About FishReference

FishReference brings together a US-focused fish species catalog, photographs, recorded locations, taxonomy, and an aquarium names directory. The aquarium directory also includes species groups, hybrids, and retail varieties; it is separate from the US occurrence catalog.

The site combines published datasets and articles. It does not represent first-hand field observations or an independent scientific review of every species. Missing information remains visible on individual pages.

Species prose is matched to the catalog by scientific name. Published disagreements and unverified fields are shown rather than resolved by guesswork. A source retrieval date records when material was obtained; it does not mean the biology was independently reviewed on that date.

A fish recorded in a state is not necessarily native throughout that state. Record density reflects sampling effort as well as distribution. Missing records do not prove absence. Historical traits may vary between populations and should be checked against current, local references.

Aquarium care notes cover a small sourced freshwater subset. Tank sizes, social groups, and narrowed planning ranges are editorial screening guidelines. Compatibility and stocking tools cannot predict temperament or total biological capacity. Confirm requirements with species-specific references before buying or housing fish.

Names-only aquarium entries and species records without biology prose remain available to browse while excluded from search indexing. Short sourced guides remain published; length alone does not establish quality or completeness.

For a questionable record, note the page URL, scientific name, field in question, and a supporting reference. Corrections to an upstream dataset should also be submitted through that source’s own reporting process.

For aquarium decisions, use the sourced care catalog and the linked care guide. An unverified name listing is not a care sheet.