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Effect of preservation on fish morphology over time: Implications for morphological studies
V Alex Sotola1, Cody A Craig1, Peter J Pfaff1
1Department of Biology/Aquatic Station, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, United States of America.
Plos One
|March 22, 2019
Summary
Preserving fish specimens with formalin and ethanol significantly alters body shape over time. Morphometric analyses reveal these changes, impacting shape variation studies in ichthyology.
Area of Science:
- Ichthyology
- Comparative Anatomy
- Specimen Preservation
Background:
- Biological specimen preservation is known to cause body shape alterations.
- Detailed studies quantifying morphological changes during preservation are scarce.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of formalin and ethanol preservation on fish body shape over an eight-week period.
- To assess the impact of preservation methods on morphometric analyses.
Main Methods:
- Geometric morphometric analyses were applied to 10 freshwater fish species.
- Specimens were analyzed at different stages: fresh, after formalin fixation, and after subsequent ethanol preservation.
Main Results:
- Significant body shape changes were observed between fresh and formalin-fixed specimens.
- Further shape alterations occurred after ethanol preservation.
- Morphological differences between populations varied inconsistently across preservation stages.
Conclusions:
- Morphometric analyses are best performed on fresh specimens.
- Awareness of preservation-induced morphometric changes is crucial when using preserved specimens.
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