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What To Preserve 
Specimens of all species at each collecting locality should be preserved. 
It is wise, as many collectors have learned to their sorrow, to collect a species 
the first time it is seen; it may not be seen again. 
A series of from 30 to 500 of each species from each station is desirable. 
This number may be modified if it is certain that there are already many of 
that species from that locale. The large size of specimens or the small quantity 
of preservative or containers may, of course, impose a limit. Quality, on the 
other hand, should not be sacrificed to the god of quantity. Better a few fine 
specimens than numerous, unmeasurable, twisted, sealeless specimens. But 
better still to take what appears to be an excess of containers and preserva- 
tives, particularly when traversing little-known regions. 
Specimens of both sexes and of the different sizes available should be 
collected. 
In the case of very large specimens which may not be preserved or frozen 
whole, the head and the tail and a scale sample may be taken. Photos, scale 
and fin ray counts, colour notes, measurements of head, jaw length, eye, fin, 
standard length (snout to base of tail) and total length and weight should be 
recorded. (See Figure 46 for methods of taking measurements.) In the case 
of sharks upper and lower teeth (or jaws with teeth) and a piece of skin should 
also be taken. 
In the case of rare or endangered species the collector should exercise 
discretion in the interests of conservation. 
Photographs and Colour Sketches 
Colour photographs and sketches are a valuable adjunct to collections. 
Colour in specimens is lost with time, yet it is often a valuable systematic 
character. Normally the left side is photographed. The fins are spread out 
(pinned if necessary), the mouth closed. Value is increased by including a 
photographic colour scale (obtainable at photo stores) and a rule; for con- 
venience the two can be taped together. The collecting label should be 
included in the photo to record where and when the fish was collected. To 
obtain sharp focus for scale and fin ray detail, a tripod is necessary. Even 
lighting without obscuring shadows and a contrasting background gives 
superior results. A little extra care will result in photos not only of value as 
a record but of publishable quality. The opportunity may not present itself 
again to take a photo of a fresh specimen. 
Photographing fish in an aquarium enables recording life colour. The 
fish may be crowded against the front of the aquarium with a plate of glass. 
This keeps them in one plane for overall focus and usually causes them to 
extend their fins. In some fishes other views than lateral may be required, 
e.g., dorsal for rays, batfishes; or several views may be taken with detail shots 
of interesting structures. Do not overlook habitat photographs. 
Good photos may be donated to the National Nature Photograph 
Collection. The photos will be used for science and education and kept for 
posterity. 
Collecting Equipment and Methods 
Each new collecting method brings in new species. Only certain 
methods will work in certain habitats. A variety of collecting methods is 
therefore rewarding. Several reviews of fishing gear are worth consulting 
for ideas: XJmali (1950), Okada (1959), and Bean (1887). 
