# FishBase MCP for AI Agents AI Agent Connect > FishBase MCP gives your AI agent direct access to the world's largest database of fish species and marine organisms. It lets you pull common names, check database versions, and get technical documentation for FishBase and SeaLifeBase. It is the primary tool for anyone needing accurate ichthyological data without manual searching. ## Overview - **Category:** databases - **Price:** Free - **Endpoint:** https://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_v6ZptZDahYcl4VSpe9jF66ruol1PJoiG0b94bQ1R/ai-agent-connect - **Tags:** ichthyology, marine-biology, fish-database, species-data, sealifebase ## Description Imagine you're trying to cross-reference regional common names for a specific fish species across three different continents. Usually, that means opening dozens of tabs, hunting through peer-reviewed journals, and hoping the names you find are actually current. This Connector changes that by letting your AI client pull that data directly from the primary source. You can ask your agent to find specific names, check which database version you're looking at, or even pull the technical schema if you're trying to map out a large-scale data project. It handles both FishBase and SeaLifeBase, so you don't have to switch between different information systems manually. Because Vinkius makes it easy to connect these types of specialized databases, you can spend less time hunting for data and more time actually analyzing it. It's about getting the right biological facts the first time, whether you're writing an academic paper or building a marine life app. ## Tools ### get_docs Get documentation metadata for the FishBase API. Use this to see high-level information about the connection. ### get_heartbeat Get the current status and time of the FishBase API. This confirms the connection is active and running. ### get_docs_by_table Get documentation for a specific database table. This helps you understand the schema for your data project. ### get_versions List available database versions. This allows you to track historical records for specific dates. ### list_comnames Access common names data for fishes. This supports pagination and field filtering for large queries. ## Prompt Examples **Prompt:** ``` Is the FishBase API currently working? ``` **Response:** ``` I've checked the status of the FishBase API. It's currently online and responding normally. ``` **Prompt:** ``` What are the common names for 'Gadus morhua'? ``` **Response:** ``` Here are the common names for *Gadus morhua* (Atlantic cod) found in the database: * **Cod** * **Morue** * **Bacalao** These vary by region and language. ``` **Prompt:** ``` Show me the documentation for the species table in SeaLifeBase. ``` **Response:** ``` I've pulled the documentation for the 'species' table in SeaLifeBase. This table contains: * **Primary taxonomic information** * **Species-level metadata** * **Biological classifications** Let me know if you need the schema for any other tables. ``` ## Capabilities ### List common names Your agent pulls regional and common names for specific fish species from the database. ### Check database versions See which historical records and versions are available for your research. ### Pull table documentation Get the technical schema and metadata for specific database tables. ### Toggle data sources Switch between FishBase and SeaLifeBase data in a single query. ### Monitor API health Check the real-time status of the FishBase connection. ## Use Cases ### Verifying regional names A biologist needs to find all regional names for Atlantic cod. They ask the agent to list common names. ### Mapping database schemas A developer needs to know what's in the species table. They use the documentation tool to see the schema. ### Checking API status A student wants to know if the API is up before starting a project. They check the heartbeat. ### Tracking historical records A researcher needs to know which database version was current in 2020. They use the version listing tool. ## Benefits - Get accurate common names for fish species across different regions without manual searching. - Understand complex database structures by pulling table metadata for your data projects. - Ensure your data is up to date by checking available historical database versions. - Switch between FishBase and SeaLifeBase data sources without manual configuration. - Verify API connectivity instantly to keep your research workflow moving. ## How It Works The bottom line is you get direct, structured access to global ichthyological data without leaving your chat interface. 1. Subscribe to the FishBase MCP on Vinkius. 2. Add your FishBase API key to your AI client configuration. 3. Ask your agent to pull species data or documentation. ## Frequently Asked Questions **Can I use FishBase MCP to find common names for different fish species?** Yes. You can ask your agent to list common names for any specific fish, and it will pull the data directly from the FishBase database. **Does FishBase MCP support SeaLifeBase data too?** Yes, it does. The Connector allows you to toggle between FishBase and SeaLifeBase, so you can query either marine organism database. **Can I use FishBase MCP to see the database structure?** Absolutely. You can pull documentation for specific tables, which helps you understand the schema for your data projects. **How do I know if the FishBase data is current?** You can use the Connector to list all available database versions, which helps you track historical records and ensure you're using the latest version. **Is FishBase MCP good for marine biology research?** It is a primary tool for that. It connects to the world's largest database of fish species, making it a reliable source for peer-reviewed biological data. **Can I check if the FishBase API is online with FishBase MCP?** Yes, you can. Your agent can check the real-time heartbeat of the API to confirm the connection is active. **Can I switch between FishBase and SeaLifeBase data?** Yes. Most tools include a `use_sealifebase` parameter. Set it to `true` to query the SeaLifeBase database instead of the default FishBase. **How do I find the common names for a specific fish species?** Use the `list_comnames` tool and provide the species name in the `species` parameter. You can also limit the results or filter specific fields. **Where can I find documentation for the database tables?** You can use `get_docs` for general metadata or `get_docs_by_table` to get detailed documentation for a specific table name.