Aqua AIStart with the fish, not the reflection
Photograph through a clean part of the glass and keep the camera roughly square to it. Move away from reflected room lights. Use normal aquarium lighting where possible; heavily colored light can make markings harder to compare. Let the fish move into view rather than chasing it around the tank.
Take three views with three different jobs
First, take a side view that includes the whole body and tail. Next, try a closer image where the fin shape and body markings are visible. Finally, take a wider photo showing the fish in its aquarium. Keep the originals: a tight crop can hide the very feature that separates two similar species.
Add what the image cannot tell you
Write down approximate size, freshwater or saltwater, where the fish came from and any name supplied by the seller. Mark uncertain details as uncertain. A useful note might be: “About 4 cm, freshwater community tank, sold as a tetra; exact species unknown.” This is context to check, not an identification.
Treat a suggested name as a shortlist
Compare the proposed species with a trustworthy species reference, paying attention to shape and markings rather than color alone. If two candidates still look plausible, keep both names in your notes and ask a knowledgeable aquarist. Do not choose tank mates, water conditions or treatment solely from an automated photo match.
Keep the evidence next to the name
Save the photo, date and tentative identification together. Update the entry when you can verify it. Aqua AI lets you correct a suggested livestock entry, so an uncertain first result does not have to become a permanent fact.
About these field notes
These guides are written for aquarium keepers by the Aqua AI project with AI-assisted drafting. Product descriptions are checked against the development implementation. Practical checklists are editorial suggestions; they are not controlled experiments or veterinary review. Water-chemistry claims link to manufacturer guidance. Follow the instructions supplied with your exact test kit.