The RBCI Fish Collection (Ichthyology) documents the diversity and distribution of freshwater fishes in Rwanda and the surrounding region. The collection preserves scientifically valuable specimens and associated data that support biodiversity research, species identification, conservation assessments, environmental monitoring, and student training. It also serves as a growing reference resource for understanding Rwanda’s aquatic ecosystems and supporting long-term freshwater conservation.

Currently, there are at least 82 species belonging to 12 families known from Rwandese waters. With at least 37 species, cichlids are by far the largest fish family in the country followed by Cyprinidae, Mormyridae and Mochokidae, respectively represented by 24, 6 and 4 species. The other 8 families are represented by one or two species only. The presence of at least 12 species is the result of introductions by humans.

FishBase: List of Freshwater Fishes reported from Rwanda

2025. An ichthyological borderland: The fishfauna of Nyungwe National Park and surroundings (Rwanda, East Africa)

2005. An Annotated Checklist of the Fishes of Rwanda (East Central Africa), With Historical Data on Introductions of Commercially Important Species