Abstract: Fish to be processed are moved through succesive fish processing stations located along a predetermined path of movement. The path of movement is defined by a pair of transversely spaced guide rails (4) and the free end parts of the guide rails or pins are inserted through the head of the fish. The free end of the guide rails may, for example, be inserted through the eyes and through the tongue of the fish, beneath the lower jaw bone of the head of the fish and out through the mouth of the fish, through the thin skin of the cheeks along the tongue and through the lower jaw of the fish, through the mouth beneath the tongue and out behind the tongue, through the cheeks and out through the mouth of the fish or through the mouth and out behind the tongue and across square bones of the fish.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting fish heads comprises an elongated channel member, one or more cutting knives extending into a channel defined in the channel member, and spiked belts or other means for moving fish heads along the channel past the cutting knife or knives. The apparatus may also comprise a head supporting rail on which the fish heads to be cut may be threaded so that they are maintained in a desired relation to the knife or knives. The fish heads may be split in two parts, cut along their nape and skull portion, or separated into various desired parts, such as a nape and skull portion and a chin and cheek portion.