Potential problems with removing scales before surgical transmitter implantation

Thirty one mirror carp Cyprinus carpio were implanted with telemetry transmitters. Several large scales were removed from the incision area of two mirror carp before implantation of transmitters. When the fish were recaptured after 4 months, the mirror carp from which scales were removed showed severe tissue necrosis at the incision site whereas intact fish did not. (c) 2005 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.