A fish bone separator for species like carp (Cyprinus carpio) was designed, built, and tested. The development resulted in a new class of fish bone separator, smaller in size and output but capable of processing hard-boned fish up to 3 kg in weight. A description of the developed machine, its working principles, and a comparison with the existing rubber band industrial machines is included. A full-scale prototype was evaluated by comparison with the existing rubber band machine technology. Better colour and texture and 13% higher processing yield were obtained for the developed machine. In addition, this new machine was well accepted by local fishermen. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.