Tips for Buying Taxidermy Fish Supplies
Fish are amongst the most difficult animals to taxidermy. There are supplies that make this task easier, but there is no replacement for good old-fashioned practice and determination. Using the right tools, materials, and learning the proper techniques go a long way towards creating your own taxidermy fish. Mount the fish when you are done to display your prized fish.
Types of Supplies
Purchase supplies that make your taxidermy fish look as realistic as possible. Choose from ear liners, jaw sets and tongues, chemicals, mounting supplies, finishing chemical supplies, tanning supplies, protection and safety equipment, and paper and chipboard equipment.
Types of Tools
Choose the right tools for the job in order to make your taxidermy come to life. There are specialized knives, scalpels, scissors and shears, fleshing tools, form prep tools, painting tools, measuring tools, mounting stands and cradles. Multi-purpose tools, such as a Dremel, aid in the construction and deconstruction of fish parts, such as the eyes, which do not hold up under taxidermy. Blowers and dryers help in the drying process. The chemicals need to dry evenly to ensure that there is no discoloration.
Eye Assemblies
Buy eyes depending upon the type of fish that you are replicating for you taxidermy. Most fish eye replica’s made from glass are called “Flex Eyes.” You will also need to consider purchasing the eye sockets that hold the fish eyes into place, and create a real fish eye effect.
Decorative Mounts
Choose a mount for your prized taxidermy fish. This is as easy as selecting the type of mount that most closely matches the natural habitat of the fish. The simplest mounts are made of metal, vinyl, or the most common wood. A more decorative mount has the added visual appeal of extra items such as driftwood or seaweed.