Get Your Fish Identification Course Certification on Koh Tao
Ever spot a colorful fish underwater and wonder what it was? The SSI Fish Identification Course teaches you how to identify fish by species, family, and shape, giving you a whole new appreciation for marine biodiversity.
With thousands of reef fish species living in tropical waters, this course helps you go beyond descriptors like “pretty fish” and gives you real tools to learn to identify reef fish by observing their body shape, behavior, habitat, and distinctive features.
Why Take a Tropical Fish Identification Course?
Understanding which fish you’re seeing on your dives makes each one more meaningful. This course introduces you to fish classification, grouping techniques, and field ID strategies, all key skills for any diver with an interest in marine biology or conservation.
You’ll learn to identify reef fish by observing movement patterns, social behavior, feeding habits, and where different species are most likely to be found. It’s the perfect specialty for divers who want to deepen their connection to the ocean.
5,500 THB
This Is How You Complete the Fish Identification Course
The fish identification course takes just one day to complete and fits easily into your Koh Tao diving schedule. You can also combine it with other specialties or conservation programs for an even deeper dive into marine ecology.
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Part 1: Theory Session – Learn to Identify Reef Fish
You’ll begin by meeting your instructor and completing any necessary paperwork before diving into the digital learning materials through the SSI app. You can study on your own schedule before you arrive, then review everything in person with your instructor.
What You’ll Learn:
- Anatomy & Behavior for Fish ID – Understanding key anatomical features like fin shapes, body styles, and tail types is critical for tropical fish identification. Explore how behavior such as feeding, movement, and schooling helps you identify fish by species in the wild.
- Fish Family Groups – Study common families like butterflyfish, angelfish, wrasses, and parrotfish. Learn to recognize group traits so you can narrow down possible species with confidence.
- Habitats & Marine Ecosystems – Discover how reef structure, depth, and substrate types affect where fish live. You’ll also learn about symbiotic relationships like cleaner wrasses and host fish, a very useful detail when observing behavior.
- Dive Planning for Fish ID – Learn how to choose dive sites, plan observation goals, and improve your buoyancy and positioning so you can watch reef fish without disturbing them.
- Tools of the Trade – Use ID slates, guidebooks, and underwater apps to support your efforts. You’ll also learn how to record observations and sketch details for better post-dive recall.
Your instructor will help tie everything together, ensuring you feel ready to start identifying reef species confidently on your open water dives.
Open Water Dives – Tropical Fish Identification in Action
In the afternoon, you’ll board one of our dive boats and visit some of Koh Tao’s most species-rich sites for some tropical fish identification training.
You’ll complete two open water dives focused on real-time fish observation and classification. As you learn to identify reef fish, you’ll spot and document different families and species while your instructor guides you in applying your new knowledge.
Expect to encounter angelfish, snapper, bannerfish, wrasses, and many more! Each dive is an opportunity to refine your eye and expand your ID skills. By the end, you’ll be able to identify fish by species with confidence and enjoy your dives in an entirely new way.
How It Works – Your Fish Identification Course in One Day
The SSI Fish Identification Course is designed to be completed in a single day, combining classroom-style theory with guided reef dives. This example schedule shows what your training might look like.
MORNING
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9:00 AM – Course orientation, paperwork, and instructor meet & greet
Morning session – Review your SSI digital materials and go over core concepts: reef habitats, species classification, and how to identify fish by species using real-world characteristics.
Lunch break
AFTERNOON
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Open Water Dives 1 & 2 – Head out to two of Koh Tao’s most diverse reef sites, where you’ll learn to identify reef fish in their natural environment. Practice underwater observation, use your ID slate, and fine-tune your fish spotting skills with instructor support.
Prefer a different schedule or want to combine this course with another marine conservation specialty? Just contact us, and we’ll help you design a timeline that suits your travel plans.
The Fish Identification Specialty Course Prerequisites
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Minimum Age
You must be at least 10 years old to enroll in the Fish ID Specialty. This makes it an excellent choice for young divers interested in marine life and learning to identify reef fish.
Minimum Certification Level
You’ll need to be a certified Open Water Diver (or hold an equivalent certification from another recognized training agency) to begin your tropical fish identification training.
Medical Statement
All participants must be medically fit for diving. You can download the official scuba diving medical statement here. If you’re unsure whether a condition applies to you, please check with your doctor or contact us before making your booking.
Recent Diving Experience
If it’s been more than 6 months since your last dive, we may ask you to complete a Scuba Review session before your training. This ensures you’re fully comfortable in the water before starting your course to identify fish by species and behavior.
To join the SSI Fish Identification Course, you’ll need to meet a few basic requirements. This course is open to most certified divers and can be a great introduction to marine conservation topics.
FISH IDENTIFICATION SPECIALTY
Price: 5,500 THB
Duration: 1 day
Minimum age: 10yrs
Prerequisites: Certified Diver
Schedule
Morning: Orientation & Theory
Afternoon: 2 Dives
What’s included in this Fish Identification Course
Your SSI Fish Identification Course at Crystal Dive includes everything you need to confidently learn to identify reef fish in their natural habitat. With small groups (maximum 4 students per instructor), you’ll receive focused, personalized instruction as you explore the vibrant marine life around Koh Tao.
You’ll gain full access to SSI’s digital learning materials via the DiveSSI app, allowing you to study fish anatomy, behavior, and tropical fish identification techniques before you even arrive. This course combines knowledge-building theory with two open water dives to help you identify fish by species and habitat.
Included with your course:
- SSI Fish Identification Specialty Course (max. 4 students per instructor)
- Personal scuba equipment throughout your training
- FREE use of a dive computer
- Full access to SSI digital e-learning (Diamond Access upgrade available)
- SSI certification upon successful completion
- Crystal Dive T-Shirt
- Multilingual, SSI-certified instructor
- Boat trips for your dives with refreshments onboard
- 30-day dive accident insurance during your course
- Optional discounted accommodation during your training
- 10% discount on other diver-level courses and dive equipment purchases
BIG DISCOUNTS ON PRIVATE ROOMS WITH AC & ENSUITE
With all of our courses you can make use of our private AC ensuite 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 Your Fish Identification Course Today
The SSI Fish Identification Course at Crystal Dive is your gateway to discovering the rich marine biodiversity of Koh Tao and beyond. Over one day and two dives, you’ll learn how to identify fish by species, spot behavioral patterns, and recognize tropical reef fish in their natural environment.
Perfect for any certified diver with a passion for marine life, this SSI Specialty helps you learn to identify reef fish with confidence using real-world examples from Thailand’s vibrant coral ecosystems. With the support of our experienced instructors and full digital learning access, you’ll quickly build the skills to turn every dive into a guided tour of the reef.
Ready to deepen your appreciation for marine life? Contact us to ask about combining this with other marine ecology specialties.
฿5,500
Fish Identification
Capture Your Underwater Discoveries on Film
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Learning to identify fish by species is an exciting part of your diving journey so why not document it? Our in-house media team, Crystal Images, offers professional underwater photo and video services so you can relive your encounters with Koh Tao’s reef fish long after your dives are done.
Whether you’re practicing your new tropical fish identification skills or simply enjoying the beauty of the coral reef, we’ll be there to film it all. Choose between a professionally edited 10-minute video (land and underwater footage) or a set of 10–15 high-resolution photographs.
These services can be added to your SSI Fish Identification Course during checkout by selecting the ‘video & photo’ option.
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?
Currently, under Thai law, neither students nor instructors are allowed to use cameras during any course, except for specific photo/video courses. Our in-house video & photo company Crystal Images can 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.
Other Questions?
Please check out our general FAQ-Page which will answer most of your questions about Koh Tao, diving, weather conditions and everything else. Anything that cannot be answered there, please just contact us and we get right back to you!
