GUIDE CONTENT

THE CAPTURES GUIDE

The heart of this guide consists of multimedia fish fact sheets for almost each fish species or family of interest to or likely to be encountered by the underwater hunter in Indonesian Indo-pacific waters.

These fact sheets gather key information to identify, select and hunt better. They can be advantageously consulted in preparation for a trip, or consecutively to an unusual or remarkably large catch.

STEP 1:
IDENTIFICATION

In order to facilitate research, all the fish that can be speared have been grouped into generic families. These families do not correspond to a well-defined genus but rather to classical fish families that can be recognized by fishermen from all around the world.
Each family is represented by a pencil drawing thumbnail. Clicking on a tumbnail will give a complete and immediate overview of the fish species belonging to that family.

In order to facilitate research, all the fish that can be speared have been grouped into generic families. These families do not correspond to a well-defined genus but rather to classical fish families that can be recognized by fishermen from all around the world.
Each family is represented by a pencil drawing thumbnail. Clicking on a tumbnail will give a complete and immediate overview of the fish species belonging to that family.
Each species of a given family is characterized by its scientific name and common names in English, French and Bahasa Indonesia.
To help with the identification, a set of quality pictures without flash are displayed, as well as, when available, video clips of free-swimming fish or spearfishing action. These are very useful elements for identifying species, as photos usually found on the web feature long dead or flash-lit fish, which then have a very different aspect from fish as you can observe it in its natural environment. A good way for the guide user is to film or photograph his/her catch and compare it with those of the site, as some identifications (emperors, coral trout) are difficult to make without photos.
In the text, we usually indicate the main look alike species, indicating the characteristic points that allow to differentiate one from another.
We also report a frequency of encounters, seasons, times and conditions, habitat as well as usual weight range information.
These key data are displayed in the right part of the fact sheet, and can greatly contribute to identification.
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DISCOVER OUR FACT SHEETS

STEP 2: SELECTION

Despite the temptation to want to catch any fish that is encountered, we encourage our guide users to follow a thought process that will lead to better quality fishing and leave a healthy marine ecosystem.

TASTE QUALITIES

All killed fish must be eaten. Species with a low tasting value must be ignored. Being aware of the subjective nature of this classification, several opinions were collected in order to reach a consensus. We differentiated raw fish from cooked fish, some species being good raw and less tasty cooked and vice versa. It should be noted that in many areas of the Indo-Pacific, the cigüatera poisoning causes the consumption of many predators of the reef impossible, so spearos fall back on species of more modest size. The rating ranges from 1 to 4 stars for merely edible to the tastiest.

VULNERABILITY OF THE SPECIES

IUCN classifies animal species via a vulnerability index. Some of the described species are prohibited in countries / states of the Indo-Pacific zone, starting with Australia. We urge the reader to read this index and act accordingly by showing restraint for vulnerable or even threatened species.

However, it must be emphasized that some species considered as threatened by the IUCN can be locally abundant.

WILDLIFE TO CONTEMPLATE, NOT KILL

For a good cohabitation with the many scuba divers and snorkellers, it is a gentlemen’s behavior to leave in peace reef fish in general and especially the iconic species, such as triggerfish, sweetlips, big serranidae, Napoleon or Bumphead Parrotfish, which are their business. Apart from these fish there is still plenty to catch.

RECORD SIZES

Another axis is the reproduction age and the corresponding sizes. The best course of action is that of Australia, which is home to the majority of Indonesian species and has established scientific research-based size and bag limits. The minimum sizes are intended to allow a significant portion of the population to reach reproductive age and the maximum sizes (through a limitation of the number of “trophy” catches per day) to preserve the population of large breeders. We recommend referring to data provided by the State of Queensland. There is no ad hoc legislation in Indonesia.

In addition, we record the size of the IUSA spearfishing records, IGFA All tackle, and the TEAK SEA records, sponsor of the guide. The goal is to know how to recognize an exceptional catch and be able to report to the community.

SYNTHESIS & OVERALL RATING

An overall rating index synthesizes information about vulnerability, the “wildlife to be contemplated” character and the taste qualities of a given species. As this is a key information for the site, it is reported at the top of the page.

This overall rating has four levels. The first one is given for species to target without afterthoughts. The last one is given for fishes that should absolutely not be targeted. The two intermediate ones for fishes that either not worth it because of their poor taste mainly, or of fishes that are iconic or threatened.

STEP 3:
HUNTING SAFELY​

Equipment, techniques, precautions.

The text contains many tips on hunting techniques and equipment needs for each species to successfully shoot them and avoid injuring fish.

A specific section of the website concerns safety, in particular the specificities of Indonesia.