Abstract

The objective of the present initiative is to develop an electronic information system, to be accessed through the internet, at no cost, by anyone, to be used for the identification and research of information available on Venezuelan coastal fishes. Information to be incorporated on this system?s data bases will include valuable historical publications that have resulted from many years of investigations in the country, as well as the information available in national and international museums. In addition, we have conducted field surveys 2005 oriented toward locations that have not been previously adequately sampled due to logistical complexities of access. During these surveys particular attention was placed on the collection of cryptic, hence poorly known, species. The guide will allow the user to: (i) identify all the coastal, demersal and epipelagic fishes known in the area, and (ii) analyze and conduct comparative search about the local ichthyofauna, at a level to be defined by the user. Information will be offered about the biological characteristics of each species, and body features used for its identification, with extensive use of color photographs to facilitate identification. Maps displaying the geographic range and collection sites for each species will also be presented. It is expected that the guide will be available by mid 2010.

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