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After compilation of all potential errors during the geographical outlier detection processes, institutions holding flagged specimens were are contacted and loans of flagged specimens were are requested or visits by Fishes of Texas Project staff were are arranged. Flagged specimens were are then examined by Fishes of Texas staff (or sometimes donor institution staff experienced in fish identification) and previous determinations were are verified or corrected. In some instances identification to the species level is not possible (especially in the case of very small and poorly preserved specimens) and in such instances specimens are identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level. Additional specimens not previously flagged were sometimes are often examined opportunistically.
For all specimens examined by our team, determinations and , determiner and determination date were are recorded on labels placed in the specimen jars and results of the examination were also recorded in our data management database along with identification notes including measurements and appropriate meristics. At the same time, determinations were also rated by the determiner for confidence of identification (high, medium or low). As Upon examination and if possible logistically, specimens were photographed for inclusion in the Fishes of Texas online photo library. All information recorded during specimen examination is provided in the specimen pages including determination notes, and photographs of jar contents.
The specimen verification process is ongoing. Specimens have not yet been examined for the majority of records in the database and we do not intend to examine all specimens in the database. We indicate which specimens that we would like to examine on the specimen pages and elswhere via our color coding schema. New verifications will be made accessible online as we progress with the verification process.
