Key Selection Factors

1. Waterproof and Pressure-Resistant Performance
   The camera must meet at least the IP68 protection standard, and you should pay close attention to its stated underwater operating depth and duration. For common scenarios like ponds or general cages, a 5-meter depth rating is usually sufficient; for deep-water cages or areas with strong water flow, opt for models with a higher pressure-resistant grade to avoid water leakage or structural damage.
2. Imaging Quality and Lens
   Choose a camera with a resolution of 1080p or higher to ensure clear capture of fish behavior and underwater details. Its low-light sensitivity should be ≤0.01 Lux to maintain visibility in dim environments (such as deep water or cloudy days). Select a wide-angle, anti-distortion lens (typically with a focal length of 2.8–4 mm) to balance coverage area and image distortion. In water with high turbidity, shorten the distance between the camera and the observation target (e.g., fish schools or feeding areas) to compensate for reduced light penetration.
3. Supplementary Lighting
   Options include white light and infrared (IR) lighting, both of which should have anti-scattering designs to prevent blurred images. White light is more suitable for color recognition and fish counting, as it restores the true color of fish bodies and water quality; infrared lighting is ideal for concealed nighttime monitoring, as it does not disturb fish resting patterns.
4. Transmission and Power Supply
   For short distances (≤100 meters), Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a convenient choice, as it integrates data transmission and power supply into a single cable. For long-distance scenarios (such as cross-pond or cross-dam monitoring), fiber optic transmission is preferred for its stable signal and resistance to interference. Ensure the camera is equipped with waterproof connectors to avoid short circuits caused by water ingress. Additionally, functions like "store-and-forward" (to save data when the network is down) and Region of Interest (ROI) encoding (to reduce bandwidth usage by focusing on key areas) are highly recommended.
5. Intelligent Features and Storage
   Consider models with intelligent functions such as target recognition (e.g., identifying dead fish or abnormal fish aggregation) and behavior analysis. These features enable automatic alerts for issues like fish school stress or feeding anomalies, which is particularly useful for feeding zones or fish passage areas. For storage, choose cameras that support both local storage (e.g., SD cards) and cloud storage to prevent data loss.
6. Corrosion Resistance and Material
   In seawater or saline-alkali water environments, select cameras made of corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel or titanium alloy, and ensure they meet the NEMA 4X standard for resistance to salt spray and chemical erosion. For freshwater scenarios, models with anti-microbial coatings on the housing can reduce the adhesion of algae or moss.
7. Anti-Interference and Stability
   Opt for cameras with anti-shake technology to counteract image blur caused by water flow or cage vibrations. They should also have electromagnetic interference (EMI) resistance, especially when installed near electrical equipment like aerators or water pumps. Automatic dimming functionality helps maintain consistent image brightness as light conditions change underwater.
8. Installation and Maintenance
   Choose an installation method that fits your scenario: fixed mounting for long-term, stable placement; hanging mounting for adjustable angles; or suction mounting for temporary use on smooth surfaces (e.g., pond walls). In low-temperature environments or areas with large temperature fluctuations, select cameras with heated glass to prevent fogging or icing. Quick-detach designs make regular cleaning and maintenance easier—critical for sustaining performance.

Quick Selection Steps

1. Define Depth and Water Quality Requirements
   For ponds or recirculating aquaculture systems, a 5-meter depth rating is typically adequate. For deep-water cages or seawater aquaculture, prioritize models with higher pressure resistance and corrosion resistance.
2. Confirm "Visibility" Parameters
   In turbid water, prioritize cameras with high-sensitivity low-light sensors rather than overly powerful supplementary lighting (which can cause glare). Select a 2.8–4 mm lens to balance coverage and image clarity.
3. Choose Transmission and Power Supply
   Use PoE for distances ≤100 meters; opt for fiber optics for longer distances. Ensure the camera supports store-and-forward and ROI encoding to adapt to unstable network conditions and reduce bandwidth costs.
4. Match Installation and Maintenance to Scenarios
   For low-temperature or high-temperature-difference environments, select cameras with anti-fog heating. In areas with strong water flow, reinforce the mounting structure and choose anti-shake models.
5. Balance Intelligence and Budget
   For feeding zones or fish passage areas, enable intelligent alerts (e.g., for intrusion or loitering). If budget is limited, prioritize core functions like imaging quality, supplementary lighting, and transmission stability over non-essential smart features.

Scenario-Specific Configuration Recommendations

• Ponds or Industrial Recirculating Aquaculture (5-meter depth, medium-low turbidity)：IP68 rating (5-meter depth), 2560×1440 resolution (25 fps), 2.8–4 mm lens, white light supplementary lighting, PoE power supply, and anti-fog heating.
• Deep-Water Cages or Seawater Aquaculture (>5-meter depth, salt spray exposure)：High pressure-resistant and corrosion-resistant materials (stainless steel/titanium alloy), dual supplementary lighting (white light + IR), fiber optic transmission, and support for store-and-forward and ROI encoding.
• Feeding Zones or Fish Passage Areas (needing counting or alerts)：Wide-angle anti-distortion lens, low-light sensitivity ≤0.01 Lux, intelligent event detection (intrusion/loitering), and dual storage (local + cloud) with store-and-forward.

Pitfalls to Avoid and Maintenance Tips

• Don’t rely solely on IP rating：Always check the manufacturer’s stated underwater depth and duration—IP68 alone does not guarantee suitability for deep water.
• Avoid overusing supplementary lighting in turbid water：Excessive light can cause "whiteout" images. Instead, use high-sensitivity low-light sensors and shorten the observation distance.
• Prioritize corrosion resistance in seawater/saline-alkali water：Regularly rinse the camera with fresh water to remove salt deposits, and inspect seals and connectors periodically to prevent corrosion-related failures.
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