IANTD – Fish Identification

SSI - Fish Identification

The course IANTD – Fish Identification show you the steps to follow to identify fishes. This process is the same as the one used by biologists when they classify fishes in the animal kingdom.

This is why you will learn about fish morphology but also their naming and classifications. You will even learn some Latin names in the process.

You will learn how localization and particularities cause three regions in the world to have fish populations that can be very different.

An overview of the IANTD – Fish Identification specialty course

Identification in general

You will first learn about what is a fish species or how they are named. You will after follow the same methodology as the biologists when they have to identify fish species and classify them in their respective families. You will learn how and what to observe such as their shape, colors but also their behaviors.

Examples from around the world

In the course, you will learn about the fishes of three distinct regions, the Red Sea, the Indo-Pacific region and the Caribbeans. You will learn to identify and classify them as a part of example cases.

Since the process is the same you will be able to apply what you learn anywhere you dive in the world.

The option of open water dives with the course

On a day trip, you will be able to test your identification abilities with our local marine life. You will have at your own pace and preparation to identify a few of the fishes. After these trips back to the dive center, you will have access to tools to help you identify the fishes you have seen. You will be able under the supervision of the instructor to take the steps required to get their names, species, and families.

Schedule of an IANTD – Fish Identification course

The SSI – Fish Identification course is from a series which can be done with only theory. There are no dives in the basic specialty course. But do not worry, we offer the option of adding two dives to the course to make it much more interesting.

Example of the course with 2 dives

Morning Afternoon
1st
day
  • Paperwork and account set up with IANTD
  • Forms and payments
  • Academic support presentation
  • Self-study
  • Review of the theory if completed online before
  • Study
  • Exams
2nd
day
  • Breakfast at the dive center
  • Planning and briefing of the first dive
  • Presentation of some local fishes along with the signals
  • First dive
  • Debriefing
  • Lunch on the boat
  • Predive planning of 2nd dive
  • Second dive
  • Debriefing
  • Another dive can be done if it is the day with 3 dives
  • Logbook entries on the way back or at the dive center
  • Identification of fishes with the available material at the center
  • Certification

Prerequisites of the IANTD – Fish Identification course

The prerequisites of the course are not much. 10 years old is all that is required to take part in the theoretical basic course.

If the option of dives is added to the course, participants must have at least an IANTD – Open Water Diver certification. Certificate from other agencies might cover this requirement. Also, if participants are under 18 years old a permission and liability release signed by parents or guardian must be provided.

Requirements in short:

What is included in the IANTD – Fish Identification course

SSI - Fish Identification certification card

To make things easy we include everything you need to earn your certification. The only thing we do not provide is towels and sunscreen.

  • The learning material in electronic format for the duration of the course
  • The instructor
  • The certification card in electronic format (available in a plastic format on special request)
  • Access to identification material such as books for use at the center
  • Rental of the full kit of gear including; mask, fins, snorkel, short wetsuit, regulator set, buoyancy compensator and weight system. Slates, dive computer, tank, and fills are included as needed for the option with dives
  • 2 dives on a day trip if the option is selected
  • Meals and snacks when taking part in trips which include breakfast and lunch, as well as fruits, refreshments, tea, coffee, soft drinks, electrolyte drink and of course drinking water.

Packages and options

The price starts with the basic bare course which has no dives included. From this, the option of two dives on one of our day trip can be added.

IANTD – Fish Identification basic program (no dives) 3,750
The option of 2 dives on trips on a second day +1,600
Prices are subject to changes without prior notice. We recommend to contact us directly to obtain up to date prices and a more personalized service.

What we need to know about the IANTD – Fish Identification program

The SSI – Fish Identification program does not provide identification books and other material. We allow students to use the one we have but they are not included in the course.

The outcome of the course in according to each participant with their understanding and knowledge. Some fishes prove to be even hard to identify correctly even to the experts. In other words, we must not give up if it seems impossible to do for some fishes after the course.

This course as no academic value out of the diving context. It has value for no credit and such in public schools systems.

After completing the IANTD – Fish Identification course

After the IANTD – Fish Identification program you can follow up on other biology, environment or conservation topics. Programs like the IANTD – Coral Identification or the IANTD – Marine Ecology are great complements.

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