Abstract

The Cuban marine ichthyofauna has been the object of numerous taxonomic studies since the XVIII century, and new species are registered constantly. In addition the nomenclature and higher level systematics of fish species is frequently modified in the light of new knowledge. The small amounts of information currently available on the species-level biology (distribution, reproduction, feeding, growth, e.g) of Cuban shorefishes is dispersed and fragmented. The current project aims to create a dual language (Spanish/English) online information system on the shorefishes of Cuba, which will utilize data bases on their systematics and biology that contain information derived from both published and unpublished data, and from fish collections in Cuba and other countries. This information system will present an updated list of fish species recorded in the Cuban Archipelago and adjacent oceanic waters, with information on the taxonomy, morphology (with illustrations), distribution, habitat, life cycle characteristics (reproduction, feeding, growth, behaviour), importance (ecological, for fisheries, aquarium commerce, e.g), danger to humans, protection measures and a list of references on the species biology. The system will incorporate 1109 fish species (1071 marine, 38 primarily freshwater; including 73 Chondrichthyes and 1036 Actinopterygii). Among these are 70 species not previously recorded from Cuban waters, most of them collected in oceanic waters around the archipelago. The databases in this online information system will be updated annually, to provide users with up to date material available.

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