How do you recognize the creature you see? Çandarlı underwater logbook

Çandarlı is a diver's guide that explains photo species identification in marine life and how to accurately mark uncertainty.

The first step to getting to know the fish: not being sure

When you see a living thing underwater, it's tempting to say "there's definitely this species there." However, angle, light, age and season can change the appearance. Multiple species are similar to each other. Therefore, we will not publish unverified photos in the Çandarlı archive with the exact species name.

Useful observation areas

Simple information such as shooting date, general area, habitat, approximate size, photo quality, and whether seen singly or in groups make identification easier. There is no need to include precise coordinates and exact locations of caves where creatures are hiding on the public page. A photo that has not been checked by an expert may be marked as “pending genre verification.”

Grouper, moray eel, scorpion: going beyond the names

These creatures are frequently mentioned in Aegean diving stories; However, it would not be correct to claim that they live in a specific Çandarlı location just by looking at the geography of the region. If the species has been seen, support it with photographs and records; Verify information on conservation status or hunting rules from up-to-date official sources.

Protecting the creature in the photo

It is not necessary to touch the creature, remove it from its cavity, or disturb it with strong light for a long time to identify the species. Adopt an approach that first considers the living thing and its environment. Underwater imaging is an exploration activity as well as a responsibility.

Deep Dive joint observation archive

We will keep unique title and image release for each posting. This list will not claim to be a scientific inventory unless it is a scientific sampling. In the long run, it can be enriched by the collaboration of photographers, divers and experts.

Related: Underwater creatures · Gallery

Sources

This is an informational text. It is not a substitute for an updated dive plan, operational clearance and personal medical evaluation. Source, place, date and usage permission are required for photographs.