Taxidermal Mounts of the Fish Body

The thesis presents methodology of creating whole-fish dermoplastic models. It is primarily intended for teachers of natural history and biology. The results are based on mapping out both modern and traditional methods of fish taxidermy. By empirical verification and introduction of new methods, a comprehensive manual of fish taxidermy was created. It can serve as a useful didactic tool. Methodology also describes the issue of obtaining and preserving fish specimen. Profound knowledge of fish anatomy is a necessary prerequisite for specimen taxidermy, thus methodology also includes anatomical overview and guidelines for fish anatomical dissection. The output of the practical part of the thesis are dermoplastic fish models which became part of the specimen collection at the Department of Biology and Environmental Studies at the Faculty of Pedagogics at Charles University, where they are meant to be used for educational purposes. Methodological part of the thesis evaluates the experience gained during the process of model creation. Certain recommendations regarding suitability of particular fish species for taxidermy, material and tools required, choice of method and its advantages and disadvantages, were made. The thesis discusses several specific technologies, such as producing eyes for the..