A suitable ichthyometer for systemic application

An excessive and inappropriate handling of live fish is currently performed to obtain its size and weight. As an ameliorative attempt, a system named “IchthyoJHOL" was devised for the measurement of live specimens of fusiform fish species. The system holds the fish ventrally between supports and is mounted upon a scale. An image is captured on camera and processed with a digital measurement system. The system generates biometric data such as length, height, and weight. This methodology creates a two-stage biometric process, the first being the capture of the images and the second their digital analysis, allowing for each stage to be carried out at distinct times and places. With this methodology, a reliability of over 96.8% is achieved, similar to that produced by the traditional system, but with a significant reduction in handling time and stress induced on the fish, allowing for large-scale biometric analysis. In addition, the library of fish images can be shared for posterior evaluation, redescription studies or a more extensive morphometric analysis.