Zebrafish 5 Choice
Automated 5-choice serial reaction time task apparatus for zebrafish behavioral testing, featuring curved maze design with colored cue lights and integrated pellet dispensing system.
| Length | 36cm |
| number_of_apertures | 5 |
| aperture_cue_light_colors | white, red, green, blue |
| fiber_optic_cables | 5 waterproof cables |
| pellet_dispenser_rotation | 360° |
| food_delivery_distance_from_gate | 21cm |
The Zebrafish 5 Choice apparatus is a specialized behavioral testing system designed for assessing attention, impulsivity, and executive function in zebrafish (Danio rerio). This automated system features a curved acrylic maze with five distinct apertures, each equipped with colored cue lights (white, red, green, blue) to present visual stimuli during 5-choice serial reaction time task (5-CSRTT) protocols.
The system includes an integrated pellet dispenser with 360° rotation capability, automated gate control, and waterproof fiber optic connections for submerged operation. The external tank (42cm x 49cm x 15cm) provides adequate swimming space while the control box manages stimulus presentation, response detection, and reward delivery. This apparatus enables researchers to quantify attention span, reaction time, and decision-making processes in zebrafish models of neurological and psychiatric conditions.
How It Works
The 5-choice serial reaction time task operates on the principle of sustained attention assessment through visual discrimination. Zebrafish are trained to respond to brief light stimuli presented randomly at one of five apertures arranged in a curved array. The task requires subjects to maintain attention to multiple potential stimulus locations and execute rapid, accurate responses to earn food rewards.
During testing sessions, the control box delivers light cues through waterproof fiber optic cables to individual apertures. When the fish approaches the correct aperture following stimulus presentation, the automated pellet dispenser rotates 360° to deliver a precise food reward. The curved maze design accommodates natural zebrafish swimming patterns while the automated gate system controls trial initiation and inter-trial intervals. Response accuracy, reaction time, and error patterns (premature responses, omissions, incorrect choices) are recorded to quantify attention performance and impulsivity measures.
Features & Benefits
Length
- 36cm
number_of_apertures
- 5
aperture_cue_light_colors
- white, red, green, blue
fiber_optic_cables
- 5 waterproof cables
pellet_dispenser_rotation
- 360°
food_delivery_distance_from_gate
- 21cm
stimulus_area_distance_from_gate
- 15cm
stimulus_slots
- 5 slots with dividers
curved_layout
- Yes
automated_door
- Yes
control_box_features
- Power, status indicators, USB connector, fiber optic connections
waterproof_cables
- Yes
Behavioral Construct
- Attention
- Impulsivity
- Executive Function
- Reaction Time
- Decision Making
- Visual Discrimination
- Cognitive Flexibility
Automation Level
- fully-automated
Material
- Acrylic
- Opaque acrylic
Species
- Zebrafish
Dimensions
- 42cm x 49cm x 15cm
Research Domain
- Anxiety and Depression
- Behavioral Pharmacology
- Developmental Biology
- Learning and Memory
- Neurodegeneration
- Neuroscience
Weight
- 21.0 kg
Dimensions
- L: 43.2 mm
- W: 38.0 mm
- H: 27.9 mm
Comparison Guide
| Feature | This Product | Typical Alternative | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Choice Options | Five apertures with individual cue lights | Binary choice systems often provide only 2-3 options | Multiple choice options better assess complex attention and decision-making processes similar to human cognitive tasks |
| Stimulus Control System | Waterproof fiber optic cables with colored cues (white, red, green, blue) | Basic systems may use single-color LED arrays or non-waterproof lighting | Precise underwater light delivery enables consistent stimulus presentation without electrical safety concerns |
| Reward Delivery | 360° rotating pellet dispenser with adjustable portion control | Manual feeding or simple drop mechanisms | Automated reward delivery eliminates timing variability and experimenter intervention during sessions |
| Maze Design | Curved layout accommodating natural swimming patterns | Linear or rectangular chambers may restrict movement | Curved design reduces stress and allows more natural behavioral expression during cognitive testing |
| Testing Environment | Integrated tank system (42cm x 49cm x 15cm) with automated gate | Separate housing and testing chambers requiring fish transfer | Single-chamber design eliminates transfer stress and maintains consistent environmental conditions |
This system provides comprehensive 5-CSRTT capabilities with waterproof automation, curved maze design for natural swimming, and precise stimulus control through colored fiber optic cues. The integrated pellet dispenser and automated gate system minimize experimental variability while the standardized dimensions ensure reproducible behavioral measurements.
Practical Tips
Verify fiber optic light intensity and color accuracy weekly using a calibrated light meter to ensure consistent stimulus presentation.
Why: Light intensity variations can affect behavioral response thresholds and experimental reproducibility.
Clean apertures and gate mechanisms daily to prevent algae buildup that could obstruct fish movement or stimulus delivery.
Why: Biological fouling in aquatic systems can alter behavioral responses and compromise data quality.
Maintain consistent water temperature (26-28°C) and lighting conditions throughout testing sessions.
Why: Environmental stability is critical for reliable behavioral performance in aquatic species.
Begin with longer stimulus durations (3-5 seconds) and gradually reduce to 1-2 seconds as fish achieve criterion performance.
Why: Progressive difficulty reduction allows proper task acquisition while maintaining motivation and reducing stress.
Record pre-session acclimation time and monitor baseline swimming activity before initiating behavioral protocols.
Why: Baseline activity levels indicate subject readiness and help identify potential confounding factors.
If pellet dispensing becomes irregular, check for moisture infiltration in the feeding mechanism and ensure pellet size compatibility.
Why: Mechanical reliability of reward delivery is essential for consistent reinforcement schedules.
Verify electrical isolation of all submerged components and use GFCI protection for all control system connections.
Why: Electrical safety is paramount when operating automated systems in aquatic environments.
Setup Guide
What’s in the Box
- Acrylic five-choice maze with automated gate
- External water tank (42cm x 49cm x 15cm)
- Control box with power and status indicators
- Five waterproof fiber optic cables
- 360° rotating pellet dispenser with adjustable feeding slide
- Behavioral control software
- USB connection cable
- User manual and setup guide (typical)
- Power adapter (typical)
Warranty
ConductScience provides a standard one-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, with technical support for software configuration and experimental protocol guidance.
Compliance
References
Background reading relevant to this product:
What is the optimal stimulus duration for 5-CSRTT protocols in adult zebrafish?
Stimulus duration typically ranges from 1-5 seconds depending on training stage and research objectives. Initial training often uses longer durations (3-5 seconds) which are gradually reduced to 1-2 seconds for attention assessment. Consult behavioral literature for species-specific optimization.
How many fish can be tested simultaneously in this apparatus?
This is a single-subject testing system designed for one zebrafish per session. The 42cm x 49cm tank provides appropriate space for individual testing while maintaining controlled experimental conditions.
What type of food pellets are compatible with the automated dispenser?
The dispenser accommodates standard zebrafish pellets with adjustable feeding slide for portion control. Pellet size should be appropriate for adult zebrafish (typically 0.5-1.0mm diameter) to ensure reliable dispensing through the 360° rotation mechanism.
Can the apparatus be used for juvenile zebrafish testing?
While designed for adult zebrafish, the apparatus may accommodate juveniles depending on size and swimming capability. Consider developmental stage, visual acuity, and food motivation when adapting protocols for younger subjects.
What data parameters are recorded by the control software?
Consult software documentation for complete data output specifications. Typical 5-CSRTT systems record response accuracy, reaction times, error types, premature responses, and omissions across training sessions.
How does this compare to traditional T-maze or Y-maze behavioral tests?
The 5-choice apparatus provides more complex cognitive assessment than binary choice mazes, allowing measurement of sustained attention, impulsivity, and multi-stimulus discrimination that better models human attention tasks.
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