We aspire to compile and synthesize knowledge of the spatial and temporal distribution of Texas' freshwater fish fauna. Based in the University of Texas' Ichthyology Collection (a division of the College of Natural Sciences' Department of Integrative Biology), the project focused originally on museum-vouchered specimens and associated data housed in our own collection, but grew quickly to incorporate additional specimen-based records from other institutions. We chose to use museum specimen records as our primary data source since, unlike other data sources, the accuracy of at least species identifications can always be verified and because museum specimens are essentially permanent and have been regularly collected statewide over a long period of time, they provide a much longer and more comprehensive history of the fauna than do any other source.
Our database now includes records from over 40 specimen-holding institutions based on specimens collected as far back as the mid 1800's. Our efforts have focused on standardizing, merging and subjecting the data to a rigorous error detection and correction process and making it available to researchers, natural research managers and the public. The resulting fish occurrence records now include the state's approximately 280 species found in freshwaters and many more from its bays. This database is available online and allows for powerful data queries, on-the-fly mapping of results, and downloading of records to facilitate its utilization in diverse and complex research and management applications, as well as education.
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