Invertebrates are animals with no spinal column and dominate the animal kingdom, making up at least 95% of known animal species. Similarly, marine invertebrates make up the vast majority of ocean life; or at least those visible to the naked eye.
Taxonomically marine invertebrates are diverse, comprised of over 30 distinct groups, and range from jellyfish to crabs, sea stars to squid, and sponges to octopus. In excess of 130, 000 specimens of marine invertebrates are held in the Natural History Collections of Iziko Museums of South Africa. Compared to all other collections in southern Africa, the Marine Invertebrate Collection (iMIC) reflects the highest number of species (covering all taxonomic groups) and contains the largest number of specimens (including type specimens). Iziko’s marine invertebrates have been collected over the last 120 years from primary localities along the southern African coast, including South Africa, Angola and Mozambique, and from depths ranging from the shoreline to several thousand meters. Other significant collections from the Southern Ocean include those from Marion and Prince Edward Islands, with several specimens from even further away in international waters.
The iMIC is made up of several distinct smaller collections – some listed alphabetically below.
Crustacean Collections (crabs, lobsters, shrimps, barnacles)
The iMIC houses the most important crustacean collection in South Africa. Significant past contributions were made by the likes of Keppel Barnard, once described as one of South Africa’s greatest marine taxonomists; JR Grindley and Brian Kensley.
Cephalopod Collection (squid, cuttlefish, octopus)
This is the largest wet collection of Cephalopoda (squid, cuttlefish and octopus) in the Southern Hemisphere, established primarily by Martina Roeleveld-Compagno who was the previous Curator of the iMIC. Specimens in this sub-collection represent global distributions of Cephalopoda and include a very comprehensive collection of giant squid (Architeuthis).
JH Day Polychaete Collection (segmented marine worms)
This sub-collection was assembled by – and is named in honour of – Professor John H Day, an expert in polychaete biology and taxonomy, and is the largest and most comprehensive collection in southern Africa. Day was based at the University of Cape Town from 1945 to 1974, over this time describing at least 156 new zoological species. His publications include A Monograph on the Polychaeta of Southern Africa, and his work is still considered the primary source of information on polychaete taxonomy in Southern Africa.
Miscellaneous Invertebrate Collection (Sponges, Hydroids, Bryozoa, Corals)
A large sub-collection of sponges, hydoids, corals, bryozoans and other invertebrate groups. Much of the collection has historically been understudied but increasingly interest from researchers and in particular postgraduate students has improved curation dramatically. Several opportunities for research projects are waiting to be discovered here!
Shelled (Dry) Mollusc Collection
This sub-collection of southern African species is the second largest mollusc collection in southern Africa. Significant additions were made in the past by Keppel Barnard, Brian Kensley, Terrence Gosliner and numerous citizen malacologists (eg., private collectors).
UCT Ecological Survey Collection
This is a comprehensive collection of southern African marine animals collected by the University of Cape Town. The collection reflects annual intertidal and shallow sub-tidal survey work by UCT scientists from the 1930s to the 1970s and is augmented by nearly 100, 000 observational species occurrence records captured in hand written (field) catalogues. Much of the UCT Ecological Survey information has potential for taxonomic, and temporal and spatial biodiversity research that is related to change, and is in digital format or is currently being digitised.
Collections Management Services
With the majority of specimens preserved in alcohol the collections requires constant preservation and conservation care. Collection services are headed up by Mr Albe Bosman who is the current Collections Manager in Marine Biology. Albe is the first point of call for any information, access and loan requests. A number of related documents are listed below for further information:
Research Services
With over 100 years of scholarly endeavour the iMIC is arguably the best researched collection of its kind in the region. One just has to wonder through the Iziko Natural History Library and take a look at the numerous historical monographs produced by in-house and associate researchers, to appreciate the impact that the iMIC has had on our knowledge of marine biodiversity in the region. More recently, research focus has shifted from historically commercial species of crustaceans and molluscs to organisms such as sponges, hydroids, corals, bryozoans and polychaete worms, which are increasingly becoming commercially important and are potential sources of information on environmental health and change. The iMIC is therefore rapidly transforming into an asset for societal benefit. To this end Dr Wayne Florence, former curator of the iMIC (current Director, Research and Exhibitions), is committed to promoting access to the collection for researchers, students and citizen scientists. Wayne is a co-investigator/originator of the SeaKeys Project; a large multi-institutional, government funded, initiative that aims to curate, digitise and disseminate online biodiversity information for uptake in research projects, decision making, conservation management and bioprospecting. Current major partner institutions working on and contributing material to the iMIC include the South African National Biodiversity Institute, the Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries, the Department of Environmental Affairs and the South African Environmental Observation Agency.
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Iziko South African Museum
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Dear Visitors,
Please note that the Iziko South African Museum will close to the public at 14:00 on Thursday, 13 March 2025, in preparation for the The bicentenary of the South African Museum – a reflection on 200 years of ISAM’s existence.
Thank you for your consideration.
Looking forward to your future visits.
Iziko Management
Dear Visitors,
Please be advised that all Iziko Museums of South Africa sites will close at 13:00 on Monday, 10 March 2025, for a staff activation for the The bicentenary of the South African Museum – a reflection on 200 years of ISAM’s existence.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Iziko Management
Dear Visitor
Please be advised that the Iziko South African National Gallery, will open at 12:30 on Saturday, 22 February 2025.
We look forward to welcoming you to experience the exhibition:
Sue Williamson: There’s something I must tell you, a retrospective.
Regards
Iziko Museums of South Africa
Dear Visitors,
Please note that all Iziko Museums will be closed on Christmas Day, Wednesday, 25 December 2024 and
will reopen to the public on Thursday, 26 December 2024.
Additionally, Iziko Bertram House and Iziko Koopmans De Wet will remain closed on Thursday,
26 December 2024.
Wishing you peace and joy over the festive season.
Thank you
Iziko Management
Dear Visitor
Please be advised that the Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum will be closed on Thursday, 01 August 2024 due to a power maintenance affecting the entire area.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Iziko Management
Dear Visitor
Iziko Museums’ Winter Operating Hours Update.
Please be advised that the weekend(SAT and SUN) operating hours have been adjusted.
The museums will open operate from 08h30 to 16h00 on weekends during winter.
Saturdays from 08h30 to 16h00
Iziko South African Museum and Planetarium, Iziko South African National Gallery,
Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum and Iziko Slave Lodge.
Sundays from 08h30 to 16h00
Iziko South African Museum and Planetarium and Iziko South African National Gallery.
By order
Iziko Management.
Dear Visitor
Please be advised that the Iziko South African National Gallery, will open at 12:30 on Saturday, 22 February 2025.
We look forward to welcoming you to experience the exhibition:
Sue Williamson: There’s something I must tell you, a retrospective.
Regards
Iziko Museums of South Africa