Home >> Science & Nature >> Animals & Science

How to Preserve Catfish Heads

Preserving a fish's head is common practice for taxidermy, or the art of creating a modeled reproduction of an animal's body using existing parts and artificial stuffing. Through this process, fisherman can enjoy the taste of the catch as well as provide a visual representation to be hung on a wall or other area of the house. Make sure the body of the catfish you are using for this activity is still relatively fresh, as an old and rotting fish will do you no good.

Things You'll Need

Plastic bag
Paper towel
Cooler of ice
Refrigerator/Freezer

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the hook that was used to catch the catfish very carefully, as you do not want to damage any of the mouth or surrounding facial features of the fish's head.
- 2
  Wrap the fish's body in a paper towel, ensuring that all of the fins lie flat against the body. Place this wrapped fish in a plastic bag, such as a grocery bag or other type of retail shopping bag. Roll the bag up so that it is the size of the fish's body.
- 3
  Place the wrapped fish in the cooler with ice, ensuring that it has plenty of room to settle into this cold container. Pour a few ice cubes on the top of this plastic bag to keep the cool air concentrated on the fish.
- 4
  Clean the fish's body if you plan on skinning the body to use for food. You may be removing the body to use the meat for a meal, but the head will still need to be wrapped up. Refrigerate the fish's head for a period of five days if you will be delivering it to a taxidermist in a short period of time. If you will not be seeing this person for a few weeks, place the head in the freezer to keep it from deteriorating.

Animals & Science