Morning of Collecting Checklist

  • Nets (at least two types, plus a small one)

  • Plastic bags, containers or bottles

  • Notepad, pen, hard surface to write on

  • Camera batteries (and film)

  • Plastic box with clear sides.

  • Magnifying glass

  • More plastic boxes

  • Towels, small and big

  • Maps, good maps.

  • Colored stickers and/or labels.

  • Plastic one or two liter containers.

  • Water testing kids: hardness, pH, salt, temp, etc.

  • Turkey baster

  • Optional: Camcorder

Checklist After Returning

  • Remove wastes from the fish’s bags.

  • Cover all open fish containers!

  • Double check records/paperwork.


Checklist at Each Fish Gathering Location:

___________


  • Write down exactly where it is!

  • Write all water chemistry results.

  • Make sure you have at least a male and a female of all collected species.

  • Make sure you have some extra water.

  • Mark water, fish, log page, etc. with same colored sticker.

  • If possible: photo fish and location; record photo numbers.

Have patients, don't hurry or rush.

  • Add to the summary log.




Research Checklist

(Before you Leave)


  • www.fishbase.org : what fish are found where you are going?

  • www.fws.gov : importation rules

  • livebearers@aquaria.org : find out if others have been there or have advice

  • Copeia (or other Journals) : find original descriptions and other useful inforamtion

  • www.cdc.gov/travel/index.html : immunizations and other health issues

  • LFC : what people already have, what they'd like you to get.

  • NFC : what people already have

  • Travel and guidebooks : all the normal turisty things you should know.

  • Culture Shock! : all the cultural, social, and political things you should know.


Checklist for Luggage


  • All the things listed in 'morning of collecting'

  • Form 3-177, it's instruction form, and Know before you Go from the USF&W.

  • Magazine articles and web printouts on collecting fish.

  • Extra labels

  • Extra film

  • Guidebooks

  • Original descriptions of fish, other articles which will help you find and identify fish.

  • Some extra cash

  • Declorinator and fish drugs

  • Plastic window screen type mesh

  • Plastic bag or insulated box to carry fish.

  • Your sense of humor and adventure!

Visit fish stores, aquariums, zoos, and parks!