FISHES 49 



is in motion if the speed is not too great, often result in fine 

 captures of oceanic fishes. Seining along the beaches of islands 

 and bays, especially at night, is a highly successful method of 

 obtaining specimens. 



Small fish, even half an inch or less in length, should not be 

 rejected, for some of the most valuable specimens are the small 

 ones. It is desirable to obtain series of specimens of each species. 

 With common species of small size that are found in large 

 numbers, collect the same species in different localities, and take 

 series in all localities. In general, preserve all fish that are 

 collected as far as available containers and preservative will 

 permit. 



Small fish should be placed alive, if possible, in a solution of 

 formalin made by mixing 1 part of commercial formalin with 

 9 parts of water. This is of sufficient strength to preserve speci- 

 mens up to 5 inches in length in about 3 days. Larger ones 

 should be left for a greater length of time, depending on their 

 size. In all specimens over 3 inches in length make a small slit 

 in the side of the abdomen, or inject formalin with a large 

 hypodermic syringe into the abdomen and also at intervals of 2 

 inches in the muscle tissue. They should be left in the formalin 

 solution for 5 to 7 days or more. At the close of the periods 

 indicated, fish of all sizes may, if desired, be transferred to water, 

 and the formalin soaked out for 1 or 2 days, when they are 

 placed in 75 percent alcohol for preservation. 



One precaution should be observed — never crowd the fish in 

 the containers. Crowding hardens them in distorted shapes, and 

 they may spoil for lack of preservative. If it is necessary to 

 leave the specimens in formalin indefinitely, they may be trans- 



