The Ichthyological Collection

The ichthyological collection is Doderlein’s most scientifically valuable legacy, and the most comprehensive of its kind in Italy, with over 1,100 specimens preserved dry or in liquid. Of particular interest is the collection of Mediterranean fish, which offers an invaluable snapshot of the region’s historical marine fauna. It allows researchers to trace biodiversity changes over time, such as the disappearance of sturgeons and the arrival of non-native species through the Suez Canal and the Strait of Gibraltar.