How to preserve a deceased stingray?

[Conner]

You could possibly do the alcohol method with a flat acrylic box. make a box (minus the lid), put the stingray in, fill it nearly to the brim with alcohol, seal the lid on, and voila!

Or, you could build a box, put the stingray in, seal the lid on, drill a small hole, add alcohol until there's no air left, and then seal over the hole with a scrap piece of acrylic. That would remove any air bubbles from the container.

 

[Cheyenne4]

okay, thank you all again! I think I will either look for, or make an acrylic box, rather than a jar. Thanks!

 

[earthstudent]

I think in a "classroom" setting, they use formaldehyde to preserve specimen. I have used alcohol and it seems to work OK as well.

 

[DCOWBOYS]

Very interesting thread,thanks!!!

 

[Noto]

I worked in a vertebrate museum for almost 10 years. I can offer some advice.

Putting the fish directly in alcohol will preserve it, though you may notice some shriveling. If you want to preserve more fish, consider getting some formalin. This is sold by many aquaculture suppliers. You won't need much- just an ounce or two.

Supplies (ones in bold are necessary, others are convenient but not necessary):
jars of various sizes
syringe with large-bore needle
formalin
ethanol (grain alcohol) or isopropanol (rubbing alcohol)
gloves
wax-bottomed tray with cover
pins
paper towels
funnel
coffee filter

Process:
Wear gloves while working with formalin and work in a well-ventilated space.

First, dilute your formalin to 10% of the full-strength solution. So, add one part of saturated formalin (37% formaldehyde) to nine parts water.

Use your syringe to inject this solution into the fish's body cavity in various places, and into the musculature of the back, tail, and jaws if it is a large individual.

(optional step) Lay the fish out on the wax-bottomed tray. Use pins to position the fins so they are spread out and easily visible. Cover the fish with paper towels. Fill the bottom of the tray with formalin and make sure the paper towels wick it up so the whole fish stays wet. Put the cover on and let sit for 24 to 48 hours.

If you skip the optional step, place the fish directly into a jar and fill with formalin solution. Let sit for 24 to 48 hours.

Place a coffe filter in the funnel and stick the funnel into a large jar. Pour the formalin solution through and cap the jar. You can use this formalin solution over and over again.

Place the fish in its jar and fill with water. Leave the jar uincapped and let sit for 24 hours. Then pour the water down the drain.

Fill the jar with alcohol- either 70% ethanol or 55% isopropanol.

If you want, you can add a label made of rag paper (ordinary paper will eventually dissolve) and written with pencil or alcohol-proof ink.

Specimens preserved in this way are more durable and less prone to shriveling than specimens placed directly in alcohol. Store specimens in a cool place out of direct sunlight.