What You See When You Turn a Fish Inside Out
Smithsonian scientists use X-rays to classify different species, but when viewed outside the lab, the images provide stunning art
- By Megan Gambino
- Smithsonian.com, February 07, 2012
This particular longnose butterflyfish (Forcipiger longirostris) was collected in French Polynesia in 2004. Being preserved in alcohol has caused its colors to fade, but it was once bright yellow and black. (Sandra J. Raredon, Division of Fishes, NMNH)
One way to get at a skeleton, especially a large one, is through dissection. There are more than 4,800 such “dry” fish skeletons in the museum’s collection. Another method, used on small fish that would curl up if dried, is called “clearing and staining.” The specimen is soaked in trypsin, a digestive enzyme, to clear the flesh away, and the cartilage is stained blue while the bone is stained red. Stored in glycerin afterward, these are often referred to as “wet” skeletons; the museum has more than 5,300. But X-rays, which have been used to study fish since shortly after this form of radiation was discovered in 1895, are especially noninvasive. “Radiographs allow the study of the skeleton of a fish without dissecting or in any other way altering the specimen,” says Parenti.
Comments (6)
I thought that art was something that was created, not something that just appeared.
Posted by Jim on April 27,2012 | 04:34 PM
Although I personally would not use the word this way, I did just look it up, and the use of the word "reticent" is not inappropriate. reticent: "restrained in expression, presentation, or appearance " Before getting grouchy with the editors, try a quick search for multiple uses and definitions.
Posted by TTurner on April 3,2012 | 09:55 PM
They are stunning images. The slider that allows us to view the outside and inside at the same time is a great tool. I hope to visit the display at the National Museum of Natural History.
Posted by Kathy on February 18,2012 | 01:14 PM
Interesting,
However I have been doing this as an artist for 35 years.
See my website : www.beyondlight.com. - gallery- gifts of the sea.
In my files I have many more fish.
Albert
Posted by albert Koetsier on February 18,2012 | 11:38 AM
THIS information-site, WILL BE SO HELPFUL TO MY GRANDSON, WHO IS HOME SCHOOLED. AND IS FASINATED BY OCEAN CRITTERS. THANKS FOR SHARING as it is beautiful, non-scary!
Posted by Jill Bugdanavage on February 17,2012 | 04:48 PM
"The fanged eel is reticent during the daytime ..."
Reticent??? Look it up, editors!
Posted by Christopher Carlson` on February 13,2012 | 05:05 PM