Body Cavity Tags

Body Cavity Tags

Hallprint's body cavity internal external anchor tags (type IEX) provide researchers with an option that will arguably provide the highest possible retention values for some species of fish, and may be selected for studies focused on population dynamics of long lived or late maturing species. For bottom dwelling species, these may also provide greater camoflage from predators than the more common dorsal tagging locations, and may have reduced incidence of biofouling as a result of less light exposure. They have been used successfully on a range of marine and freshwater fish with minimal apparent impact to fish behavior and condition.

IEX tags are surgically applied using an applicator needle through the body cavity wall, such that the anchor is secured inside the body cavity parallel with the inside abdomen wall, while the external marker lays backwards along the line of the fish. As a surgical procedure, anesthetic may be required when handling some sensitive species, and taggers should be appropriately trained on tagging and husbandry techniques.

Custom Orders

A majority of our fish tags are made to order to meet researchers' unique requirements. Please plan ahead- average production time is 4-5 weeks, plus shipping from Australia to your destination in North America.