Get your Fish Identification Specialty on Koh Tao
Why learn Fish Identification?
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When you think of a fish what images come to mind? What distinctive features do they have? Exotic colors? A streamlined body? Unique behaviors?
There are thousands of different species of fish in the ocean. Although we can describe these diverse group of fishes in many different ways, fish all have certain common characteristics – those things make them distinct from other marine organisms.
Almost every body of water has at least one species of fish. This program will explore their biology, their behavior from their biology and behavior to misconceptions and the impact of humans on them, and how this ultimately affects the ocean ecosystem.
We will also discuss how to identify and classify a species, which is a critical skill for anyone interested in fish identification.
Throughout this program, we will learn how to identify different fish species based on their physical characteristics, behaviors, habitats and geographical locations.
5,000 THB
This is how you become a Fish ID Specialist:
It only takes a day to complete the Fish ID Specialty Course. It can be spread out or combined with other course parts as well. In general, these are the parts of your training:
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Part 1: Theory
We begin with an introduction to your instructor and complete the necessary paperwork before diving into the theoretical portion of the course. The theory involves guided self-study through the SSI app or browser, giving you the flexibility to learn at your own pace.
Key Topics Covered
1. Understanding Fish Anatomy and Behaviour
- Learn the basic anatomy of fish, including fins, body shapes, and tail types, which are crucial for species identification.
- Explore how fish behaviour, such as feeding habits and movement patterns, can aid in identification.
2. Fish Group Classification
- Study the major fish families commonly encountered during dives, such as butterflyfish, angelfish, wrasses, and groupers.
- Understand the unique traits and habitat preferences of each family to help you narrow down species in the field.
3. Marine Ecosystems and Fish Habitats
- Discover how different ecosystems, like coral reefs, sandy bottoms, or rocky outcrops, influence the types of fish found in a region.
- Learn about symbiotic relationships, such as those between cleaner fish and their hosts, and how they assist in identification.
4. Dive Planning for Fish Identification
- Understand how to plan dives with fish identification as a focus, including selecting appropriate sites and times for optimal sightings.
- Learn the importance of buoyancy control and maintaining a non-intrusive approach to avoid disturbing marine life.
5. Using Identification Tools
- Familiarise yourself with tools like fish identification slates, underwater guides, and mobile apps to enhance your learning.
- Learn techniques for taking notes or sketches underwater to document species and behaviours for post-dive review.
After completing the self-study, you’ll review the material with your instructor, who will provide additional insights and address any questions. This ensures you’re fully prepared to identify and appreciate the rich variety of fish species during your dives.
Part 2: Open Water Dives
After lunch, we board one of our custom-built dive boats and head out for two dives at some of Koh Tao’s most vibrant dive sites. Here, you’ll put your newly gained fish identification skills into practice in the open water environment.
During the dives, you’ll explore thriving coral reefs and diverse habitats, such as White Rock or Hin Wong Pinnacle, which are teeming with marine life. Using your knowledge from the theory sessions, you’ll identify key fish families, noting their unique shapes, colours, and behaviours.
Your instructor will guide you as you observe how fish interact with their environment, including their feeding habits and symbiotic relationships with other marine species. You’ll learn to spot subtle differences between similar species and gain confidence in recognising a variety of fish.
These dives are not only educational but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the breathtaking biodiversity of Koh Tao’s underwater world, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for marine life.
The Fish ID Specialty Prerequisites:
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Minimum Age
To enroll in the Fish ID Specialty, you will have to be at least 10 years of age.
Minimum Certification Level
To begin this Fish ID Specialty you will need to be a certified diver.
Medical Statement
You need to be medically fit for diving. You will find the medical statement for scuba diving here to download. If in doubt, please check with your physician or ask us before booking your dive experience with us.
Insurance
To comply with our dive insurance requirements, you will need to have proof (logbook etc.) of a dive within the last 6 months otherwise you will need to take part in our Crystal Dive Scuba Review before taking part in the course to receive our insurance cover.
FISH IDENTIFICATION SPECIALTY
Price: 5,000 THB
Duration: 1 day
Minimum age: 10yrs
Prerequisites: Certified Diver
Schedule
Morning: Orientation & Theory
Afternoon: 2 Dives
What’s included?
Our Fish ID Specialty package includes:
- Fish ID Specialty (max. 4 students per Instructor)
- Personal set of scuba equipment throughout your stay
- FREE use of Dive Computer
- Standard E-learning (Diamond Access upgrade available, read more)
- Certification
- Crystal Dive T-Shirt
- Multilingual personal instructor
- Boat trips & refreshments for your dives
- Dive insurance for your dives with us (30 days)
- Discounted accommodation option for the course duration, read more
- 10 % discount on additional diver level courses & dive equipment purchases with us
BIG DISCOUNTS ON PRIVATE ROOMS
With all of our courses you can make use of our private AC rooms with huge discounts.
When you´re learning to dive its important that you get a good night of sleep. During the length of all courses you can check in to our accommodation with big discounts! Have a look at our latest deals and prices here.
Message us to look at upgrades and for more info click here.
Book Now
The Fish ID Specialty course at Crystal Dive will give you valuable knowledge about the underwater world around Koh Tao and anywhere in the world.
In the Fish ID Specialty course you will learn how to identify the characteristics of local fish families and species, enabling you to use it anywhere in the world.
Enjoy your dives even more as you can recognize and identify fish families whenever you go diving!
฿5,000
Fish Identification
FILM YOUR DIVES, KEEP THE MEMORIES
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Our underwater videography team, Crystal Images, is available to provide you with personal and lasting memories of your experience and offer unique underwater video and photo services for your course. You can choose from a 10 minute land and underwater based video or 10-15 high resolution photographs.
These options are available for your course and can be booked by clicking the button below and choosing the ‘video & photo’ option, in addition to your course booking.
Please ask us about group bookings and additional options on other courses.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I start my Fish ID Specialty Course every day?
In general, yes. We start our courses any given day. To secure your desired start date, we recommend booking your Fish ID Specialty Course online here. This will guarantee your placement in a small group of maximum 4 students per Instructor.
Is it possible to change the schedule for the Fish ID Specialty Course?
Our schedules are flexible and we will do everything to adjust it to your travel plans. Please contact us to arrange for a schedule that suits you within the limits of the Fish ID Specialty Course performance requirements.
What are the rates for accommodation in my Fish ID Specialty Course?
For your Fish ID Specialty Course we offer accommodation in a private AC room (choice of Double or Twin) at a discounted rate for the standard course duration of 1 night. There are also upgrade options available for the adjacent Koh Tao Regal or Beach Club Resort. More information here or just contact us directly.
What are the minimum requirements to start my Fish ID Specialty Course?
The minimum requirements for you to enroll in the Fish ID Specialty Course are listed here. If you still have questions about specific requirements or an equivalent certification, please contact us directly.
How many students will be together with me in my Fish ID Specialty Course?
We pride ourselves to teach our Fish ID Specialty Course personal in groups of max. 4 students per instructor. If you still prefer a smaller group or a private course please contact us directly. On the other hand, if you travel in a bigger group, please let us know and we will arrange for multiple instructors to teach you together.
Will I see different dive sites during my Open Water Dives in the Fish ID Specialty Course?
We have 2 custom built dive boats and choose the dive sites based on your course requirements, comfort level and weather conditions. Generally, we change dive sites on a daily base, so you will dive at the best spots available for your Fish ID Specialty Course. More about our boats here.
Can I take a Go Pro on my dives for the Fish ID Specialty Course?
You can take your own camera on any of the dives. Be aware though, that you may be busy with the tasks at hand. A better option may be to arrange for our in-house video & photo company Crystal Images to either take professional photos or a broadcast quality video of you on your two dives on the Course. Please contact us or check out your options here.
What other courses can I take if I have some more time after my Fish ID Specialty Course?
We have put together some recommendations for you under this link for dive activities that you may find interesting after or together with your Course. If you are interested in other activities, have a look at our shop and check out our multi-course packages as well.
