Image Requests

Researchers may request photos or x-rays of specimens by downloading and completing an Image Request Form and emailing it to the Collection Manager. 

Image requests generally take several weeks to process depending on the availability of technicians.  We may decline requests due to poor condition of specimens or for reason of specimen size pose complex logistical challenges. 

Completed images may be freely used for personal use in non-commercial educational and professional activities, provided the images are clearly credited to the creator, for example: "Sandra Raredon, Division of Fishes, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution." These credits do not have to be part of the figure legends, but should be acknowledged in the publication or presentation.

Specimen images must be cited in publications by the specimen's catalogue number using the acronym "USNM” (e.g., “USNM 180286”).

Loan requests for computed tomography (CT) scanning follow standard specimen request procedures with the following notable distinctions. 

Users must complete and abide by terms of our 3D Data Creation and Use Agreement. Users must also submit their processed datasets to the managerial authority of the Division of Fishes MorphoSource teamsite. Failure to do so in a timely manner will impact access for future requests.  

Specimen requests for diffusible iodine-based contrast-enhanced (diceCT) scanning require more involved review by our collection stewardship team. Please provide a destructive analysis proposal brief to the Collection Manager justifying your need to stain specimens and sufficient description of the process you intend to use to remove the iodine upon completion of your work.