Global Cephalopod Species Database With Images And Distribution Maps
Available on 1 platform
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Description
CephBase contains records for all 703 known living cephalopod species, including taxonomic data, distribution maps, and over 1,650 images. The database was developed at Dalhousie University and has been online since 1998, sponsored by the Sloan Foundation. It integrates species-specific pages, a reference database of over 6,000 papers, and a directory of more than 400 researchers.
Use Cases
Analyze species distribution patterns using the 3,175 referenced locality records and latitude/longitude data for 328 species.
Train image classification models on the ~1,650 cephalopod images covering life stages, behavior, and taxonomy.
Study predator-prey relationships and life history using the linked species-specific data fields for predators and prey.
Build a knowledge graph linking species, their taxonomic authorities, described years, and associated references from over 6,000 papers.
Map cephalopod biogeography by joining species data with country lists and distribution maps available for each species.
Strengths
Comprehensive coverage of all 703 known living cephalopod species with full taxonomic data.
Multimodal integration of ~1,650 images, ~150 video clips, and a reference database of over 6,000 papers.
Includes a researcher directory with over 400 names and geospatial data for 3,175 localities across 328 species.
Limitations
Core species list is based on a 1998 reference, potentially missing taxonomic updates after that year.
Geographic coverage for distribution maps (3,175 localities for 328 species) is incomplete compared to the total 703 species.
The platform's last major update mentioned is from December 2000, indicating the data may be temporally stale.
Provenance
Source
Dalhousie University, sponsored by the Sloan Foundation following the 1997 Workshop on Non-Fish Nekton.
Collection Method
Data compiled from published scientific sources, including taxonomic authorities, specimen records, and researcher contributions.
Time Range
Species list current as of 1998; database online since 1998 with noted updates as of December 2000.
Freshness
null
Geography
Global, with distribution data for species across international waters and country lists.
Data is served through an interactive web interface (dynamic HTML) rather than a bulk downloadable file format; extraction would require web scraping. The primary species taxonomic list may not reflect discoveries or revisions after 1998.