William Orville Ayres (1817-1887) was an American physician, naturalist, and ichthyologist (a scientist who studies fish). He was born on September 9, 1817, in Eastford, Connecticut, and he made significant contributions to the study of fish species, especially those found along the eastern coast of the United States.

Key Contributions and Achievements:

1. Fish Studies: Ayres dedicated much of his career to the study of fish species, particularly those inhabiting the waters along the eastern seaboard of the United States. He collected and studied numerous fish specimens, contributing to our understanding of the biodiversity and distribution of fish in the region.
2. New Fish Species: Ayres identified and described several new species of fish during his studies, adding valuable information to the scientific knowledge of fish taxonomy and classification.
3. Publications: He published several scientific papers and reports on his research findings, sharing his discoveries with the scientific community and contributing to the advancement of ichthyology.
4. Medical Career: In addition to his work as a naturalist and ichthyologist, Ayres also pursued a medical career. He graduated from the Yale Medical School and practiced medicine in New York City.
5. Collaboration with Louis Agassiz: Ayres collaborated with the prominent Swiss-American naturalist Louis Agassiz, who was a pioneer in the study of fish and other natural history subjects. Their joint efforts and research contributed to the development of the field of ichthyology in the United States.
6. Legacy: Ayres’ contributions to the study of fish helped establish a foundation for future ichthyologists and marine biologists, especially in the northeastern United States.

William Orville Ayres is remembered for his significant contributions to the study of fish species and his collaborations with other notable naturalists of his time. His work in ichthyology has had a lasting impact on our understanding of fish diversity and ecology in the eastern United States, and he remains an important figure in the history of American natural history studies.