any info on mounting a parrana can not seem to find any
Return to Fish Taxidermy Category Menu
Though I've never skinned one, I did mold 2 several years ago. I have heard that they are like skinning a crappie with tiny trout-like scales. Have fun dude. And don't hold them by the mouth!
Used the half cast filler method.
Don't remember them being as bad as crappies, but I do remember there is is some tough tissue inside the skin on the dorsal and ventral surfaces. A fresh blade in the scalpel should take care of that.
The half-cast method worked well for me. their scales actually hold quite well. You will find in skinning these that there is some tough, cartilaginous material in a strip near the pelvic fins that is tricky to get rid of, but get all you can. Their was a lot of shrinkage on the heads of mounts I did that needs to be rebuilt with epoxy. If you can look at a live one, notice the glitter-like play of lights on the scales. A fine-tipped Sanford silver or chrome marker can come into play there.
And Cecil is right. There's nothing "crappie" like about a piranha. They're tough, thick skinned for a fish, and have miserably strong connective tissue that will need to be removed. The dorsal are is filled with a gelatanous yet solid material that will need to be removed. They have a weird smell to them, much like a bobcat. I can't help but think it's the carnivore in them smeilling.
that have recently eaten human flesh smell that way George. LOL
been a big help