Direct observation
Insights into the secret life of fish
Insights into the secret life of fish
Observational studies on fish require the observer to
directly enter the fishs' own environment. Underwater videography and
still photography are powerful tools for the marine zoologist that
provide scientists the opportunity not only to observe, directly,
phenomena of interest, but also to collect data over sufficient periods
of time so that quantitative analyses are possible.
Moreover, it has long been recognized that direct observations by divers can yield valuable information on the behaviour and ecology of fish. Because underwater observations are made in the natural environment of the animal often without any manipulation, behavioural observations are mainly anecdotal in nature. Nevertheless, the results can provide excellent preliminary data that benefit from follow-up studies using other methods or provide researchers with rare opportunities to witness complete and natural acts of the secret life of fish.
Watch the video of a jumping blacktip shark!
Watch the video of a free-swimming Caribbean reef shark everting its stomach!
Watch the video of a line-caught shortfin mako shark everting its stomach!
Moreover, it has long been recognized that direct observations by divers can yield valuable information on the behaviour and ecology of fish. Because underwater observations are made in the natural environment of the animal often without any manipulation, behavioural observations are mainly anecdotal in nature. Nevertheless, the results can provide excellent preliminary data that benefit from follow-up studies using other methods or provide researchers with rare opportunities to witness complete and natural acts of the secret life of fish.
Watch the video of a jumping blacktip shark!
Watch the video of a free-swimming Caribbean reef shark everting its stomach!
Watch the video of a line-caught shortfin mako shark everting its stomach!