Field Care of Fishes 



11 



Formalin ) is thoroughly preserved in a few days. However, the 

 specimen may remain safely immersed all summer or longer. 



If it is inconvenient to bring the preserved fish home in a 

 receptacle large enough to accommodate it in Formalin, the 

 specimen can be transported wrapped in wet cloths or wet lay- 



Fig. 4. If necessary, inject Formalin or water into the body cavity in 

 order to fill it out to its full contour before molding. In warm weather, if 

 the fish is to be left overnight, inject a 10 per cent solution of Formalin 

 into the bodv cavity until the belly resumes its original shape (blackfin 

 tuna; Walker Cay, Bahamas). (Photo by John Bennewitz) 



ers of paper. Wet moss can be used also. Any wooden box will 

 hold the fish providing a top is secured to it. A few layers of 

 wax paper should be placed within the box so that the wood 

 does not absorb moisture. In other words, the fish will not spoil 

 or go soft out of the Formalin, but it is of utmost importance to 

 keep the specimen wet so that skrinkage will not take place. 



