SH

338

Ff) OUTLINE FOR AN EDUCATIONAL
f EXHIBIT OF FISHES + + * *

From. BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF FISHERIES, Volume XXVIII, 1908

. Proceedings of the Fourth International “Fashery “Congress + : Washington, 1908

< = 5 es

OOTEINE | FOR AN EDUCATIONAL
Pipi (OF FISHES °* 4 i

From BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF FISHERIES, Volume XXVIII, 1908

Proceedings of the Fourth International Fishery Congress: Washington, 1908

WASHINGDON 23 0s) si

BUREAU OF FISHERIES DOCUMENT NO. 722
Issued May, 1910

OUTLINE FOR AN EDUCATIONAL EXHIBIT OF FISHES
&
By Frederic A. Lucas
Gunner aiGhi fi useum of the Brooklyn lastohite efi Lirts and Seances
Bd
Presented before the Fourth International Fishery Congress

held at Washington, U.S. A., September 22 to 26, 1908, and

awarded one-half of the prize of one hundred dollars in gold
offered by the Museum of the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and

Sciences for the best plan for an educational exhibit of fishes

OUTLINE FOR AN EDUCATIONAL EXHIBIT OF FISHES.

a

By FREDERIC A. LUCAS,
Curator in Chief, Museum of the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences.

&

An educational exhibit of fishes is one that will convey to the average visitor
an idea of the distinctive characters and anatomical structure of this zoological
group and its larger divisions, and also afford information as to the appearance,
special modifications, and, so far as possible, habits of typical members of these
subdivisions.

First of all should be shown examples of the lancelet, lampreys, ostra-
cophores, sharks, and one of the bony fishes, to show the various classes of
vertebrates embraced in the term “fishes.” This part of the exhibit should
include, so far as possible, skeletons of these forms, accompanied by diagrams
and explanatory labels, to make clear the characters of the various groups
represented and illustrate the meaning of Acrania, Craniota, and Gnathostomata.

Then should come specimens showing the resemblances and differences
between Elasmobranchii and Teleostomi, as well as the peculiarities of their
skeletal, nervous, circulatory, and digestive systems. These series should pref-
erably be displayed side by side, and should include not only actual specimens
but drawings and models, especially in cases where the natural objects are so
small as not to be readily seen. Here should be shown dissections of the arterial
and nervous systems, and enlarged, explanatory models of more important
details. For example, a dissection would show the relation of the heart to the
gills and a model the structure and peculiarities of the heart.

Emphasis should be laid on the more apparent and more important char-
acters, since as this exhibit is for the general public it should not go too much into
details or attempt to display and explain characters not readily comprehended;
such matters are for books and for the student.

The exhibits just described are intended to serve as a preface or introduction
to the systematic series of fishes and should stand by themselves in order to be
the more readily understood.

The more evident characters of the subclasses and orders are to be shown
in connection with these divisions or groups in the systematic exhibit; at the
same time a good-sized chart or diagram illustrating the relations of fishes to

1343

1344 BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF FISHERIES.

other vertebrates and the primary divisions within the class, might well be
introduced here.

The systematic series of fishes is to form the principal portion of the col-
lection and is to include typical examples of the various subclasses and orders.
It should not be too large and it should as a rule be confined to the more char-
acteristic forms. The object of this series is to show the main divisions of fishes
and give the observer an idea of their general appearance. To multiply forms
and individuals would therefore be confusing and defeat the very object in view.

In selecting specimens to represent the various groups, preference should be
given to the more characteristic and better-known species and, so far as possible,
to species common in the vicinity“ where the exhibit is to be displayed. The
more common the species the more familiar is it to the observer, the more readily
will he associate it with the fact illustrated, and the more forcibly will that fact
be impressed upon him. The educational value of a specimen does not depend
on its rarity but on the clearness with which it shows the fact it is intended to
illustrate.

The larger extinct groups should be represented both by their fossil remains
and by models or pictures, and important or readily obtainable fossil forms
should be introduced in their proper places among existing species. In no way
save by the use of fossils can a proper idea be given of the relationships of various
groups and of their relative importance at the present time and during past

geologic history.
As an adjunct to the systematic series there should be groups or pictures
illustrating important or interesting points in the habits of fishes, such as the
sargassum fish and stickleback with their “nests,” the sunfish and its nest, the
remora clinging to a shark, etc.

Small series or assemblages of fishes peculiar to certain localities or habitats
could be introduced to advantage; thus a series of deep-sea forms would empha-
size the peculiarities of the abyssal fauna and the remarkable modifications
for life at great depths. Examples of deep-sea fishes should also be shown in
their respective groups to illustrate the facts that the deep-sea fauna has been
derived from that of the shallower seas and that resemblances that exist between
them are largely due to adaptations toward one end—life in the depths of the sea.

One of these ‘‘supplementary series” might be devoted to the brilliant
fishes of tropical waters, attention being called to the contrast they offer to the
modest colored but important food fishes of temperate regions. In such “sup-

a For example, a museum located near the Atlantic or Pacific coast should draw for its examples, so
far as possible, upon the salt water fishes, while an inland museum should select as many examples as
possible from the lakes and rivers. This naturally would be practicable only to a limited extent, owing
to the fact that even the most scanty representation of the principal groups of fishes calls for many
species. E

AN EDUCATIONAL EXHIBIT OF FISHES. 1345

\

plementary”’ displays might be illustrated the difference between the sluggish
bottom-frequenting species, the active pelagic forms, and the highly modified
species from the abyssal regions of the sea. Here it would be necessary to call
in the aid of the artist to illustrate the adaptations to environment and show
how the colors of some fishes blend in with the rocks and waving sea weeds.

Among the special series, or series illustrating modification for offense and
defense, for capturing food, or escaping devourers, come phosphorescent and
electrical fishes. Another of these special series might well be an exhibit of
game fishes, and this should be mounted as artistically as possible, with specially
designed backgrounds and surroundings. Such an exhibit could be made very
attractive without being in the least garish. These various series should be
kept by themselves. The object of the systematic part of the exhibit is to
display as plainly as possible the orders and higher groups of the class of fishes,
and these distinctions should be made as clear as possible for the sake of the
general visitor, for whose benefit the exhibition part of a museum is provided.
The number of specimens, also, should be carefully kept down in order not
to tire the visitor and confuse him witha multiplicity of forms; but there
should be no hesitancy in using several specimens of the same fish if needed to
illustrate more than one fact.¢ It may even be questioned if such repetition
may not be advisable in order to drive home and clinch the fact that a common
species is none the less a typical one and that mere rarity does not in itself mean
anything.

The questions of whose classification to adopt and how it may best be
illustrated are not easy to answer, because no two systematists are agreed as to
the relative importance and exact position of certain groups. In the outline
here presented the classification employed by Doctor Jordan in his Guide to
the Study of Fishes has been followed, partly as a matter of convenience and
partly on account of the amount of information contained in the book. Practi-
cal difficulties in the way of displaying any group of animals are met with in the
limitations and disposition of space available for such exhibits. In many ways
it seems best to indicate the divisions adopted and arrangement followed on a
large label, number the orders, and repeat these numbers on the labels.

One of the physical difficulties encountered in arranging exhibits is that
animals of very different sizes may be zoologically related,” rendering it difficult
to place the specimens at once in their proper order and to permit the smaller
specimens to be seen. To preserve a balance by exhibiting small examples of

species may be used for several purposes.
b Such an instance among mammals is the relationship of rhinoceros, hyrax, and elephant.

1346 BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF FISHERIES.

and it is a difficult matter to correct by information on a label the effect pro-
duced by the specimens themselves. By adopting the method suggested of
numbering the orders or families in accordance with a given scheme of classifi-
cation the smaller animals may be placed where they may be readily seen.

If small examples of fishes that reach a large size are undesirable because
they give a wrong impression to the beholder, unusually large individuals are to
be ruled out for the same reason—that they give an exaggerated and incorrect idea
of the species illustrated. Such specimens may, however, be shown by them-
selves or where they will have a decorative value, the fact that they are of
exceptional size being plainly noted on the label.

It is to be constantly borne in mind that exhibits are for the public; that
the average visitor is not given to studying exhibits; and that every effort
should be made to have the objects shown illustrate and press home the meaning
of the ideas they are intended to convey. Such being the case, the specimens
chosen for display should be typical of the group or fact they are intended to
illustrate. Rare or unfamiliar species should be eschewed so far as possible,
for their very rarity is a drawback and militates against their teaching power.

No provision has been made in this plan for exhibiting fishery products,
or methods of capturing fish, though much information in regard to such matters
might be noted on the labels. There is a temptation to extend in these directions,
but such exhibits should properly be kept apart, if for no other reason than the
large amount of room demanded and the difficulty of telling just where to stop.
Technological and commercial exhibits are capable of almost indefinite extension,
and to deal with the subject of fisheries alone calls for a large museum.

No hard and fast line can be drawn as to the character of the material
used for display; alcoholic specimens, casts, mounted fishes, plates, all have
their uses and in some one particular each has its superiority to the others. As
a tule the writer believes thoroughly good casts of fishes to be superior to other
preparations for exhibition purposes, and this is particularly true of large or
smooth-skinned species. For small species alcoholics, mounted in flat jars,
are to be preferred, and wherever enlarged models are shown they, should, if
possible, be accompanied by alcoholics. The public always likes to see “the
real thing’? and know on what foundation a restoration or an enlargement is
constructed. The preferable mode of arrangement is believed to be the alcove
system with cases 9 feet high on three sides and a table or other low case in the
center. An ideal method would be to have the systematic series on one side
of a broad aisle, and the supplementary or special series on the other with any
groups of fishes in a dark corridor close by, but the arrangement must of neces-
sity conform to the limitations placed upon it by the plan of the building in
which it is displayed.

AN EDUCATIONAL EXHIBIT OF FISHES. 1347

It is believed that such an exhibit as that outlined in this paper is quite
within the reach of a museum, even of moderate size. Naturally it could not
be brought together all at once, but it might be assembled gradually, taking for
immediate display such species as were available and waiting for the others to
be acquired. Where vacancies occurred, due to the lack of species needed for
the representation of important groups, this might be noted on a label, or in
many instances a figure of the fish might be shown. This would call attention
to the needs of the collection and might lead to securing desirable specimens.

The systematic series calls for about 175 specimens, including fossils, 44
skeletons and other anatomical pieces, and 13 figures in cases where species are
rare or small; a total of 230 specimens. This may seem a small number to
represent a group containing over 13,000 living species, but it would be an easy
matter to add systematically to such a collection, while, on the other hand, it
is believed to present a fairly good idea of the extent and principal modifications
of the group.

SYNOPSIS OF ARRANGEMENT AND LIST OF PRINCIPAL SPECIMENS TO BE SHOWN.
INTRODUCTORY DISPLAY.

Fishes and fish-like vertebrates, showing the forms popularly known as
fishes—the lancelet, lamprey, ostracophore, and dogfish, and the bass or other
acanthopterygian. To be accompanied by skeletons and figures to make clear
the meaning of such terms as Acrania, Craniota, and Gnathostomata.

THE CLASSES ELASMOBRANCHII AND TELEOSTOMI COMPARED AND CONTRASTED.

Skull of shark showing that the cranium is a mass of calcified cartilage and
not composed of separate bones, and showing the manner in which the jaw is
connected with the cranium. Specimen showing the separate gill openings.

Skull of bony fish, cast or specimen showing single gill opening and flap.

ANATOMY OF FISHES.

Cast showing the external topography of a fish with the name of the prin-
cipal parts or regions.

Skeleton; dermal bones to be removed from one side of the skull.

Cranium of fish compared with that of mammal, the corresponding bones
similarly colored. To illustrate great differences between the two groups.

Model showing the general anatomy of a teleost fish.

Dissections, accompanied by models, showing nervous and circulatory
systems.

Specimens and models showing the development of a fish.

1348 BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF FISHERIES.

SYSTEMATIC SERIES OF FISHES.

Comprising characteristic examples of the various orders and suborders
of the classes popularly known as fishes, and including specimens showing the
more important or apparent characters of these groups. To consist of alcoholic
and mounted fishes, casts, and anatomical specimens.

A detailed list is subjoined.

SPECIAL OR SUPPLEMENTARY EXHIBITS.

Fishes of tropical waters, showing their brilliant coloring. To be shown
in a group.

Fishes of temperate seas.

Deep-sea fishes, showing their modifications for life at great depths.

Fishes of shallow waters, illustrating modifications in form and color for
concealment. To be shown in one or several groups.

Electrical fishes.

Phosphorescent fishes.

Exhibit of game fishes.

Small groups, illustrating nesting habits of such fishes as Amza, sunfish,
stickleback, chub, etc. Rarer examples may be added where obtainable.

DETAILED LIST OF FISHES FOR EXHIBIT.

Class ELASMOBRANCHII. Class ELASMOBRANCHII—Continued.
Order PLEUROPTERYGII. Extinct. Order TECTOSPONDYLI.
Cladoselache, model. Section of vertebra showing structure.
Order AcanTHOpI. Extinct. Squalus.
Acanthodes, figure. Pristio phorus.
Diplacanthus, figure. Squatina.
Order IcHTHyoTOoMI. Extinct. Rhinobatus. (To be shown mainly by
Pleuracanthus, figure. Raja. casts.
Pleuracanthus, teeth and spines. Torpedo.
Order NOTIDANI. Myliobatis.
Notidanus, cast. Pristis.
Notidanus, jaw or teeth. This number of specimens is desirable
Order ASTEROSPONDYLI. to show the transition from sharks to rays.
Section of vertebra showing structure. Order HOLOCEPHALI.
Lamana, cast and teeth. Chimera.
Carcharodon, cast and jaws or teeth. Chimrea, skeleton.
Carcharodon, teeth of extinct C. megalo- | Class OSTRACOPHORI.
don. | Order HETEROSTRACI.
Cestracion philip pi, cast or mounted speci- Lanarkia, casts and figures.

men; skeleton, or at least teeth. Pteraspis.

AN EDUCATIONAL EXHIBIT OF FISHES.

Class OSTRACOPHORI—Continued.
Order OsSTEOSTRACI.
Cephalaspis, specimens, or casts, and
models.
Order ANTIARCHI.
Pterichthys,
models.
Bothriolepis.
Order ANASPIDA.
Birkenia, casts and drawings.
Order ARTHRODIRA.
Coccosteus, cast and model.
Dinichthys (if possible).
Class TELEOSTOMI, true-mouthed fishes.
Subclass CROSSOPTERYGII.
Order Hapuist1aA. Extinct.
Tarassius, figure.
Order RurpipistiA. Extinct.
Holoptychius, cast.
Gyroptychius, figure.
Order Actinist1a. Extinct.
Undina, good figure.
Order CLADISTIA.
Polypterus, and skeleton, large figure or
model of fin.
Subclass DIPNEUSTA.
Order Dipnor.
Neoceratodus |and skeleton of one spe-
Lepidosiren cies.
Subclass ACTINOPTERI.
Order Lysoprerr. Extinct.
Catopterus redfieldius, specimens.
Order CHONDROSTEI, sturgeons.
Acipenser, and small skeleton.
Scaphirhynchus.
Order SELACHOSTOMI.
Polyodon, and skeleton.
Order Pycnopontr. Extinct.
Gyrodus, cast and figure.
Order LEPISOSTEI.
Lepisosteus, vertebrae to show the pro-
ccelous type.
Lepisosteus, and skeleton.
Order HALECOMORPHI.
Amaia, and skeleton.

specimens, or casts, and

1349

Class TELEOSTOMI, true-mouthed fishes—Con.

Subclass TELEOSTEI, true bony fishes.
Order IsosPONDYLI.
Salmo; Diflomystus, fossil.
Coregonus.
Alosa.
Tarpon.
Albula.
Osteoglossum.
Stomias, Chauliodus, deep-sea forms.
Suborder INromt.
Synodus, Ipnops, Diaphas, Myctophum—
deep-sea forms.
Order APopEs.
Anguilla, skeleton or at least skull.
Anguilla.
Murena, skull.
Gymnothorax.
Leptocephalus, figures showing develop-
ment of eel.
Suborder LyomErt.
Gastrostomus, deep-sea forms.
Sacco pharynx.
Order HETEROMI.
Notacanthus.
Series OSTARIOPHYSI.
Order HETEROGNATHI.
Serrasalmo, the caribe.
Order EVENTOGNATHI.
Cyprinus, and skeleton.
Notropis, or similar form.
Semotilus.
Abramis.
Good large examples of pharyngeal teeth.
Catostomus as typically American).
Ictiobus.
Order NEMATOGNATHI.
Artus, spine of large species.
Ictalurus, and skeleton.
Ameiurus.
Malapterurus.
Schilbeodes.
Clarias.
Loricaria.
Callichthys.
Gymnotus.

1350

Class TELEOSTOMI, true-mouthed fishes—Con.
Series OSTARIOPHYSI—Continued.
Order ScypHopnort, African “ elephant-fish.”
Mormyrus.
Gymnarchus.
Order Hapiomt.
Esox, and skeleton.
Umbra.
Anableps.
Fundulus.
Gambusia.
Amblyopsts.
Order XENOMI.
Dallia.
Order ACANTHOPTERYGII.
Suborder SYNENTOGNATHI.
Belone.
Exocetus, and skeleton.
Hemirhamphus.
Suborder PERCESOCES.
Atherina
Mullus
Mugil.
Sphyrena.
Polynemus or Polydactylus,
girdle to show structure.
Order PHTHINOBRANCHII.
Fistularia, skeleton.
Gasterosteus, shoulder girdle and enlarged
drawing.
Syngnathus.
Hippocampus.
Pegasus.
Suborder SALMOPERCES.
Percopsis.
Lampris if possible).
Semtophorus or even cast).
Zeus faber, and skeleton.
Order BErycorpn.
Beryx, cranium showing orbitosphenoid.
Holocentrus.

shoulder

Monocentris.

Order PERCOMORPHI.
Scomber.
Trichiurus.
Xiphias.
Carangus, and skeleton.
Coryphena.
Gastronemus, fossil.

Suborder PERCOMORPHI.

A phredoderus.
Roccus, skeleton.

BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF FISHERIES.

Class TELEOSTOMI, true-mouthed fishes—Con.
Series OSTARIOPHYSI—Continued.
Order PERCOMORPHI—Continued.
Suborder PERCOMORPH1—Continued.
Eupomotts.
Micro pterus.
Perca.
Stizostedion.
Etheostoma.
A stneops, fossil.
Promicrops.
Epinephelus.
Priacanthus.
Lutianus.
Hemulon.
U peneus.
Cynoscion.
Chiasmodon.
Lopholatilus.
Suborder LABYRINTHINCI.
Anabas scandens, if possible in climbing
attitude.
Suborder HoLconort.
Cymatogaster, with young
. Hypsurus.
Embviotoca.
Suborder CHROMIDEs.
Heros.
Priscacara, fossil.
Pomacentrus.
Suborder PHARYNCOGNATHI.
Tautoga, skull showing enlarged pharyn-
geals.
Ctenolabrus, cunner.
Scarus, skull with pharyngeals, or allied
form.
Pseudoscarus.
Sparisoma.

Order SQUAMIPINNES.
Chetodipterus, skeleton.
Chetodon.

Holacanthus. \
Acanthurus or Teuthts.

Order PLECTOGNATHI.
Balistes, skeleton.
Baltstes.

Monacanthus.
Lactophrys.
Lactophrys, skeleton.
Lagocephalus.
Spheroides.

Diodon.

Mola

AN EDUCATIONAL EXHIBIT OF FISHES.

Class TELEOSTOMI, true-mouthed fishes—Con.
Series OSTARIOPHYSI—Continued.
Order PAREIOPLITAE.
Sebastes or Sebastodes, skeleton or skull.
Sebastes. |
Scorpena. |
Synanceia. : |
Trigla.
Cottus. |
Cottus, skeleton.
Cyclo pterus.
Cephalacanthus.
Suborder GoBIOIDEI.
Gobius, specimen showing the ventrals
joined to form a sucking disk.
Pertopthalmus on tree.
Typhlogobius (if possible).
Suborder D1iscOCEPHALI.
Echeneis.
Echeneis, skeleton showing modified fin
one showing top of head.
Elacate.
Suborder Ta:nrosomt.
Regalecus.
Trachypterus.
Order HETEROSOMATA.
Skeleton of good-sized specimen.
Platophrys.
Lophopsetta.
Hippoglossus.

1351

| Class TELEOSTOMI, true-mouthed fishes—Con.

Series OSTARIOPHYSI—Continued.
Order HETEROSOMATA—Continued.
Paralichthys.
Solea.
Symphurus.

Suborder JUGULARES.
Uranoscopus or Astroscopus.
Blennius.

Anarichas, skull.
Anarichas.
Zoarces.
Brotula.
Opsanus tau.

Order OPISTHOMI.

Order ANACANTHINI.
Gadus.
Gadus, skeleton.
Lota as a fresh-water form).
Celorhynchus, grenadier.
Albatrossia or Steindachnerella, deep-sea

form.

Order PEDICULATI.
Lophius.
Lophius, skeleton.
Cryptosaras, deep sea.
Ceratias, deep sea.
Antennarwus.
Ogcocephalus, Malthe.