The project's primary aim is the compilation of data from museums and, more recently, other non-specimen sources.  But, has also developed, internally, several occurrence data resources that feed into the Fishes of Texas database. In addition to those listed below, we'd like to eventually gather occurrence data from sources such as scientific permit reports and proceedings from scientific meetings.

Literature-based occurrence database 

Records of Texas fishes have been recorded in literature since the mid-1800s and really even before that in the form of the accounts of early explorers. This unfunded sub-project started in 2015 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. (partially in FoTX as part of track3 dataset)

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 started in 2015 aims to document occurrences as recollected by anyone who cares to submit an observation. To see how go here. To see that dataset go here. (partially in FoTX as part of track3 dataset)

Citizen Science database

With cameras now built into phones and common place, in 2015 we started a photo-vouchered occurrence database using iNaturalist. Submit photos of fish to help us build that dataset.  (partially in FoTX as part of track3 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. (partially in FoTX as part of track3 dataset)

Fieldnotes database

Collectors often keep records of what 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. (not yet in FoTX database)

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. (all data are in FoTX as part of track3 dataset)
• We are currently funded to compile American Eel (Anguilla rostrata) occurrence records reported from Texas and our neighbor states. Those data are being compiled at the time of this writing, but many are contained in other databases associated with the project mentioned on this page. (partially in FoTX as part of track3 dataset)