A terrible question to ask. Fish preservation post mortum?

[willisd]

I apologize for the brief thread and not a ton of prior explanation, but I am curious if anyone is aware of any sort of fish preservation options that are available for treasured fish once they leave us.

I have tragically had a latent velvet outbreak that has managed to make fairly quick work of my reef in the last week and I am down to a seemingly fine flame angel and my poor 17 year old hippo tang who is circling the drain.

Mr Blue is a true treasure to the family and he’s currently in the acclimation box to live out his last breaths because I can’t bring myself to do anything else in some prayer he makes it.

Is there any sort of options for casting in resin or doing taxidermy of some sort on a well preserved corpse? I know this sounds terrible but this fish had been with me half my life and I’d like to try to keep him with me in some way.

 

[tbrown]

@danieyella any suggestions?

 

[tbrown]

Covering them in salt can quickly dry the bodies out but it won't preserve colors very well.

Casting in resin with moisture still in the body may cause it to just rot in the resin but I'm not certain of that.

 

[Katrina71]

@LadyMac does absolutely beautiful portraits of fish. Most of us here understand your pain. I hope the end is peaceful and swift for your friend.

 

[Roadkillstewie]

...think your best option is to search out Taxidermists that specialize in fish.

 

[SamMule]

Freeze it if it dies. That's the best way to preserve it for a taxidermist

 

[willisd]

I may just bury him in the same pot that his brother the foxface lives in and not be so macabre about it.

I’d rather not be cruel and defile and old friend either. He had some real battle scars and survived 3 tank transfers. I used to complain he was always sticking his face in my pictures.

17 years has to be about the lifespan in the wild anyway. I doubt I’ll ever be able to keep another hippo, none could live up to mr blue.

 

[LandLockedJones]

That is what I just did. The process says that them ordering method of doing such would be to make a mold and then fill with either fiberglass or resin.

Edit: let me clarify, I googled this. Forgot to quote the message I was responding too.

It does appear there are fish taxidermists available and as sam suggests, the “old” method was wrap and then freeze until it could be transported.

I can provide the link if you wish.

 

[LandLockedJones]

Well, it is a cool idea, I get where you’re coming from.

 

[AydenLincoln]

Yes! Find a local taxidermist ideally one who’s preserved or specializes in fish. You could also buy Formaldehyde and stick it in a jar (it’s a bit more complicated but plenty of online resources about it) or encase it in resin. Lots of options.

 

[willisd]

Well he has made his way to the great beyond and I was able to freeze him immediately after so I will have to look into all the options.

Thanks to everyone for the condolences.

 

[Brandont21]

Sorry about your fish! Any reputable taxidermist should be able to do a fine job on him.

 

[Katrina71]

Please consider another when your heart has healed. Mr. Blue would probably want you to continue his legacy of love.

 

[edd59]

taxidermist will make a mold and paint it, it wont be the actual fish.

 

[Brandont21]

taxidermist will make a mold and paint it, it wont be the actual fish.

Why do you say that?

 

[Tired]

Why do you say that?

Because that's what taxidermists do. They either use a mold painted to look like the fish, or they use the actual fish hide, but painted. Fish skin doesn't keep much color past death, unlike fur or feathers. I'm also not sure they could do much for something so small compared to a gamefish.

Fish colors are very hard to preserve past death. Artwork, and burial somewhere nice, would probably be your best bet. I have a large terrarium I bury fish in.

 

[Brandont21]

Because that's what taxidermists do. They either use a mold painted to look like the fish, or they use the actual fish hide, but painted. Fish skin doesn't keep much color past death, unlike fur or feathers. I'm also not sure they could do much for something so small compared to a gamefish.

Fish colors are very hard to preserve past death. Artwork, and burial somewhere nice, would probably be your best bet. I have a large terrarium I bury fish in.

Oh i know, i have quite a few animals mounted. I was unsure why he was almost guaranteeing it wont be his fish used. I bet finding a mold would be tough though.

 

[ShakeyGizzard]

I highly doubt a taxidermist will have a mold or able to get one, possible one could be sculptured. save as many pictures that you have and keep him froze. I have a friend in La Grange TX who does this kind of work. Calling in a few, its still early there. will let you know. His name is Michael Schlabach , owner of MAD Taxidermy. He may not be able to do your fish but may lead you to right person who can.

 

[fish farmer]

Oh i know, i have quite a few animals mounted. I was unsure why he was almost guaranteeing it wont be his fish used. I bet finding a mold would be tough though.

They can make a mold from the fish out of plaster of Paris, etc., a front side and a back side. Let that set, then have two sides to work with using whatever casting resin/urethane is popular now and make a whole fish.

If you are handy with paints you could also do a fish print. Look up "gyotaku". Make a school of them on rice paper.

 

[OrionN]

What a morbid threat tittle.
I flush all my fish. I sometime use them as fertilizer for my outdoor plants. Need to put them deep enough so animal won't dig them up and kill my plants. I normally don't throw them into the garbage can unless trash day is the next day.

Cannot preserve the majestic of my animals postmortem other than in photos.
This is how I preserved my fish. That piece of fish jerky went to the garbage can.
My Naoko Wrasse from the fish store (Petco) to his full majestic then to his demise when I was in too much of a hurry lifting the lid to feed, no more than 15 seconds. I was in a hurry and did not see him jumped when I briefly open the tank lid.
Camera and lots of picture of your favorite animals.