Improved method for preparing common carp (Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1758) Skeleton specimen

Abstract

The study detailed the six easy steps in creating a common carp (Cyprius carprio Linneaus, 1758) skeletal specimens, which showed improvements when compared to the traditional boiling method. Adult common carp with body length ranges from 25-26cm, average length of 24.8cm, with no visible scarring or deformities are used for creating specimens. Before the bone cleaning process can begin, the fins are fixed using formalin 37% injections at the base of the fin rays to help in shaping, securing, and protecting of the fins from external damages. Extra care at handling is needed in this step, so as not to inject the muscle tissue. Bone collection at the head and around the eye socket should be done by pouring boiling water directly over the area. Then, for the process of seperating the bones in the body, boiling water is poured slowly, while gently removing the tissues along with the internal organs, being meticulous so as the bones are not seperated, which could lead to lost or misplacements of the bones in the specimens. The main improvements compared to the boiling methods are (1) specimens are not directly boiled, hence better maintaining the structural integrity of the skeletal structure of the fish; and (2) formalin fixing preserve the fin structure in its entirity. This improved boiling method is easier to accomplish, optimising the bone recovery and cleaning in the correct order, leading to easier reassembling. Thus, this protocol simplify the process of preparing the common carp skeletal specimens.