Materials Needed

• A freshly caught fish (or specimen)

• Sharp knife or scalpel

• Needle-nose pliers

• Wire (various gauges)

• Borax or a commercial preservative (like Stop-Rot)

• Plastic gloves

• Newspaper or butcher paper

• Paints and airbrush

• Cotton batting

• Pins and needles

• Mounting board or plaque

• Measuring tape or ruler

• Modeling clay

• Fish-specific taxidermy form or carved foam body

• Clear gloss spray or fish gloss

Steps for Fish Taxidermy

1. Prepare the Specimen

• Handle with care: Place the fish on a flat surface to avoid bending or damaging fins and scales.

• Clean and measure: Rinse off dirt or slime with cold water. Take measurements of the fish's length, girth, and weight to help shape the form later.

• Photograph: Take detailed photos, especially of its colors and patterns, as these fade quickly after death.

2. Skinning the Fish

• Cutting the skin: Make an incision along the belly or side, from just behind the gills to the tail, avoiding damage to the scales.

• Remove flesh: Use a scalpel and pliers to carefully separate the skin from the flesh. Work slowly to avoid tearing delicate areas, particularly around fins and the tail.

• Preserve the head and fins: If mounting the entire fish, retain the skull and jawbone, removing as much tissue as possible.

3. Preserving the Skin

• Apply preservative: Generously coat the inside of the skin with borax or a commercial preservative. Make sure to cover all areas, including fins and around the head.

• Dry the skin: Place the skin on a flat surface, ensuring it’s fully coated and free of moisture. Let it dry for several days, depending on humidity.

4. Prepare the Fish Form

• Purchase or carve: Use a pre-made foam body or carve one from a foam block using the measurements taken earlier. Smooth out edges to mimic the fish's natural shape.

• Test the fit: Lay the dried skin over the form to ensure a snug fit. Adjust the form as needed.

5. Mounting

• Position fins and tail: Use modeling clay to reshape the tail and fins, placing pins to hold them in a natural position while drying.

• Attach the skin: Gently stretch the fish skin over the form, securing it with pins. Ensure scales lie flat and natural.

• Detail the mouth and eyes: Sculpt details for the eye sockets and mouth using clay. Insert fish-specific glass eyes for a lifelike appearance.

6. Finishing

• Paint: Use an airbrush to recreate the fish's natural colors, referencing the photos. Add depth and realism by layering colors.

• Seal: Apply a clear gloss or fish gloss spray to give the skin a wet, natural appearance.

• Mount on plaque: Secure the fish to a wooden board or wall plaque with screws or wires.

Tips and Tricks

• Work in a cold, dry environment to slow decomposition.

• Avoid over-stretching the skin, as this can distort the fish's natural proportions.

• Practice on less valuable specimens to refine your skills.