GYOTAKU, Step by step...

Begin by catching a fish. You will find out that some species work better than others. generally flat fish with large scales are best.

Perch are pretty good.

Rinse off all slime. Salt, vinegar, or dish detergent will help.

Apply pigment. Acrylic paint works well. Don't paint the eye.  Sometimes you will need to prop up the fins with magazines. You may want to plug up the anus with cotton so it doesn't soil the paper.

Carefully lay paper or cloth on top. Don't let it move once it touches.

Touch all areas. Memorize the fins and call out their names so you don't forget to touch everywhere.

Peal back the paper to reveal a mirror image. Allow to dry. you can re-ink and pull another print.

Only the eye needs to be painted in.

You may be surprised at the detail you can achieve. To see many examples of GYOTAKU by artist  Barry Singer go to www.fishfanatic.etsy.com

Good luck!