Saltwater Fish Identification

Around 27,300 fish species are known to science, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History. Thousands of these species are found around the US--with 500 in Texas waters alone. However, ocean conditions, species similarities and even seasonal changes in fish color can make it hard to identify a saltwater fish. But there are a few key features and methods that can help make fish identification easier.

  1. Size

    • Saltwater fish in a given species tend to fall within a size range. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, most fishermen determine size by weighing the fish. However, scientific records prefer length measurements as this can be a more accurate way to determine fish species. Measuring the correct size is an important part of ensuring a catch is legal.

    Fins, Color and Features

    • Saltwater fish come in an vast variety of colors and shapes. Many species have identifying stripes, spots or markings on their bodies. Fins are also one of the most distinctive features on any fish. Prominent fins include the tail, dorsal, pelvic and pectoral fins. The tail fin, or caudal fin, is probably the easiest to assess. Caudal fins range from thin v-shapes to thick triangle shapes. Similarly, many fish have key identifying features. The sailfish, for example, could be identified in part because of its spear-like nose and the enormous dorsal fin that runs along the fish's back.

    Photography

    • Photographing a saltwater fish, whether underwater in its natural habitat or while being held by an angler, is a reliable way to record its appearance. The photo can be cross-referenced with a guidebook to compare features. Photos that show the fish from a range of angles, including side-on, from the front and from the back, are more likely to lead to a confirmed ID.

    Fish Identification Guides

    • Fish identification guides provide an image and key feature descriptions for a region's fish species. Local government authorities may offer introductory guides. For example, Massachusetts provides an online Saltwater Recreational Fishing Guide featuring many species common to the area. In the case of fishing for food, correct saltwater fish identification can help a fisherman judge if a fish is legal and edible. Similar guides are often available at fishing tackle shops. Divers and snorkelers might find waterproof fish cards in local scuba centers.

    Location

    • Location can play a large part in identifying a particular fish species. For example, different species will congregate near coral reefs than will spend time in open water. Some species patrol the shallows, while some lie against the ocean floor in deep water. Some species, such as the red snapper, are only found in warm water, while others, such as the chinook salmon, are more likely found in colder northern seas. Fish tend to be relatively predictable in their location and distribution.