REEF FISH ID

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REEF FISH ID

This is one of PADI’s most adaptable specialty courses, and can even be started during the last dive of your PADI Open Water Diver course (if there are fish!).

The PADI Project AWARE Fish Identification Specialty course provides you with the fish identification basics so that next time, you know the answer.You’ll find you enjoy your dives even more when you recognize the creatures that you see and can join in on fish conversations with others.

THE FUN PART

You may be great a charades, but it is so much more fun to describe and name fish you see on dives accurately. It can be become a great accomplishment to identify fish in your log book, especially the rarer ones. Naming fish also makes for great dive stories during surface intervals or family dinners. Did you also know that there are many hand signals for fish that you can use during dives to alert your buddy and other divers?

WHAT YOU LEARN

The benefit of this course is you can use the skills you learn on every scuba diving vacation because once you learn the main fish families and characteristics it will help you decipher the species you see all over the world.

For example, a butterfly fish in the Caribbean has a similar shape to a butterfly fish in Southeast Asia, but their colors and markings maybe wildly different. If you know what fish family it belongs to, it becomes much easier to look up the local name or at least be able to intelligently ask the local scuba instructor what you saw. That works better than asking about a “yellow thingy with a funny tail fin.”

During two dives you will seek and learn to identify the fascinating fish you see underwater. You’ll learn:

How to identify characteristics of local fish families and species
Fish survey techniques and strategies
How to practice fish identification dive planning, organization and procedures
About Project AWARE activities that can help protect aquatic life

EQUIPMENT

Beyond using basic scuba equipment, you’ll want a slate to record what you see and a fish identification card if available for your area. Your PADI Instructor and local dive center or resort staff may suggest additional equipment or reading references depending on what you’re likely to see on your dives.

LEARNING MATERIALS

No materials to purchase for this course.

If you’re at least 10 years old and a PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver or higher, you can enroll in the AWARE – Fish Identification course( PADI Reef Fish ID ).

However, you can take the course as a snorkeler and receive a non-diving certificate. Better yet, take the Open Water Diving course too!

WHAT IS THE NEXT ADVENTURE

Don’t forget to enrol in the Digital Underwater Photography course, so you not only describe these fish, but you can capture amazing memories for years to come to share with your family and friends.
PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy is a great add on to ensure your preserve these coral and fish habitats for the next generations.
Depending on where your interests lie, you may also like the Shark Awareness Specialty Course to distinguish these beautiful creatures.
The PADI Reef Fish Identification certification credits as a Specialty toward the Master Scuba Diver rating.