Mixed-shape fish photography

Howdy folks, I am looking for some insight into photographing mixed-shape fishes (think depressed head, compressed caudal). I can never seem to manage arranging the fish into any usable position, but having seen many of your shots, I know it must be possible. Currently, I don't even attempt to photograph madtoms, oyster toads, or anything with that general shape, as it inevitably leads to frustration. My normal setup is a phototank with a compression board, and detached strobe, but I am willing to try anything short of euthanising the fish.

Any ideas? How do you manage it?

Anesthetise the fish and let it hang vertically, head up, tail down. Reflect light or use your flash to give the illusion of lighting from above.

I have on occasion resorted to narrow strips of acrylic (or clear plastic tableware) to prop things up between the pinning plate and front pane. Sometimes it works, other times not. Uland uses alligator clips glued to sticks with good success - but when I've tried to use them I get frustrated to the point where the fish goes for a brief formalin bath... They work great after that.

Madtoms and toadfish and sculpins are actually easier than snakeheads. Dang things won't stay in position, even when dead!

Anesthetise the fish and let it hang vertically, head up, tail down. Reflect light or use your flash to give the illusion of lighting from above.

I have on occasion resorted to narrow strips of acrylic (or clear plastic tableware) to prop things up between the pinning plate and front pane. Sometimes it works, other times not. Uland uses alligator clips glued to sticks with good success - but when I've tried to use them I get frustrated to the point where the fish goes for a brief formalin bath... They work great after that.

Madtoms and toadfish and sculpins are actually easier than snakeheads. Dang things won't stay in position, even when dead!

Dave, I think you may have just saved me a lot of headaches, thanks for that. Any recommendations on an anesthetic? Aqui-s is a little out of my price range, and I'm a bit unsure of the legality of ms222 or clove oil when releasing the fishes. I have a collection license and could just kill/donate but I would prefer not to.

Luckily I have never run into a snakehead in the states, and I hope it stays that way!

Will discuss further via pm.

Anesthetise the fish and let it hang vertically, head up, tail down. Reflect light or use your flash to give the illusion of lighting from above.

Hey! This isn't how you did it last time i saw you. Dang technique thief

BTW, zooxanthellae and a couple friends are putting together quite a nice website on NC fishes, both marine and fresh: http://www.ncfishes.com/

BTW, zooxanthellae and a couple friends are putting together quite a nice website on NC fishes, both marine and fresh: http://www.ncfishes.com/

Thank you very much for that bump Gerald!

The project is still very much in its infancy, and you can probably see the progression of our technique through the photographs. We are getting more refined as we go along, and are having to ask Gerald for ID assistance less and less . It is a side project that takes a back seat to work, but we are aiming to photograph every freshwater fish (with exception of threatend, endangered etc) and as many marine fishes as possible. This lies somewhere between hobby and obsession, which I'm sure you guys can relate to, so there stands a good chance of us reaching our goal. Thanks again for the recognition!

Hey! This isn't how you did it last time i saw you. Dang technique thief

It's what I do when I'm not permitted to take a specimen... but it's sure not my preferred technique.

Great website, Zooxanthellae! You should consider setting up a profile in our Gallery Archives for uploading your beautiful images.

Great website, Zooxanthellae! You should consider setting up a profile in our Gallery Archives for uploading your beautiful images.

Thank you for your kind words! I have a busy week of collection trips and travel coming up, but will add them to the gallery asap.