Africa's largest fish collection is moving

Abstract

Ichthyology The National Fish Collection, developed and managed by the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), houses the largest collection of southern African fish anywhere in the world. It is the largest fish collection in Africa and the second largest in the Southern Hemisphere. The collection serves mainly as a reference for scientists to study the identification and conservation of the region’s fish biodiversity. Specimens are loaned to researchers based at SAIAB as well as the broader South African and international research communities. Selected specimens are used extensively for education, providing a fascinating insight into how scientists develop our understanding of the region’s diverse fish fauna. The collection spans over 140 years of collecting, with records revealing the oldest specimen dating back to the 1860s. There are specimens from about 170 countries. With ongoing research, exploration and new genetic techniques, more species are being added all the time.

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