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Division of
Fishes
Ichthyology is the study of fishes. Fish are the most numerous and diverse vertebrates on earth, with an estimated 36,000 species known to science and thousands of species yet to be discovered and described. Research in the Division of Fishes is focused on the systematic and taxonomic assessments of species, genera, and families based on development and comparative anatomy, and the interpretation of higher-level phylogeny and biogeography among a broad range of taxa. The Division of Fishes serves the research community through the discoveries of our scientists and stewardship of the vast resources of the National Fish Collection.
Access the Collections
We have over 6 million specimens and the world’s largest collection of North American, Neotropical, Caribbean, and West Pacific fish fauna. A majority of the collection consists of specimens in alcohol with supporting collections of genetic, osteological, larval, and cleared and stained material. Additional strengths include our extensive archival collections of illustrations, radiographs, color slides, histological slides, and field documentation.