FishWatch

API

Free API for fish species information and high-resolution images

Overview

The FishWatch API offers RESTful access to NOAA-verified data on fish species, including habitat, diet, population status, culinary notes, and image URLs. Key endpoints allow retrieving all species or a specific species by common/scientific name. Responses are in JSON format, making integration seamless. Ideal use cases include building educational apps, seafood sustainability guides, angler mobile tools, or conservation platforms. No authentication is required, enabling quick implementation for developers seeking reliable aquatic species data.

Example Integration (JavaScript)

script.js JS


fetch('https://www.fishwatch.gov/developers')
  .then(res => res.json())
  .then(data => console.log(data))
  .catch(err => console.error(err));

Key Features

RESTful API
JSON Response Format
No Authentication Required
High-Resolution Image URLs
NOAA-Verified Data

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is FishWatch free to use?

Yes, the FishWatch API is completely free for both public and commercial use without any charges.

? Does it require an API Key?

No, the API does not require authentication or an API key to access its endpoints.

? What is the response format?

All responses from the FishWatch API are in JSON format, containing structured species information and image URLs.

Top Alternatives

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Tool Info

Pricing Free

Category Animals

Platform Public API

Pros

⊕ No API key needed
⊕ Reliable government-sourced data
⊕ Rich species metadata
⊕ Included image assets

Cons

⊖ Limited to US-managed fish species
⊖ Potential rate limits for high traffic
⊖ No real-time data updates