Objectives:

To update, systematize and evaluate the status of the Fish (Ichthyological) Collection of the Natural History Museum at Universidad de Caldas (MHN-UCa).

Scope:

To identify strengths and weaknesses in the curation process of the collection to prevent deterioration and guarantee permanence.

Methodology:

In the first place, 467 lots of fish were reviewed, the information on the specimens was ordered and systematized according to Darwin Core standards. In addition, the Health Index (HI) of the collection for 467 lots was calculated and, finally, a bibliographic literature review was carried out to identify articles that referenced specimens deposited in the collection.

Main results:

The collection is made up of 756 specimens grouped in 467 lots distributed in 8 orders, 30 families, 66 genera and 86 species. The most representative order was Characiformes with 187 records and 37 species. Most of the specimens come from the Departments of Cesar (219) and Caldas (141). However, there are some records from the departments of Amazonas, Antioquia, Arauca, Atlántico, Cundinamarca, Meta, Putumayo, Risaralda, and Tolima. The result of the HI for 2022 was 80.93%, which indicates that the collection has good storage conditions and identification of the entered specimens.

Conclusions:

Currently the Fish Collection of the MHN-UCa is in good condition. However, it is important to promote the collection and conservation of deposit of specimens of freshwater in the collection in addition to encouraging research and publication of results using specimens deposited in the MHN-UCa.

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