Skeletonization is the final stage of decomposition in which its soft tissues decay and all that's left is its exposed skeleton. The process is completely shown in a time lapse video clip recently shared on social media in which skin beetles devour a pompano fish.
The video clip is part of a film called Wrought that shows the relationship between people, decaying, and rotting. It explains the importance of rotting in the process of decomposition using innovative time-lapse scanner videography and engaging music and storytelling.
Skeletonization of a Pompano Fish by Skin Beetles
The clip of skin beetles, also known as dermestids that was reposted to Reddit fascinated social media users. It shows how a swarm of dermestids begin devouring the carcass of the pompano fish, feasting on its skin to expose its skeleton gradually.
The fish was filmed in different states of decomposition while the skin beetles continued to eat their flesh until only their bones and some debris were left. Joel Penner, the videographer and editor of Wrought, told Newsweek that this time-lapse video clip took two weeks to film.
They created the clip in a small shack in the backyard where they put the fish in a terrarium with skin beetles and a camera mounted on top to take photos every two minutes. At the end of the process, they had 10,000 to 20,000 photos of the degradation process of the fish.
Anna Sigrithur, the writer and narrator of the film, also told Newsweek that they created the film to challenge views on rotting and decaying organic materials. She noted that rot is associated with morality and that when something is bad it is referred to as rotten. The team believes their film could get people to challenge their thinking that rot and decay are not black and white.
The Science of Decomposition
Decomposition is the process in which a corpse decay and rots in a continual process that can take weeks to years, depending on the environment. The Australian Museum explains the different stages of decomposition and the lifeforms that may be involved in this process.
The first stage is the living stage, where an animal or human is still alive and is capable of controlling the bacteria in them. But this ability stops when they die.
The second stage is next, wherein the initial decay could last a few days. The bacteria start to feed on the intestines and other internal organs. Even their digestive juices contribute to the decomposition process as they break down the cells. Insects also become attracted to the dead body, where they lay eggs and proliferate.
Then comes putrefaction, in which cells release fluids into body cavities and produce gases as by-products. They are foul-smelling but very attractive to insects. It also causes bacteria to multiply, creating pressure in the body and inflating it.
A few more days and black putrefaction happen in which the bloated body collapses, leaving a flattened body with creamy flesh. Many parts also turn black and emit a strong smell of decay. Predatory beetles start to lay eggs on the body, while generations of maggots have already feasted on it.
Then butyric fermentation begins when all flesh is gone and the body begins to dry out. Maggots start to disappear and beetles start to devour the skin and ligaments of the organism.
Lastly, dry decay happens as the hair slowly falls, leaving the bones only. Microorganisms start to feed on hair and would remain on the corpse as long as there is hair.
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