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Copper fish?

Q. I know it is possible to electroplate dead organic matter by coating it first. However I have heard that you can copper electroplate a live goldfish. This is of course disturbing...but is this possible? I do not wish to plate a live goldfish, but it was a matter of interest for me as I am a metallurgical tech.

Julie Henry
SGS Lakefield Research Canada - Orangeville, ON, Canada
2005

Interesting, never heard any thing like this, copper electroplate involves cathode and anode in an alkaline solution and other process of plating copper is electroless copper which has hazardous components (Sodium Hydroxide and Formaldehyde).

Sridhar Bushigampala
- Toronot, ON, Canada
2005

Of cause, but you will want to give it a copper cyanide strike first to ensure proper adhesion :-)

Van de Luecht
- Melbourne, Vic, Australia
2005

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Third of three simultaneous responses -- 2005

Dear Julie,

Do you always believe what you hear ?

How in the heck could you 'plate' a living organism which, obviously, moves its body, etc. in all directions ... because surely, if it wasn't already killed by the plating process, wouldn't that 'plating' flake off, eh?

After hearing about this, I am reminded of something that goes like this....

'Others follies teach us not,
Nor much their wisdom preaches,
But most, of sterling worth, is what
Our own experience teaches.'

But don't go and experiment on a poor little goldfish, go and stick thy own finger in the tank and SEE WHAT HAPPENS !
... but please make sure you ain't got no HF in that thar tank else you'll have no finger !

Freeman Newton [deceased]
(It is our sad duty to advise that Freeman passed away
April 21, 2012. R.I.P. old friend).