How to become a Fish Observer
How to progress from a Fish Watcher to become a Fish Observer
(Adapted, with permission, from ‘Coastal Fishes of Southern Africa’ by Phil & Elaine Heemstra (2004). Published by NISC and SAIAB: Grahamstown)
Once you have learnt how to recognise individual species and can confidently identify these fish (for instance, by using iSpot to post and identify fish), then you can become involved in the really interesting part of fish observing: seeing the differences between species in the way they feed, react to divers, and interact with other fish, as well as look at their migration patterns and seasonal trends.
As a 'Fish Observer' you can discuss your observations and contribute to our knowledge of fishes – and iSpot is ideal for this.
There are many useful ways to organise your observations and increase your knowledge of fish:
• Life List - Start a life-list of each species you identify, with notes on where (locality and habitat) and when you saw each species. Include in your notes for each species (and remember to include them on any iSpot observations you post):
o approximate size,
o sex (if obvious),
o state of maturity (juvenile or adult), and
o colour patterns.
• Bioprofile - Compile a biological/behavioural profile for those species you observe frequently. Are they:
o solitary or shoaling?
o active (free-swimming) or sedentary (usually observed sitting on the bottom)?
o bottom (benthic or demersal) or pelagic (usually seen in midwater or near the surface)?
o predators, herbivores (vegetarians) or omnivores? (Hint: herbivores - like Parrotfish and Surgeonfish - spend much of their time grazing on the bottom.)
o territorial (e.g. Damselfish) or roaming?
o guarders of nests (like Damselfish and Triggerfish) or spawners?
o vocal – what sounds do they make?
o diurnal (more active during the day) or nocturnal (more active at night) or crepuscular (most active around dawn and dusk) - or are they more influenced by tides or the moon?
• Area lists - Create a site list of all the species that occur in a particular place – such as your favourite fishing, diving or holiday sites (e.g. Five-mile Reef at Sodwana Bay, a large tide pool at Clayton Rocks, Knysna Lagoon, etc.). Which species are:
o common there?
o present all year round?
o appear only seasonally?
Is there an iSpot list for your area?
• Checklists - Make a checklist of species from a particular locality (False Bay, Aliwal Shoal, Langebaan Lagoon, etc.) with notes on:
o habitat,
o Depth,
o seasonal occurrence.
• Underwater photography – This is a great way to record observations. Experienced underwater photographers document the occurrence of species in certain habitats, depths and localities. This information is essential to map both the distributions and any variation in colour patterns of the species in our area. Post them on iSpot as a permanent record for the national database.
• Associations – Many species regularly associate with other species. This may be for feeding, grooming, safety or a wide range of other behaviours. Try and document these associations - you can record these interactions on iSpot even if you dont know the Anemone or Shrimp or Coral that they feed on, are groomed by, seek safety in or flee from. Experts in other groups will help you to establish the identities of these organisms.
Confirm and compare your observations with a buddy or other fish observers. You can communicate via iSpot if you wish!
Consult books on fish, but don't believe everything you read. Just because something is printed in a book, doesn't mean it is necessarily true. Some popular field guides and reference books can be seen here: http://ispot.org.za/Fish_references
Consult the internet and FishBase (www.fishbase.org). But be aware, information on the web is often suspect. Always consult reputable sites. Let iSpot be your first point of call.
If you can't find the answer – then you probably have not used iSpot yet. Or it may be a rare or poorly known species. You can post your observations or query on iSpot and send an email to other scientists and education officers at coastal museums who should be on iSpot.
But don't be surprized to be told that you have asked an unknown question. We still have much to learn about fish. Learning about fish is a lifelong (and very enjoyable) activity, providing the opportunity to make interesting discoveries about these fascinating creatures. On iSpot you can find out what is known and the best ways to find out more. Just ask!
For an ideal fish observation for identification on iSpot, please see here: http://ispot.org.za/node/241076