The document outlines a project to identify and describe fish models displayed in plaques at the MDC gallery. There were 28 fish models received as a gift, but only 21 unique descriptions were needed as some were duplicates. The project faced challenges in providing succinct yet factual descriptions that were understandable to visitors who would only briefly view the display, within space constraints. Resources like field guides and government websites were used to aid in identification and learn key details about the fish to include in the descriptions.

1. Fish ID Project
Pat Morse and Beth Lassi
November 2014

2. Goal
Identify the fish on the
plaques in the MDC gallery
(in the restroom area)
and
provide a description of each
fish

3. The Fish Models
• 28 fish on plaques - MDC had received these as
a gift
• Only 21 descriptions needed because of
duplicates

6. Challenges
• Audience - likely to look at display for only a short
period of time
• Need to be factual and succinct
• Need to use understandable language
• Space considerations

8. More Challenges
• Fish ID - is it a pompano or
a permit?
• Is the model accurate?
• Which info is most important
e.g. Fishing prohibitions or
remark on tastiness?
• Size description is critical -
models are all the same size

9. Check out the
Groupers
The Nassau Grouper and the
Goliath Grouper seem to be
the same size yet the Nassau
weighs 8 lb and the Goliath
weighs over 600 lb.

10. Fins are Key in Fish ID

11. Resources
• An Angler's Guide To Florida's Marine Resources
• FWC Website
• Audubon Field Guide
• Peterson Field Guide to Atlantic Coast Fishes
• Federal HMS Website

12. Acknowledgements
• Mark Adams
• Mark Spradley
• John Morse
• Chad Truxall
• Annie Morgan