Zebrafish

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Zebrafisch

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Zebrafish Developmental Stages

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Leopard danio (cropped)

Zfishchroma

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Zebrafish embryos

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Zebrafish Make a Splash in FDA Research (8614532586)

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are a small tropical freshwater fish native to South Asia. They have become increasingly popular in scientific research over the past few decades, serving as an important model organism in studies related to genetics, developmental biology, toxicology, and neurobiology. Zebrafish are particularly valued in the scientific community for their transparent embryos, which allow researchers to observe developmental processes in real-time.

Description

Zebrafish are characterized by their distinctive horizontal stripes, which run along the length of their bodies. These stripes are caused by pigmented cells and serve as a form of camouflage in their natural habitat. Adult zebrafish typically reach about 2.5 to 4 cm in length. They are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of algae, zooplankton, and small insects.

Habitat

Originally found in the streams and rice paddies of the Ganges basin in India and Bangladesh, zebrafish have adapted to a wide range of environmental conditions. Their ability to thrive in both stagnant and flowing waters has contributed to their popularity as a model organism in laboratory settings.

Use in Research

Zebrafish embryos are nearly transparent, which allows researchers to easily study their development without invasive techniques. The genetic makeup of zebrafish is remarkably similar to that of humans, with many orthologous genes. This similarity has made them a valuable tool in understanding human genetic diseases, drug discovery, and toxicological testing. Zebrafish are also used in cancer research, where they can be used to study tumor growth and metastasis.

Genetic Manipulation

One of the reasons zebrafish are so valuable in research is their amenability to genetic manipulation. Techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9 and morpholino antisense oligonucleotides have been used to knock out or modify specific genes. This allows scientists to study the function of these genes during development and disease.

Conservation Status

Zebrafish are not currently considered endangered or threatened. Their wide distribution and adaptability to different environmental conditions have helped maintain stable populations in the wild. However, the impact of habitat destruction and pollution on local populations is not well documented.

In the Aquarium

Beyond their scientific utility, zebrafish are also popular in the aquarium hobby. They are prized for their vibrant colors and patterns, as well as their hardiness and ease of care. Zebrafish are social animals and do best in groups. They require a well-maintained tank with ample space to swim and a diet that mimics their natural omnivorous feeding habits.