ConductVision · Zebrafish

Zebrafish Behavioral Tracking

Markerless video analysis for neuroscience, genetics, and pharmacology — 16+ validated paradigms across adults, juveniles, and larvae.

Key Assay Methods

Light/Dark Challenge Assay
Larval zebrafish exhibit robust locomotor changes when alternating between light and dark phases, with dark phases triggering hyperactivity interpreted as light-searching behavior. This is the most widely used high-throughput larval assay. Parameters: distance moved (mm), mean velocity (mm/s), activity bouts (count), dark-phase hyperactivity index (ratio), and freezing episodes (count/duration). Validated in Burgess & Granato (2007) PMID 17601957 and Emran et al. (2008) PMID 19078942.
Thigmotaxis (Wall-Hugging)
Larval and adult zebrafish display increased wall-proximity behavior in anxiogenic conditions, analogous to rodent thigmotaxis in open field tests. Attenuated by anxiolytics (diazepam), enhanced by anxiogenics (caffeine). Parameters: % time in edge zone, wall proximity (mm), center-edge transitions, edge zone path length, and anxiolytic response. Validated in Schnörr et al. (2012) PMID 22197677 and Champagne et al. (2010) PMID 20540966.
Novel Tank Diving Test
Adult zebrafish initially dive to the bottom of a novel tank and gradually explore upper regions. Bottom-dwelling time serves as an anxiety-like index, analogous to the rodent open field center avoidance. Parameters: time in bottom third, latency to top, top-bottom transitions, erratic movements, and freezing bouts. Validated in Levin et al. (2007) PMID 17049956 and Egan et al. (2009) PMID 19540270.
Shoaling Assay
Zebrafish are social species that form cohesive groups (shoals). Disrupted shoaling serves as a readout for social deficits, anxiogenic states, or neurotoxicity. Parameters: inter-individual distance (mm), nearest neighbor distance (mm), polarization (0–1), cohesion index (mm²), and shoal preference time. Validated in Miller & Gerlai (2012) PMID 23155420 and Green et al. (2012) PMID 22890236.
Acoustic/Vibrational Startle (C-bend)
A tap or acoustic stimulus triggers a rapid C-shaped body bend mediated by Mauthner neurons. Prepulse inhibition (PPI) of this startle is conserved from fish to humans and is disrupted in schizophrenia models. Parameters: response latency (ms), C-bend angle, response probability, habituation rate, and PPI ratio. Validated in Burgess & Granato (2007) PMID 17475807 and Best et al. (2008) PMID 17625499.
Locomotion Profiling
Baseline locomotor activity quantifies general motor function, neurological status, and drug effects. Measured in both larvae (96-well plates) and adults (open tank). Parameters: total distance (mm), mean velocity (mm/s), maximum velocity, angular velocity, meandering, and immobility time. Validated in Padilla et al. (2011) PMID 21871562 and Ingebretson & Bhatt (2014) PMID 24561567.

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Why Zebrafish?

One of the most widely used vertebrate models in behavioral neuroscience, toxicology, and drug discovery

70% Gene Homology

Over 70% of human genes have a zebrafish counterpart, making them ideal for translational research.

Transparent Embryo Imaging

Optically clear embryos enable live developmental observation without invasive procedures.

Rapid Breeding Cycle

High fecundity and short generation time for large-scale studies and genetic screens.

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Our PhD scientists will help design your behavioral study.