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lifeisfun wrote:Very nice
Would you have pictures of the tagging process ?
So we've yet to get really good pictures of the transmitter attachment process (working on getting a better camera), but here are a few to help illustrate the following process.
We use a "backpacker" which is fancy terminology (lol) for two syringes and accompanying 18-21 gauge needles glued together. There is a small piece of rubber (bought in the plumbing department of hardware stores, not sure what it's actually used for) fitted over the needles. The backpacker is inserted just below the dorsal fin and pushed through the tissue and out the other side until the rubber is flush with the skin. The transmitters are all wrapped in wire (S-shape) with each end sticking out. Each of those tag ends goes through the needles and into the syringes. Once in the syringes, the backpacker is pulled back (holding the rubber against the fish) drawing the wires through the backing. The wires are pulled so the transmitter is flush against the fish with the antenna pointing towards the tail. The tag ends are wrapped six times, cut, and pushed flush against the backing and pointing towards the tail (so weeds don't get caught on it).
The transmitter weighs 2g out of water. Range depends on the receiver (I could hear a tagged fish from 1-2km away using Lotek's Biotracker receiver, but couldn't hear anywhere near that far using a less expensive hand-held receiver). Your ability to hear the fish from distance also depends on the antenna, how high the antenna is, and the depth of the fish (i.e., shallow fish are easy to hear from longer distances).
Not sure if the tags are commercial or if anyone off the street could purchase them. These transmitters are from Holohil Systems out of Carp.