The present invention provides a device for immobilizing aquatic animals, the device comprising a receptacle for holding an aquatic animal in a volume of water, an opening in the receptacle for placement and removal of the aquatic animal, a restraint positioned inside the receptacle for restraining the aquatic animal, and a tube attached to the receptacle for supplying air or aerated water to the receptacle. The present invention further provides methods of immobilizing and imaging live aquatic animals using the device of the present invention.
