Behavioural Analysis of Zebrafish: Shoaling and Fear Responses

• Main Author: Luca, Ruxandra Monica
• Other Authors: Gerlai, Robert
• Language: en_ca
• Published: 2009
• Subjects: behaviour; behavior; zebrafish; fear; shoaling; computer animated images; computer-animated; conspecifics; predators; anxiety; behavioural analysis; model organism; social paradigm; Indian Leaf fish; Needle fish; 0384; 0317; 0623
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1807/18823

Zebrafish, a novel vertebrate model organism, has a high nucleotide sequence homology with human genes. Its transparent and fast developing embryo allows the analysis of physiological and anatomical characteristics, many of which are similar to those of mammals. Although the prolific nature of zebrafish can facilitate genetic studies, linking genes and behaviour is difficult because behaviour is not well investigated in zebrafish. The aim of this project is to develop robust behavioural tests that can quantify shoaling with conspecifics and fear responses to natural predators. Eight conditions using different computer-animated stimuli were used to induce behavioural responses. The results demonstrate that shoaling behaviours and fear responses can be successfully induced. More importantly, the behaviours caused by the computer-animated images confirm previous research findings using natural conspecifics and predators. Thus, computer-animated images will help standardize behavioural tests in zebrafish and will lead the way to more sophisticated and better controlled experiments.