FISHPRINT CARDS

These high quality greetings cards introduce a new range of images based on fish and other aquatic themes quite different from the usually available commercial designs. Made by the japanese technique of gyotaku, or fishprinting, each image is taken from the actual fish. Although several prints may be produced from the same specimen, each is different and original. Reproduced on high quality board, each card is supplied with matching envelope and is individually packaged in clear display packets. All cards are plain inside but the reverse is printed with details of the art technique and a paragraph describing the fish portrayed.These cards are attractive and original products for resale or for personal use.These fishprints are striking and definitive images suitable for reproduction in a variety of forms and compositions. Orders for the current range can be fulfilled immediately. Further designs are in progress, commissions for specific images and rates for bulk orders can be negotiated. They are available only from the artist.

St PETER'S FISH or JOHN DORY (Zeus faber) is a solitary fish found from the coast down to 200m depth. It is a weak swimmer, feeding mostly on smaller fish which it slowly stalks before suddenly engulfing the prey with its massive jaws. The strongly flattened body bears a conspicuous black spot on each side - the 'thumb print of St Peter', and a series of strong sharp spines associated with the dorsal and pelvic fins. A rare wanderer in northern waters this fish (410mm long) was caught accidentally by commercial fishing.

The SMALL-MOUTH BASS (Micropterus dolomieu) is a freshwater species belonging to the family of sunfishes, the Centrarchidae, which superficially resemble the marine perch and sea bass. Originating in Canada and the north-eastern United States it is a favoured species for anglers. Consequently it has been introduced into other freshwater systems, including some rivers in South Africa, where this specimen (460mm long) was caught by a fly-fisherman.

JOHN DORY or St PETER'S FISH (Zeus faber) is a solitary fish found from the coast down to 200m depth. It is a weak swimmer, feeding mostly on smaller fish which it slowly stalks before suddenly engulfing the prey with its massive jaws. The strongly flattened body bears a conspicuous black spot on each side - the 'thumb print of St Peter', and a series of strong sharp spines associated with the dorsal and pelvic fins. A rare wanderer in northern waters this fish (410mm long) was caught accidentally by commercial fishing.

OCEAN SUNFISH (Mola mola) is an oceanic wanderer found in temperate and tropical high seas throughout the world. The tail is very short and the dorsal and ventral fins situated at the end of the disc-like body. These features, coupled with the rough, scale-less skin, give this fish its unmistakable appearance. Usually of massive size (up to 500kg in weight) they are very rare in enclosed seas such as the North Sea where this juvenile fish (560mm long) was caught accidentally by commercial fishing.

The RED-FISH or NORWAY HADDOCK (Sebastes marinus marinus) is a deepwater fish of the northern North Atlantic. It is bright red in colour, slow-growing and undertakes distinct migrations between breeding areas and feeding grounds. It is an important commercial fishery in several areas bordering the North Atlantic, including the Færoes Islands, from where this specimen (490mm long) was obtained.

The IMPERADOR or ALFONSINO (Beryx decadactylus), is a deepwater species found at the edge of the continental shelf in northern European waters. It is the only common representative of the family Berycomorphi caught in Europe and has a heavy, deep body, a large eye, and is a uniform orange or red colour. At Horta, in the Azores Islands, this fish (470mm long) was bought at the fishmarket and printed on the same day.