Fish ID Card

Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 1:01 pm Post subject: Fish ID Card

OK, so as I typed the title I thought, "Whoa, talk about inviting a whole slew of sarcastic comments. . .!! rolllaugh

I've been snorkeling enough times and in enough different places to know that up to this point, I have missed the boat on optimizing my experience--simply because I don' t know what I'm looking at and don't know what to look for. Yeah, I can tell the difference between coral and fish, and I sure know a pretty fish when I see one, but I think it would be a whole lot more fun if I knew what I was doing.

So. . . any suggestions on how to "study up" for what's under the surface? Different kinds of coral, different species of fish? The comments on starfish and seahorses and squid and gar in this section are great, and thank you guys for those!

BTW, my upcoming trip is my second visit to GC, both times with girlfriends, and we are determined to do a whole lot more snorkeling than before. The discussion on the best places to snorkel was worth the price of admission to the board! :-D

(And we are also determined to go back to Pure Art. We all got Cayman Islands coffee mugs that bring a "joy jolt" every time we open the cupboards and take them down for our morning javas, and I hung a little painting by the owner/artist in my bathroom where I see it every single day. That shop was one of the best finds on the island, and THIS time we'll all have our own copies of the CAG for the coupon! Very Happy

)

TIA,

Sue

Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 1:34 pm Post subject:

There are over 1,000 species of fish and 800 species of coral in the Cayman Islands. Here are some of the more common ones that you can expect to see.

Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 2:25 pm Post subject:

Here's three to get it started. Maybe other people will post some of their pictures here too. All three of these fish are the same Family and Species, but they each have their own unique colors and personalities.

Here's a Gray Angel. You will find this fish at snorkel depths and they are extremely tame and curious, especially if you have food.

Here's a French Angel which shares much of the same characteristics of the Gray Angel. It can be easily spotted at snorkel depths and is also common at much greater depths.

This is the Queen Angel, the most colorful of the three. Of the three, it is the most elusive and difficult to photograph. It is not particularly common to see this fish at snorkel depths and they are not attracted to feeding. If you manage to get close to of these while snorkeling it is a rare treat indeed.

Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 3:24 pm Post subject:

GREAT IDEA......and I LOVE the shots! Celine

Native Joined: 15 Feb 2005 Posts: 1230 Location: Ohio

Hi Suebee,

IDing (is that a word?!) the fish is a great part of the fun. My family has a couple books we use to look up new things or just to learn about stuff we've seen. It's also a good idea to know what the dangerous stuff looks like. Some things that look spiky are obviously things you don't want to touch or step on. But some other things are not so obvious looking. You are not supposed to touch any coral for environmental reasons and it's just as well because some corals are stinging ones.

I got all excited this year when I saw a peacock flounder just under me scooting itself under the sand. I had seen a picture of one, but this was the first time I had seen one myself and it was very pretty. It scurried into the sand too quick for me to get a picture. Sad

But it was cool just seeing it. Cool

Can't wait to see Joe's fish guide. I'll see if I can find any good ones to post.

Have a great time snorkeling, Suebee! Diving

Don't forget to really slather on the SPF to your backside. We almost always need to take a day off from snorkeling because we were too stubborn to come out of the water and reapply on a snorkeling trip. That's just dumb. Maybe we've learned that now.

Kay

sun

Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2005 10:45 pm Post subject:

This is terrific stuff, y'all! Thanks so much! Joe, I'm thrilled that my question sparked another fit of genius on your part. . . Razz

Can't wait to see what else you come up with!

Blessings,

Sue

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 6:20 am Post subject:

There are also ID cards that you can pick up at many stores on GC (dive shops especially) for only a few dollars. The are laminated and pre-punched so you can add a lanyard to put around your wrist. That way you can take it with you in the water. They are terrific. Many books on the subject can be found easily as well. (The 3 part Reef Identication series is high on my Xmas list...)

Suebee: Have you considered learning to dive? Divegirl

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 10:29 am Post subject:

Hey Paul--

That laminated ID card is a great idea!!! Will do.

I have thought about diving, but it's a lot easier with two working legs, and I'm a polio survivor. Snorkeling works well enough on the surface, but ya gotta propel yourself under the water in ways I can't. So I reeeeeeeeally appreciate the pictures of those who are able to go deep with great cameras and artificial light!

Sue

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 5:19 pm Post subject:

Suebee - They make a webbed glove with for divers with lower body injuries. I taught someone in Hawaii who used them and he passed the course, no problem.

Even if you don't want to try diving, they might make snorkeling a little easier. Wink

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 10:44 pm Post subject:

Now THAT'S a thought!!

My friends would probably shoot me if I started swimming any faster when we're snorkeling. . . I tend to leave them in the dust, so to speak.

But I'm going to remember the webbed gloves for the future!!

Thanks, Joe!

Sue

Newbie Joined: 18 Sep 2006 Posts: 5

WOW! Thanks!

I've seen every one depicted, plus octopi and a spotted eagle ray.

Joe -- is it not Cayman law that one cannot wear gloves while diving or snokelling? I suspect expections would be made for special needs, but in general, if I recall correctly, they are verboten.

Posted: Tue Oct 24, 2006 7:37 pm Post subject:

Hello Elena Smile

,

Yes, you are correct --- Cayman Marine Laws prohibit wearing gloves for either diving or snorkeling. It makes it too easy to touch the coral if your hands are protected......touching the coral will kill it.

Good for you for knowing that! ThumbsUp

Not everyone does!

Char

Newbie Joined: 12 Mar 2011 Posts: 4 Location: Bristol, Tn.

Hi we just joined and are coming to the Caymans in a couple of weeks. How can I get a copy of the fish guide. When I right click on it, it says copyrighted and you cannot download.
I love the ID card and would like a copy so I can laminate it and carry it with me when snorkeling.
Thanks.

Newbie Joined: 26 May 2009 Posts: 9

On the CaymanActivityGuide.com home page you can download a copy of the entire guide as a PDF (the Fish ID page is included in the guide). You can then print off any page you want to.

Newbie Joined: 12 Mar 2011 Posts: 4 Location: Bristol, Tn.

Thanks so much for the reply. We will try it and cannot wait until we get to the Caymans. We envy all who live there!

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