IDENTIFICATION GROUPS AND PICTORIAL GUIDE TO FAMILIES
Colour varies greatly between fish species, therefore it would seem an ideal means of identification. However, even within species, colour varies according to sex, age, region, season and surroundings. For this reason, body shape is a much more reliable means of identification. The following outlines represent all types of fish likely to be encountered in the Mediterranean. Those sharing similar characteristics are grouped together for initial identification.
RAYS AND SHARKS
REGULAR-SHAPED FISH SWIMMING CLOSE TO OR ABOVE REEF
COLOURFUL REGULAR-SHAPED FISH CLOSE TO REEF
ELONGATE FISH CLOSE TO OR ON REEF SURFACE
SILVERY, TORPEDO-SHAPED FISH
IRREGULARLY SHAPED FISH
