Taxidermy for beloved fish?

[ReefTECK]

My great big Melenarus wrasse hasn't died or anything, in fact he looks great! But I was thinkin, I've had him for four years, and he's HUGE, the biggest one I've ever seen. I have no idea how old he was when I got him, so who knows, someday he could end up going.

How do you preserve a fish for taxidermy service, and who out there is willing to perform taxidermy on a fish so small? (5-6")

Any DIY links, other links?

 

[MThompson]

I wouldn't DYI this kinda thing....it will most likely end up looking really bad (especially if you have no experience). If I were you I would start shopping around now, and making arrangements. Most taxidermists that do fish will have experience with small fish (sunfish) in large fish chasing small fish mount. Find a taxidermist you like, and ask how they want you to preserve it....most likely the will say to just bring it is as soon as it dies, as a small fish will dry out really fast in a freezer.

Another thing I would do is take lots of good pictures of the fish colored up. He will lose a lot of that when he is gone, and the taxidermist will need references for painting him back to his vibrant self.

This probably wasn't much help, but from experience this is what you need to do. Find a taxidermist you can talk to, be straightforward with what you want, and look at a lot of their work.

Good luck! And post some pics!

 

[TheMcs]

I met a guy who does taxidermy for the Tulsa Zoo. I asked him about SW fish, he said it's really hard to do well. Not the preservation, but the color. He said the color fades so fast that you've basically got to airbrush what it used to look like. Interesting conversation piece if done, but not worth it.

 

[JustinReef]

LOL...DIY taxidermy! That really made me laugh.

Have you seen taxidermy fish before? They are very creepy looking. I think any taxidermy is ugly myself but fish especially. JMO.

 

[MThompson]

I was thinking....the best would probably be to find an artist or two - one to so the sculpture, the other to do the paint.

But, you could still call around to some taxidermists and get a feel....

 

[The_Browns]

Come on, Stuffing your fish.....? If my wife dies before me, taxidermist here I come..... This is toooo funny sorry

 

[ReefTECK]

I've also considered taking a class on taxidermy, since I'm about to graduate with a biology degree, taxidermy would be a skill worth knowing. Maybe I can get enough practice in before any of my favorite fish die someday!

Thanks for your input guys, even the smart *** remarks!

 

[Savas]

The taxidermy on a fish involves just using the main fins on a plastic body. Animals are done the same way where a skin is stretched over a plastic form.

 

[The_Browns]

Sorry Reef, Nothing personal I did find it funny. I need a good laugh since my day has been long at work.

 

[ReefTECK]

I thought it was funny too! I mean fair enough, I wonder about the most obscure things sometime. With as busy as I am its a wonder I ever get anything done!

No worries dude!

 

[JustinReef]

Yeah I meant nothing bad by my comments either! I too needed a good laugh today. Im interested to see how it goes...but I hope its not time soon since your fish is still alive!

 

[seapug]

I love the idea. I'm really going to miss my 1" Trimma goby when he dies. I can already see the look on the Taxidermist's face when I bring him in.....