In this article on Naijaknowhow, I’ll be writing about some of the best fish identification apps for mobile. As technology continues to advance, it’s now possible to do almost anything with just your smartphone, including identifying a wide variety of fish species. With the best fish identification apps, you can easily get information about any kind of fish with just a few taps on your phone.
These fish identification apps contain a vast collection of comprehensive information in their databases, making it simple to search for different fish by taking a picture or entering their characteristics. They work similarly to other identification apps for plants, flowers, animals, and more. Not only can you identify fish, but you can also keep track of your fishing activities such as your catches, favorite fishing spots, and best baits.
If you’re interested in identifying fish and learning more about fish species in your area, there are several fish identification apps that are suitable for you. These apps can be downloaded onto your mobile device, making it easy to access fish identification information wherever you are. With these apps, you’ll feel like having a personal fish expert in your pocket, always ready to help you identify the fish you catch.
List of the Best Fish Identification Apps for Android and iOS
Whether you’re an avid fisherman or a marine enthusiast, fish identification apps are a valuable resource for identifying and learning about the creatures that live in the ocean. Meanwhile, we’ve also discussed the best plant identification apps that would help you to identify the names and uses of all kinds of plants.
1. FishVerify
FishVerify is a widely used fish identification app for both Android and iPhone users. It allows users to identify various freshwater and saltwater fish species by simply taking a photo of the fish. The app offers detailed information about the species and also provides current fishing regulations based on the user’s location through GPS.
The app offers marine weather, water condition, and climate information such as wind, moon phase, air temperature, pressure, water temperature, and more. It is also beneficial for beginners as it includes reference tools to identify local marine life.
The developer provides two versions of FishVerify, a free plan, and a premium plan. The premium version includes image recognition, a catch log, a digital wallet, and the ability to ask a fish expert and receive answers.
Pros:
- Quick fish identification through photos.
- Detailed species info and local regulations.
- Comprehensive marine weather data.
- Offers beginner-friendly reference tools.
- The app has cross-platform availability.
Cons:
- The app has photo recognition limitations.
- Reduced effectiveness in poor GPS areas.
- External weather source dependency.
- Incomplete fish species or location coverage.
- Variable user experience based on device.
2. Seabook
Seabook is an app that helps users identify different types of fish and underwater creatures. It’s perfect for people who love the sea, including freedivers, snorkelers, anglers, and scuba divers. It includes 78 identification groups, such as parrotfish, butterflyfish, sharks, and more, as well as an invertebrate category with mollusks and echinoderm.
This app is easy to use, allowing users to search for creatures by type, such as fish, coral, or plants, or by body shape, color, location, pattern, and other features. It provides high-quality photos and detailed information on over 1500 species, including descriptions, distribution, habits, legal status, and more. The offline mode feature allows users to search without an internet connection, making it ideal for diving or fishing. The app can be downloaded for free, but it includes in-app purchases.
Pros:
- Intuitive interface for easy navigation.
- Comprehensive database with 1500+ species.
- High-quality photos and detailed info.
- Offline mode for diving or fishing.
- Free download with optional in-app purchases.
Cons:
- In-app purchases needed for full features.
- Limited legal status information.
- Offline mode may need regular updates.
- Overwhelming identification groups.
- Continuous internet access required.
3. Fish Identifier
Fish Identifier is an excellent app for fishing enthusiasts, divers, and those interested in the underwater world. Utilizing its advanced AI capabilities, the app allows users to become experts on different fish species by easily identifying them with a photo from its library of over 3,000 fish including sharks, bass, and dolphins.
Fish Identifier app provides detailed information about the fish’s habitat, physical characteristics, and more. Its user-friendly interface and useful tools make it easy to use, and it is available for free with the option to upgrade to premium features.
Pros:
- AI photo recognition simplifies fish identification.
- Large library, including sharks and dolphins.
- Detailed info on habitat and characteristics.
- User-friendly interface with helpful tools.
- Free access, with premium features available.
Cons:
- Limited info on potential drawbacks.
- Some niche species might not be covered.
- Premium features require payment.
- Accuracy depends on AI effectiveness.
- Real-world user reviews provide insights.
4. FishAngler
FishAngler is an essential app for all anglers, designed to enhance their fishing experience by providing instant access to fishing hot spots, real-time forecasts, and nearby catches. It offers fishing techniques, powerful fish identification capabilities with a database of over 33,000 fish species, GPS fishing maps, a fishing logbook, a fishing forecast, top baits, and lures.
The built-in share button allows anglers to connect with other anglers and share their catches with the world. Users can join conversations and receive tips and tricks for an improved fishing experience. The best part is that the app is completely free to use and has a small download size, making it memory-friendly.
Pros:
- Quick access to hot spots and real-time forecasts.
- Vast fish identification database.
- Simple GPS maps and user-friendly logbook.
- Active community for sharing catches and tips.
- Completely free with a small download size.
Cons:
- Relies on accurate real-time forecasts.
- Limited info on fishing technique quality.
- Privacy concerns with the share button.
- The app depends on a stable GPS signal.
- Potential interface overwhelm for some users.
5. Picture Fish
Picture Fish is an app that uses artificial intelligence to help users identify different types of fish from freshwater, saltwater, or brackish water. Simply take a picture of the fish or upload a photo, and the app will identify it in seconds. It offers quick identification and detailed information thanks to its extensive database of over 3,000 underwater creatures including sharks, crustaceans, rays, mollusks, echinoderms, and others.
This app has an intuitive design, the option to save scanned fish in a personal collection for easier search, and even care tips for pet fish. Other features include the option to subscribe to the Premium version, which offers a 7-day trial, scan unlimited fish images, HD fish-themed wallpaper, and ask fish experts for help. Picture Fish promises high accuracy of fish identification.
Pros:
- Instant fish identification with AI.
- Extensive database covering 3,000+ species.
- User-friendly design and easy photo uploads.
- Personal collection for organized fish records.
- Premium version offers expert assistance.
Cons:
- Requires internet for real-time identification.
- Free version limits access to some features.
- The app’s accuracy varies with photo quality.
- It has a short trial period for Premium version.
- Its AI may occasionally misidentify fish.
6. PacFish ID
PacFish ID is an essential app for those who plan to fish around Pacific Island countries. This free fish identification app contains a large database of 320 coastal rays, fishes, and sharks in the Pacific Islands, which is mainly collected to help fisheries officers with identification. With PacFish ID, users can easily identify unknown fish and invertebrates they have never seen before by launching the app and identifying fish based on the photos in the library.
PacFish ID gives detailed information such as physical traits and distribution, and it is important to note that all photos in PacFish ID are copyrighted and should not be used without permission. PacFish ID is a great resource for those who are interested in identifying fish and other underwater creatures in the Pacific Island territories.
Pros:
- Identifies 320 coastal species accurately.
- Tailored for fisheries officers’ efficient use.
- Has an intuitive interface for easy identification.
- The app provides detailed data on traits.
- It is accessible to all users without any cost.
Cons:
- Photos are copyrighted, so permission is necessary.
- It is designed for Pacific Islands’ marine species.
- Recognition heavily relies on visual cues.
- The app has challenges with device compatibility.
- There are issues with the app’s privacy policy.
7. Fiskher
Fiskher is a fishing app that has everything you need to enjoy recreational fishing. With this app, you can easily locate more than 70,000 fishing spots in Europe for different types of fish. The app is user-friendly and comes with satellite maps and nautical charts that guide you to various fishing spots in Denmark, Germany, Norway, and Sweden.
If you upgrade to Fiskher premium, you will get access to more tools. With Fiskher premium, you will not only have access to fishing spots but also receive information about protected areas where fishing is restricted. You will also get information on the minimum size requirements for each fish species to help protect the fish population in specific areas.
Furthermore, the app has a fish recognition feature that uses the latest AI technology to identify the fish you catch within seconds. With this feature, you will learn more about the type of fish you catch and improve your fishing skills. With all these features, you can also consider Fiskher as one of the best fish identification apps.
Pros:
- Easy navigation with maps and charts.
- Extensive European fishing spot database.
- The app has a user-friendly interface.
- Premium version offers protected area info.
- Covers Denmark, Germany, Norway, and Sweden.
Cons:
- Premium features require an upgrade.
- Limited to European fishing spots.
- Accuracy hinges on provided information.
- Internet connectivity needed for map access.
- Spot availability varies by location.
[appbox googleplay no.fiskher.app]
[appbox appstore id1515086935]
8. Fishing Spots
This app is specially designed for anglers all around the world and provides the ultimate fishing guide to help you find nearby fishing spots, fishing forecasts, and keep track of your fishing trips. You’ll find everything you need to make the most of your fishing moments. The app is free with no hidden charges, and it has features that will assist you with local fishing.
Some of the most valuable features of Fishing Spots include the fishing map exploration that shows you the locations and details of the fishing spots, as well as the fishing forecast to help you find the best time to fish. If you need a fish identification app that can recognize various fish species, Fishing Spots is an excellent choice.
It has an extensive database of fish species that includes catfish, carp, bass, trout, and many more. You can track any fish from saltwater or freshwater on your mobile device. Moreover, Fishing Spots is an excellent tool to connect with anglers in your area or around the world. You can join the community, share your fishing experiences, photos, and tips and tricks.
Pros:
- Free app with comprehensive fishing guide.
- Detailed map exploration for spot locations.
- Fishing forecast feature for optimal fishing times.
- Includes a fish identification tool.
- The application has no hidden charges.
Cons:
- Limited global fishing location information.
- The app’s UI may need improvement.
- Some users desire more advanced features.
- Fishing forecast accuracy can vary.
- Fish identification not 100% accurate.
[appbox googleplay com.fishangler.fishingspots]
[appbox appstore id417922502]
9. Fishidy
Fishidy is an app that helps people go fishing in different water bodies. The app has many maps that show you where to go and how to get there. You can find maps of more than 20,000 freshwater and 180 saltwater places in America. Each map also shows you where to find fish and when it’s best to catch them.
The app can also tell you about the weather in your area. The app has many features, but you need to pay for some of them. If you get the pro version, you can learn about all the different types of fish and find specific fish using filters. You can also see where the fish are located.
The pro version also shows you where the best fishing spots are. The app lets you take pictures of the fish you catch and share them with others. You can also track your catches over time using the app’s fishing statistic log.
Pros:
- Detailed maps for 20,000+ US water locations.
- Timely fish location and catch time insights.
- It provides weather updates for planning.
- Premium version offers in-depth fish data.
- Enhances fishing experience with specific insights.
Cons:
- Some features require payment for full access.
- May discourage traditional exploration.
- The app is limited to US water bodies.
- Potential tech reliance for fishing information.
- Pro version subscription cost could be a drawback.
[appbox googleplay com.fishidy]
[appbox appstore id561498932]
10. Fishbrain
Fishbrain is also one of the best fish identification apps as it is a big online community of millions of people who like to go fishing. It’s a place where you can show off your best catches or talk to other people about the ones that got away. One of the main things you can do with Fishbrain is find great fishing spots.
You can use filters to search for places that are close to you and where you’re likely to catch the type of fish you want. Fishbrain also has a feature that helps you identify different types of fish. You can look up any fish you want and even see what types of fish are in the area you’re in.
You can use Fishbrain as a personal fishing diary to keep track of your progress too. Once you make an account on Fishbrain, you can follow other anglers and see what they’ve caught recently. You can also share your own pictures and join in on discussions about fishing. All in all, Fishbrain is a great app for people who love fishing and want to learn more about it.
Pros:
- Active community for sharing fishing experiences.
- Showcases catches and fosters connections.
- Facilitates finding and discussing fishing spots.
- Includes a handy fish identification tool.
- Provides insights into local fish types.
Cons:
- Success linked to community activity.
- Outcomes depend on nearby user engagement.
- Fish identification accuracy may vary.
- Spot quality relies on user-generated content.
- Filters subject to location and data availability.
[appbox googleplay com.fishbrain.app]
[appbox appstore id477967747]
11. Fishes: East Pacific
The Fishes: East Pacific is a guide that helps you identify different types of fish that live in the eastern pacific ocean. You can use it on your phone or tablet even if you don’t have an internet connection. The app has English and Spanish options, so you can choose the language that you’re most comfortable with.
The app has information on over 2,000 species of fish, and they’re always adding more. If you can’t find a fish that you’re looking for, you can send a picture and a short description, and they’ll try to add it to the app. Each listing for a fish includes a detailed description of where you can find it and how deep in the water it usually is.
There are also several pictures of each fish from different angles. You can use the app’s search engine to look for fish by name, location, habitat, and even color. If you’ve already looked at a fish before, the app saves it to your personal history so you can easily find it again. The app also tells you how to tell the difference between similar-looking fish.
Pros:
- Extensive database with 2,000+ fish species.
- Offline accessibility for convenience.
- Offers bilingual support; English and Spanish.
- User-friendly interface on phones/tablets.
- Community engagement for user contributions.
Cons:
- Limited language options available.
- Relies on user submissions for content.
- The application is very large in size.
- Geographically focused on the East Pacific.
- It has possible delays in periodic updates.
[appbox googleplay org.stri.pacificfishes]
[appbox appstore id494644648]
Conclusion
The use of fish identification apps on your mobile device is a great way to enhance your fishing or diving experience. With the help of these apps, you can easily identify fish based on their photos and learn more about their characteristics, habitats, and other information that may be useful for fishing or diving. Download the app that best suits your interest and have fun making use of it.
