The MVZ Fish collection contains fluid-preserved and cleared and stained specimens. The collection is especially strong in Caribbean and West African fishes. Living collections of Cyprinodon pupfishes and Cameroon crater lake cichlids are also available.

Nearly all samples are preserved to enable DNA extractions later. Common uses of the collection include genomic sequencing, functional morphology, morphometrics, systematics, course-based undergraduate research experiences, and ecological studies using stomach contents and stable isotope analysis.