
【A Mini Museum on Your Desk】 Transparent specimens reveal the unique skeletal structures of organisms. Through staining techniques, red ossified bone and blue cartilage become clearly visible. Perfect for placing on a desk or bookshelf, these specimens are repurposed from discarded or naturally deceased animals, creating a unique collection that blends scientific education with aesthetic craftsmanship.
Biological Encyclopedia
Polynemidae (Threadfins)
The threadfins seen in Taiwanese fish markets include several species, some farmed and some wild. The farmed species is mostly the four-finger threadfin, Eleutheronema tetradactylum. In terms of appearance, threadfins have long, laterally compressed bodies, short and blunt snouts, and adipose eyelids around the eyes. A key characteristic of the threadfin is that the lower part of its pectoral fin is free, functioning as a sensory organ. Identification can be made by observing the number of free pectoral fin rays, dorsal fin rays, and tooth structure.
Threadfins mainly inhabit nearshore sandy or muddy bottoms, such as estuaries or mangrove areas.
In some regional Taiwanese proverbs, the threadfin is ranked as the number one seafood delicacy and is suitable for various cooking methods. It can be fully farmed, but the feed used in farming relies on trash fish or fishmeal. If you wish to consume them, it is recommended to choose farmed threadfins to reduce the fishing pressure on wild populations.
//Product Features//
See With Us, Sea With Us
Kairu Studio handcrafts transparent specimens (Diaphonization). In our "Mini Museum on Your Desk" series, each transparent specimen inside the glass bottle is a one-of-a-kind collector's item. The preservation fluid is safe and non-toxic, and the specimens can be kept permanently. Let’s collect your own biological illustrated handbook together!
How does Kairu turn fish transparent?
Transparent biological specimen preparation is a scientific technique initially used for research. The specimens used by Kairu come from discarded catch, invasive species, or animals that died in fish farms. Through a complex process involving multiple chemicals and dyes—without damaging the integrity of the organism—the remains of these fading creatures are reborn as stunning and unique transparent specimens.
DIY Kairu’s Marine Lab Series: Transparent Specimen Kit
//Product Specifications//
//Contents//
Transparent biological specimen
High-clarity glass bottle
Glycerin
Display box
Classic biological info card
Product warranty card
//Container Dimensions//
15 ml screw-cap glass bottle: 7 cm height, 2.1 cm diameter
60 ml screw-cap glass bottle: 14 cm height, 2.7 cm diameter
Designed by Kairu Studio / Made in Taiwan
//Notes//
> This product is a biological specimen made from deceased organisms, sourced primarily from discarded fishing catches or natural deaths.
> For display or educational purposes only; do not consume and avoid handling.
> As these are real biological specimens, photos are for reference only. Slight imperfections (e.g., incomplete fins) are normal.
> Recommended to store in a cool place away from direct sunlight.
> The preservation fluid, glycerin, is a non-toxic liquid. If it comes into contact with skin, simply rinse with water.
> The specimen is stored in glycerin; any retained air bubbles can be used to adjust the specimen's pose.
> Handcrafted specimens may have color variations. Photos are for reference only; if you have specific color requirements, please contact us before placing your order.