History

In 1974, the Environmental Archaeology Program developed a photographic atlas of fish skeletal elements as a tool to aid in the study of fish remains from archaeological sites.  Produced with the support of a National Science Foundation grant and private funds, the atlas contains approximately 3,000 black-and-white photographs representing 294 species from 97 families. Over the years, this atlas has been extensively utilized by our lab, researchers at other institutions, and members of the public as an important resource for fish bone identification.

Although the atlas remains a valuable resource, its original application is no longer supported on the museum’s website. The Pictorial Skeletal Atlas of Fishes is now available to download for use on your local device. Instructions for download and use are provided below.

Supplemental Resources

Newer digital platforms and repositories now provide access to higher resolution color images and interactive 3D models of fish skeletal elements. Some of these newer resources are hosted here at the Florida Museum.

Florida Museum Resources:

• The Florida Museum of Natural History Environmental Archaeology Fish Photogrammetry Project currently contains 3D rotatable images of the neurocrania of over 30 fishes. Additional models are being added as work continues.

External Resources:

• Osteobase
• FWC research Saltwater Fish Otoliths

Download the Pictorial Skeletal Atlas of Fishes

The original atlas website is now available for download so you can use it locally on your own computer.

Step 1: Download this zip file and save it on your computer: Fish Atlas

Step 2: Unzip the file:

• On Windows: Right-click on the zip file, select Extract All… and follow the instructions
• On MacOS: Double click on the zip file to expand the contents
• Note: the unzipped folder is 80MB containing ~8,400 files

Step 3: Locate the default.html file inside the main fishatlas folder and open it in a web browser:

• Option 1: Open a blank browser window/tab, drag the default.html file and drop it on the window
• Option 2: In your browser app, go to File -> Open and browse to the default.html file on your computer.

You should now see the website in your browser and navigate it just as if you were online! 

Acknowledgments

The creation of the Pictorial Skeletal Fish Atlas was made possible through the efforts of many individuals including:

Bonnie McEwan – Zooarchaeologist ⋅ Kitty F. Emery – Curator Emeritus · Irvy R. Quitmyer – Collections Manager (retired) · Elizabeth S. Wing – Curator Emeritus · Sylvia Scudder – Collections Manager (retired) · Donna Born Drake – Photographer · Yancy Hudson – Student Assistant · Jason Keel – Programmer · Tara Odorizzi – Programmer & Photographer · Many skeletal preparators over decades