Most of the Tofino Basin ichthyoliths in this study are identified using the Coded Utilitarian Ichthyolith Identification System (CUIIS) initially developed by Doyle et al. 1974 and later modified by several others (Table 1, Appendix 1). The CUIIS code is provided for all illustrated specimens in this catalogue. Also provided are subtype character descriptions (for non-rare subtypes), remarks, and occurrence information.
Some Tofino Basin ichthyoliths are identified to family or genus. The systematics used in Cappetta 1987 are followed. Form A, B, C, etc. or sp. A, B, C, etc. are applied to specimens where the genus or species is uncertain. When only the CUIIS is used, then taxa are organized in code sequential order.
Based on one or more common morphological similarities, Tofino Basin ichthyoliths are grouped and organized. Each category includes an introduction on the group and figures illustrating ichthyolith terminology.
This catalogue does not contain all possible representatives of Tofino Basin ichthyolith taxa but represents those recovered from the Cenozoic samples processed and specimens reviewed in this study. All described ichthyoliths are known only from isolated teeth and scales.