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Fish ID Tips for Scuba Divers

Fish-ID experts Ned and Anna DeLoach teach simple memory aids for scuba divers interested in citizen science.
By Mary Frances Emmons | Published On November 8, 2018
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Fish ID Tips for Scuba Divers

Fish-ID experts Ned and Anna DeLoach teach simple memory aids to help scuba divers recognize and remember specific species when surveying. “The stupider they are, the more memorable,” Ned DeLoach says. “It’s corny, but it works.”

Here are some of the most memorable Fish-ID memory aids from a week spent diving in Bonaire with the DeLoaches.

queen angelfish

Queen Angelfish

Ned DeLoach

Circular marking on head like “a crown with jewels.”

French Angelfish

French Angelfish

Ned DeLoach

Scales have yellow edging as though “dipped in French’s ­mustard.”

blue tang

Blue Tang

Ned DeLoach

“Remember that old astronaut drink?” Yellowish-orange scalpels are reminiscent of Tang.

bar jack

Bar Jack

Ned DeLoach

Bar running down backs angles at tail “like a ­crowbar."

french grunt

French Grunt

Ned DeLoach

The only grunt with “designer” diagonal pattern — “the French are known for their fashion."

schoolmaster

Schoolmaster

Ned DeLoach

Yellow fins and tail, “like a school bus."

mutton snapper

Mutton Snapper

Ned DeLoach

“The only snapper with a permanent dark spot on its side: the button on the mutton.”