Taxidermy preparation of Oreochromis Niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) using siliconized synthetic fiber as a filling material: technical report and photographic record

The preparation and preservation of animal specimens constitute important tools for the teaching of zoology, comparative anatomy, morphology and ichthyology. Among the different techniques used for fish preservation, three-dimensional preparation allows the external configuration of the specimen to be maintained, facilitating its use in educational and exhibition activities. This study aims to describe the taxidermy preparation process of a Nile tilapia specimen, Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758). The procedure was photographically documented, contemplating the initial assessment and measurement of the specimen, access to the body cavity, removal of the viscera, gills and eyes, preparation of the cavity, closure of the incision by suturing and filling with siliconized synthetic fiber, ocular reconstruction, body conformation and final stabilization. After reconstruction, approximately 20 mL of 10% unbuffered formalin solution was introduced into the specimen by injection. The methodology resulted in a three-dimensional specimen while preserving its main external morphological characteristics. The systematic photographic record enabled the documentation of the procedural steps and constitutes a relevant tool for their description and reproducibility.