What was that fish?
“You know, the small one with white stripes and that weird fin?” We hear something like this after every dive. The whole reason we chose to go scuba diving is to look at all the cool things underwater. Wouldn’t it be great to know what you were looking at while you’re down there? This is what the PADI Fish Identification course is all about.
Why fish identification is important
Being able to identify the different types of fish you see will greatly improve your diving enjoyment. You’ll start learning which fish exhibit which behavior and where they like to hang out. On top of that, you'll begin working your way to never having to ask what you just saw again.
Furthermore, projects like Census of Marine Life rely on identification, tracking and recording of marine species to help us better understand our underwater world and all of the things that are happening to it. With this information, these projects help guide us in ways that we can start better preserving this vast environment.
How your Fish Identification Class works
During your PADI Fish Identification course you will learn how to identify characteristics of local fish families and species. Furthermore, you’ll learn different fish survey techniques and strategies to help you understand more about fish populations in that area. Then, we’ll discuss different ways you can help protect the aquatic life you go diving to see.
Your Fish ID course will consist of two dives and some above water training. The first dive of this PADI Specialty Diver course may count as an Adventure Dive toward your Advanced Open Water Diver certification. What fish you will begin to learn to identify will of course be dependent on your class location.
Get to know your fish!
So, if you're tired of asking the question, the Fish Identification course is a great way to start building your fish knowledge. Understanding which fish live in the area, are adult or juvenile, and whether they like to come out during the day or at night can help you choose when and where to dive based on what you want to see.
