How to Measure the Fish
An accurate measurement is very useful to both anglers and scientists. When measuring a fish, there are 3 standard methods for non-billfish and 2 standard methods for billfish species. Remember, don’t pull a tape measure over the fish; instead lay the fish down on top of a ruler or measuring tape. All measurements should start at the tip of the snout, and the end point depends on what type of measurement you are taking:
Measurement Types: (Non-Billfish Species)
Total Length (TL): From the tip of the snout to the tip of the tail
Fork Length (FL): From the tip of the snout to the fork of the tail.
Standard Length (SL): From the tip of the snout to the end of the fleshy part of the tail (the caudal peduncle).
Measurement Types: (Billfish Species)
Total Length (TL): From the tip of the bill to the tip of the tail
Lower Jaw Fork Length (LJFL): From the tip of the lower jaw snout to the fork of the tail.
