
how rich the Adriatic Sea actually is. 
To my opinion the value of this book is in detailing 
various contributions the Aquarium has made to the 
scientific community and providing an overview of ma-
rine turtles rehabilitation cases. The monography is also 
trying to present the importance of new processes such 
as bioinvasion and tropicalization in modifying the floral 
and faunal communities in the northern Adriatic Sea. 
The survey of aquarium species is also a valuable part, 
since it could provide help to professionals working in the 
field of education. 
The monography “A miniature ocean” is to my opin-
ion a valuable contribution as it presents finer points of 
good aquarium practice to a wider public, while also 
turning the reader’s attention to the richness and diversity 
of the Adriatic Sea.
Milena Mičić
Director of Aquarium Pula