Dano, not sure what you are implying with the "(if I can say his name)" but Timo is still a member of Tradgang, not sure why he hasn't been here in a while but it has been by his choice, not admin's.
And yes, he does the absolute prettiest fish backings there is. I still think his carp backed selfbow I shot at TSII is the prettiest selfbow I've ever seen.
I've got some carp skins in my freezer that Whip and I took at TSIV and hope to make something with them someday. Beautiful golden pattern after the scales are removed.
Pygmy, I would think catfish skin would be interesting. They have a subtle beauty about them and as you said, tougher than a railroad tie.