Evaluation of an alternative technique for preserving crustaceans in dry conditions with joint mobility: a proposal for didactic purposes

Although crustaceans are traditionally preserved in liquids (formaldehyde and/or ethyl alcohol), those substances tend to alter their morphological aspects. Glycerin, used human anatomy, is considered a good substitute for formaldehyde, as it preserves animals states similar vivo conditions. There no records the literature, however, concerning use of glycerin conserving invertebrates. The objective this work was elaborate and evaluate alternative techniques crustacean Ucides cordatus (Linnaeus, 1763). Six fixatives (1, 3, 4 5% 70% alcohol, dietrich solution) two controls (positive negative) were tested, well effects freezing before fixation on integrity U. specimens. Our results evaluated with respect nine variables. treatments that demonstrated best aesthetic 4% formaldehyde alcohol. resulted brittle organs all tested. technique discussed here extremely promising conservation educational purposes, produces specimens aesthetically