Tissue preservation biases in stable isotopes of fishes and molluscs from Patagonian lakes

Field work commonly involves preserving samples for later use; however, most preservation methods distort stable‐isotope (SI) signatures that are of interest to ecologists. Although preservation of muscle samples with table salt and rubbing alcohol affected the SI ( δ 13 C and δ 15 N) of important consumers in Patagonian lakes (molluscs and fishes), variation among individuals and lakes generally exceeded that among preservation treatments. Mathematical corrections for these preservation biases are provided, and a potentially bias‐free preservation by air‐drying is suggested.