Ecology Specialty
SSI Fish Identification
There are over 200 fish species in the Andaman Sea, from Boonsung Wreck fish schools to Surin Islands reef fish. Most divers see them as colour and movement. Fish Identification teaches you to read them — families, species, behaviour and what their presence tells you about the health and character of the reef beneath you.
The Essentials
Fish Identification — Key Facts
1 day
Duration and Structure
- Digital learning : Fish families, identification features and behaviour
- Training dives : Two to three observation dives on reef sites
- Underwater slate : Field notes and sketches during each dive
- Debrief : Species ID reviewed and confirmed after each dive
Age 10+
Prerequisites
- Certification : Open Water Diver or equivalent
- Age : Minimum 10 years
- Equipment : Underwater slate and pencil provided
See more on every dive
What You Get
- Identify the major reef fish families found in Thailand
- Recognise common species by shape, pattern and behaviour
- Read fish behaviour as an indicator of reef conditions
- Use field guides and identification resources effectively
Families First, Species Second
A Systematic Approach to a Complex Subject
The most efficient way to identify fish is to learn families before species. Once you can identify a surgeonfish, a wrasse, a parrotfish and a grouper by body shape, fin placement and movement pattern, individual species identification becomes much faster. The course teaches this systematic approach and applies it on real reef dives.
- Key families — surgeonfish, wrasse, parrotfish, grouper, snapper, butterflyfish and more
- Identification features — body shape, fin count, colour pattern and markings
- Behaviour clues — feeding style, schooling patterns and territory defence
- Habitat association — which species use coral heads, sand, rubble or walls
- Field techniques — slates, sketching, memory triggers for underwater use