The project was created by Professor Adam Summers, associate director of Comparative Vertebrate Biomechanics at Washington University. He collected the specimens from various fisheries, with many having died during scientific studies. One study, for example, had focused on the developmental trajectory of the fish skeleton. The fish were treated at the Biomechanics Lab at Friday Harbour in Washington. Each fish was stained using two specific dyes - Alcian Blue to stain the cartilaginous elements deep blue, and Alizarin Red S to turn the tissue a crimson colour. The fish were then bleached in hydrogen peroxide to remove any dark pigments.