Clark Hubbs

Clark Hubbs, who spent 59 years at the University of Texas and was widely regarded as one of the state's foremost researchers in the field of ichthyology, the study of fish, died Sunday after a long battle with colorectal cancer. He was 86.

Hubbs developed a love for studying fish early in his life from his parents, Carl and Laura Hubbs, who were noted naturalists. Clark Hubbs published more than 300 scholarly articles throughout his career and continued doing fieldwork up until last month, according to those who knew him.

Hubbs came to UT in 1949 as an instructor of zoology and later served as a professor and department chairman before accepting emeritus status in 1991. During his time there, he taught courses in comparative anatomy and ichthyology and contributed about 6,000 lots of specimens to the Texas Natural History Collection, a division of the Texas Memorial Museum at UT.

"When it comes to fishes of Texas, there's no doubt that he's sort of the father of ichthyology," said Dean Hendrickson, the collection's curator of ichthyology. "He probably knew more about the fishes of Texas than anybody else."

Despite his at times gruff personality, Hubbs was a highly sought-after professor due to his expertise, said Phil Pister, who worked with Hubbs for about 40 years at the Desert Fishes Council.

"Students who would go to one of his classes would have to work their tail ends off, but they'd enjoy doing it," he said.

Hubbs also was known for his collection of fish clothing and for having a blue crab pinch a hole through his right calf muscle.

UT Pan-American professor Bob Edwards, who studied under Hubbs for about seven years, said Hubbs continued working with many of his about 100 graduate students after they found jobs as ichthyologists.

Hubbs is survived by his wife, Catherine; his brother, Earl Hubbs; daughters Laura Hubbs-Tait and Ann Hubbs; and son John Hubbs.

Memorial services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday at Congregational Church of Austin, 408 W. 23rd St.