Ichthyology Collection Curation

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Statement of Purpose

These links and documents contain information about best practices for Ichthyology collection curation.

Introduction

Contributors

Content generated during The American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists (ASIH) Annual Joint Meeting - 2016, during an iDigBio sponsored workshop by the following individuals participating in the "Curation" working group of the aforementioned workshop:

  • Sarah Huber - Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Ichthyology Collection Manager
  • Justin Mann - Tulane University Biodiversity Research Institute, Ichthyology Collection Manager
  • Katherine Pearson-Maslenikov - Burke Museum of Natural History, Ichthyology Collections Manager
  • Susan Mochel - The Field Museum of Natural History, Assistant Collections Manager - Fishes
  • Rob Robins - The Florida Museum of Natural History, Ichthyology Collection Manager
  • Randy Singer - The Florida Museum of Natural History
  • Kevin Swagel - The Field Museum of Natural History, Assistant Collections Manager - Fishes
  • H.J. Walker - Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Ichthyology Collection Manager (Retired)

Restoration/renovation

Rehydration

  • Osmosis via rehydration chamber (Singer protocol adapted from John Simmons method for herps). Most economical method with least chance for damage to specimens. Protocol involves using warm DI water, thymol crystals (anti-fungal), sealed glass container and a mesh, pliable and water resistant material (e.g. rubber mesh or chicken wire).

Original text found via Collection Forum: http://collectionforum.org/doi/abs/10.14351/0831-0005-28.1.16

Also available from author via researchgate: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/276239039_Are_dehydrated_specimens_a_lost_cause_A_case_study_to_reclaim_dehydrated_fluid-preserved_specimens

Deaccessioning

Labels and systems for printing

  • Pre-printed labels with blanks for required information are best so collectors in the field know what is expected. Can be on ‘rite in the rain’ paper, linen resistal paper, other paper that does not degrade in ethanol, isopropanol, or formalin solutions. Use pencil or indelible ink. No sharpies! See field collecting subcommittee for data fields.
  • Archival (long term): thermal impact printer labels (Datamax printers, polyester labeling media, special SDR ribbon for alcohol solutions). Alpha Systems is one vendor.

Identification and sorting of collected material

Keep accession and field numbers with specimens

A summary of sorting fish eggs and larvae is found in Smith and Richardson (1977).

Accessioning

Required paperwork: permits, international declarations (e.g. USFWS form 3-177) if appropriate, copies of field notes, collections notes; documentation demonstrating legal acquisition and ownership of specimens (Deed of Gift form), any copyright transfers that may relate to photographs, etc.

Georeferencing

https://www.idigbio.org/wiki/index.php/Georeferencing#Georeferencing_Community_Protocols_and_Workflows

Cataloging

Matching subsamples with whole specimen in lots with >1 individual: Give sub-sampled individuals a unique catalog number (lot is now n=1) and cross-reference old catalog number and new catalog number. Alternatively, tag individual with its own identifier, such as catalog number XXXXX 1 of 6. Tag tissue and individuals with same identifier and ensure that tags stay with individuals: place or tie tag in gills, mouth, body cavity, or wrap individually in cheese cloth.


Georeferencing (see Digitization)

Collection organization

  • Taxonomic: By family, then alphabetical by genus and species

Recommendation: Most recent edition of Eschmeyer or Nelson

Examples of institutional organisation by taxonomic authority:

Institution Taxonomic Authority
ANSP Greenwood et al.
The Burke Museum Nelson 1984
The Field Museum Jordan 1930
The Florida Museum Eschmeyer 1997
Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology Greenwood et al.
Scripps Hubbs 1944
Smithsonian Eschmeyer 1997
Tulane Nelson, 4th Ed.
VIMS Nelson, 4th Ed
  • Alphabetical: By genus and species
  • Geographic
  • Temporal (e.g., by cruise)
  • Catalog number

Storage in collection (containers)

Sensitive and rare specimen handling/preserving

  • Types:
    • Mark jars (with ribbon around neck or write on lids).
    • Store separately (under lock and key).
  • Other special specimens: Use ribbons, wires, etc. around jars to indicate.

Clear glass, screw-top jars

Type of glass: Borosilicate (preferred, but expensive). Flint glass is readily available and a very good option. The ideal lid for these jars is polypropylene with an F217 tri-seal foam liner, a knurled (ribbed) edge, and a buff (rough) top.

Potential vendors:

Standard Sizes (check with fire marshal for allowable sizes)

Size Type Necks Vendor Notes
5-gallon wide mouth 132-400 Discontinued jars and lids
3-gallon wide mouth 132-400 Discontinued jars and lids
2.5-gallon “pickle” barrel 120-400 Anchor-Hocking vendor
1-gallon narrow mouth 110-400
1-gallon wide mouth 120-400 Discontinued jars and lids
half gallon tall 83-400
half gallon short 110-400
32 oz. paragon 89-400
32 oz. narrow mouth 70-400 Discontinued jars
32 oz. mayo 63-400
24 oz. "pickle" jar 63-400
24 oz. mayo 63-400
16 oz. paragon 70-400
16 oz. paragon 63-400
16 oz. mayo 63-400
16 oz. short 89-400
12 oz. mayo
8 oz. wide mouth 58-400
8 oz. wide mouth 58-400
8 oz. paragon 58-400
8 oz. mayo
9 oz. short 70-400
6 oz. paragon 53-400
6 oz. mayo
4 oz. paragon 48-400
4 oz. short 58-400
3 oz. mayo
2 oz. paragon 38-400
2 oz. short 48-400
1 oz. wide mouth 43-400

Bold = commonly used by most large fish collections in North America.

Glass Gasket jars

  • Le Parfait jars – unique sizes, wide mouth (0.5L, 1.5L, 2L, 3L). Buno white, rubber gasket.
  • Bail-top jars - not recommended for new collections. If you are already using them, you need to check gaskets for cracking and replace.

Plastic Containers

(polypropylene lid with F217 tri-seal foam liner (as above for glass) PET (polyethylene terephthalate) HDPE (high density polyethylene) Vendors: University Products: 1-22 quarts

Vials Containing Whole Specimens

Stored within larger, fluid filled jars. All vials are stoppered with cotton or synthetic polyethylene stuffing (no phenolic black plastic). Vials are stored cotton end down in case of evaporation (be sure to pack cotton well, or fish will fall out!). Vial labels are a smaller version of a standard adult label. One small label has catalog number, ID, abbreviated locality (often only a field number to save space) and identifier’s name or initials. A large cover label goes into the large jar with a header that has the species name then a list of the catalog numbers and abbreviated locality.

Stainless steel tanks

Vendors:

  • Delta designs
  • Stainless Steel Manufacturing
  • J.W. Appley

Links

Consensus Documents

Community Standards

Review Documents

References