Length reduction and dry weight loss in frozen and formalin-preserved larval walleye, Stizostedion vitreum (Mitchill)

We examined the relationships between fresh and preserved measurements of length and dry weight for larval walleye, Stizostedion vitreum (Mitchill), subjected to freezing and preservation in formalin. Length reductions for both preservation techniques were <5% and decreased with larval size. Dry weight losses ranged from 32·1 to 54·0% for frozen larvae and from 18·2 to 30·1% for larvae preserved in formalin with larger larvae losing proportionately less weight. Freezing caused significantly greater length shrinkage and dry weight loss than preservation in formalin.