Tips & Suggestions

Tips for measuring a fish:
Lay the fish flat on a measuring stick. Pinch the two tail forks closed so they form one point. Then make sure the mouth of the fish is closed (this is best accomplished by sliding its mouth up against a wall) and measure from the mouth to the tip of the tail. Afterwards, determine the diameter or girth of the fish by measuring around the largest part of its belly. This is best done with a flexible tape measure.

Tips for taking a photo for identification purposes:
Use a camera of a high quality. Ensure that pictures are bright enough, in focus, and without a flash obscuring any part of the animal’s body. Take close up pictures using the macro mode on your camera if anything useful for identification is easier seen close up.

Sample Shots

Bony fish – Take a picture of the fish on its side (lateral view) with fins erect and visible in the shot. Also take photos of its belly from the bottom up (ventral view), and of the fish’s back from the top down (dorsal view).

Cartilaginous fish – For sharks, take a picture of the fish on its side (lateral view) with fins erect and visible in the shot. For sharks and skates, take photos of their bellies from the bottom up (ventral view), and of their backs from the top down (dorsal view).

Crustaceans – Take a picture of their shell (carapace) directly from the top down (dorsal view) and ensure that all points on it are visible and easy to count. Take a photo of a close up of their eye and mouth area (the rostrum), the antenna (antennules), and their claws (chelae).

Pinnipeds – Take pictures of them on and off the ice. Also take any additional photos you can of their teeth, ears, flippers, claws, and pelt.