The project has developed and continues to develop several occurrence data resources that feed into the Fishes of Texas database and website. We'd like to also gather occurrence data from sources such as scientific permit reports, proceedings from scientific meetings.

Literature-based occurrence database

Records of Texas fishes have been recorded in literature since the mid 1800 and really even before that in the form of the accounts of early explorers. This unfunded sub-project aims to document records from literature focusing first on records we deem of scientific interest. There is much to be done in this regard,  but we've started and those can be seen here.

Personal Accounts database

Much of what is known about Texas fishes is stored in the heads of researchers, anglers and the general public - not publicly available. This unfunded project aims to document occurrences as recolected by anyone who cares to submit an observation. To see how go here. To see that dataset go here.

Citizen Science database

With cameras now built into phone and common place. We've started a photo-vouchered occurrence database using iNaturalist. Submit photos of fish to help us build that dataset.

Specimen database

It is our contention that the best data are specimen based since they are verifiable. Thus, our primary aim is the development of our specimen collection and its database. Those data are added to the project database periodically, but all of the data can be seen here on GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility). To learn about more ways to access our online specimen data see here. To donate specimens see here.

Fieldnotes database

Collectors often keep records of wht they see in the field in the form of fieldnotes. Among their observations are occurrence data.  We've initiated a project to mine those data and to date have mined most of the records from two prolific collectors Clark Hubbs and Gary Garrett. Those data are not yet available for the public.

Funded databasing projects

• We were funded to compile fish occurrence records from the Rio Grande drainage. That project is complete and a report and data are available here.
• We are currently funded to compile American Eel  (Anguillla rostrata) occurrence records reported from Texas and our neighbor states. Those data are being compiled at the time of this writting, but many are contained in other databases associated with the project mentioned on this page.