Resources for Identification of Marine Life

[MrMello]

Hey folks,

I'm a relatively new diver, but I'm very interested in marine life. One thing I've noticed since I started diving is that it's fairly difficult to find books dedicated to the identification of underwater fauna. Either that or I'm not looking in the right place. That's why I'm here! While I've learned the names and faces of some of the more common critters in my metaphorical diving backyard via written dive guides and word of mouth, I'd love a more comprehensive resource. What are your recommendations for resources/finding resources for identifying marine life? These can be regional, but I'd love something comprehensive as well. I'm in the Monterey/Carmel, CA area for the record. Thanks!

 

[tursiops]

Check with REEF.org, and Reef Fish Identification Books by New World Publications.
See especially this one, for your location.

For specific location and specific kinds of fauna, more specific info is available.

 

[drl]

There are also apps. The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute has a fishes: eastern pacific and fishes: greater Caribbean app. Both are free. They’re not quite as comprehensive as the Reef Fish ID books but they’re on your phone all the time.

 

[tursiops]

There are also apps. The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute has a fishes: eastern pacific and fishes: greater Caribbean app. Both are free. They’re not quite as comprehensive as the Reef Fish ID books but they’re on your phone all the time.

The Smithsonian apps are great on Apple, but don't exist or run (depends on the app) on Android.

 

[MrMello]

The Smithsonian apps are great on Apple, but don't exist or run (depends on the app) on Android.

I'm on Android so that's unfortunate if that's the case. I'll see what I find though!

 

[MrMello]

Also huge thanks on the REEF recommendation. I'm looking at them now.

 

[MaxBottomtime]

Southern California Marine Life’s albums | Flickr

www.flickr.com

California Marine Life

Photos of a broad range of marine animals found on nearshore reefs in Southern California.

www.divermerry.com

North America

NOTICE: IMAGES ON THIS WEBSITE ARE PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT. UNAUTHORIZED USE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Kevin Lee resides in Fullerton, California and frequently dives SoCal waters. His adventures, in over 40 countries, include multiple treks to Mt. Everest Base Camp and atop Mt. Kilimanjaro...

www.diverkevin.com

 

[Johnoly]

And in California the best Fish Bible is by :
Milton Love < Certainly More than you want to know about the fishes of the Pacific Coast

Yep, that's the title !!

 

[MrMello]

I've ordered copies of the REEF CA to Alaska guide + the recommendation by Johnoly. Thank you for the guidance! I'm excited to get to know the critters in my area. Cheers ~

 

[pakoR]

Hello. I'm also a beginner at diving and trying to identify fish in the MTY area. Here's an online resource I've found useful. +1 on the REEF Fish books. I don't have the CA book yet, but I have used the ones for Florida/Caribbean/Bahamas, and they're excellent books.