Photarium
A purpose-built photarium for safely handling and photographing native freshwater fish in the field.
Designed and field-tested in Aotearoa New Zealand, the Photarium makes it easier to document fish without prolonged handling or unnecessary stress. It provides a clear, controlled space for observation and photography, while keeping fish supported and submerged.
Build it yourself, or request a fully assembled field-ready Photarium — the design is the same either way.
Two ways to use this design
Build it yourself (DIY)
Download the open-source files and print the main Photarium components locally. The DIY option suits people who are comfortable sourcing additional parts and doing a small amount of finishing and assembly.
You’ll need to source:
- A clear acrylic front panel
- Silicone adhesive sealant
- A brass rod for the lid hinge
- A ruler sticker for the front face
This option works well for makerspaces, organisations with fabrication access, or anyone who enjoys building their own field gear.
What you get when you download
- 3D printable photarium body
- 3D printable lid
- Assembly instructions (PDF)
Assembly time: approximately 30 minutes (plus overnight for sealant curing).
If sourcing and assembling these components feels like a barrier, the field-ready version may be the easiest option.
Field-ready option (printed and assembled)
Supplied fully assembled and ready to use in the field. With all printed parts and additional components included, the assembled Photarium can be used straight away.
The field-ready option suits users who want a reliable, ready-to-go tool without sourcing parts or doing assembly themselves.
From $65 NZD (inc GST)
What’s included:
- All 3D printed components
- Laser-cut acrylic front panel and ruler fitted
- Brass-hinged lid installed
- Ready for immediate field use
Field-ready versions are produced locally in partnership with Fab Lab Masterton, supporting community-led making and local fabrication.
To order, click the button below to let us know what you need, and we’ll confirm availability and postage.
Use in the field
Used during routine monitoring to briefly contain fish for identification and photography, while keeping them submerged and supported.
It helps reduce handling time and unnecessary stress, while still allowing clear observation and consistent images.
Licensing & reuse
Open by design.
The Photarium files are released under a Creative Commons license (CC BY 4.0). You’re free to download, print, adapt, and share the design for conservation, research, and community use.
If you modify or build on the design — whether to suit different species, contexts, or constraints — we encourage you to share what you’ve learned. That collective improvement is part of the intent.
If you’re interested in using this design for commercial purposes, please get in touch.
Community and feedback
Designed to evolve through use.
The Photarium exists because of real-world needs encountered in the field — and it improves through the same process. Feedback from people using the tool in different settings helps guide refinements, variations, and future designs.
If you’re using a Photarium as part of monitoring or research work, we’d love to hear how it’s going — what’s working well, and what could be improved.
Shared experience is how these tools improve over time.