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Zebrafish Bifurcating T Maze
SKU ME-4817
$4,190.00
IncludesStandard care
Aquatic behavioral testing apparatus for assessing spatial memory, choice behavior, and learning in zebrafish through T-maze paradigms with configurable environmental cues.
CE MarkedBAA available
Scientist guidance
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Director of Science · ConductScience
Ask Louise about Zebrafish Bifurcating T Maze fit, setup, configuration, or quote prep.
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Key Specifications
Full details →- Model fit
- 1 selectable configurations
- SKU family
- ME-4817
- Sizing
- Zebrafish Bifurcating T Maze: Starting zone (30 cm×10 cmx15 cm) separated from the rest of the maze by a transparent removable door.; Long (50 cm×10 cm) arm; Two short (20 cm×10 cm) arms; Two removable opaque partitions (4.5 cm×30 cm) for each short arm; Removable deep water chambers (30 cm×30 cm x 30cm)
- Ordering
- Online checkout and quote request available
- Category
- Behavioral Mazes
- Build notes
- Confirm accessories, station layout, and support needs before purchase
The Zebrafish Bifurcating T-Maze is a specialized behavioral testing apparatus designed for assessing cognitive and learning abilities in zebrafish (Danio rerio). This aquatic adaptation of the classic T-maze leverages the natural swimming behavior of zebrafish to evaluate spatial memory, choice behavior, and learning paradigms in a controlled laboratory environment.
The apparatus features a T-shaped configuration with a starting zone (30 cm×10 cm×15 cm), a long central arm (50 cm×10 cm), and two short choice arms (20 cm×10 cm). Removable deep water chambers (30 cm×30 cm×30 cm) can be positioned at the end of choice arms to create environmental preferences. The modular design includes removable transparent doors and opaque partitions (4.5 cm×30 cm) that allow researchers to control visual cues and access throughout experimental protocols.
How It Works
The Zebrafish Bifurcating T-Maze operates on the principle of spatial choice behavior, where fish must navigate from a starting zone through a central arm to select between two terminal choice arms. The apparatus exploits zebrafish's natural preference for deeper water and environmental enrichment by allowing one choice arm to contain a more favorable habitat with deeper water chambers.
During testing, fish are placed in the starting zone behind a removable transparent door. Upon release, they swim through the long central arm and encounter a bifurcation point where they must choose between two short arms. Removable opaque partitions control visual access to the choice chambers, allowing researchers to manipulate the availability of spatial cues. The deep water chambers at the terminus of each arm can be configured with environmental enrichment (artificial grass, shells, stones, colored marbles) to create preference gradients.
Learning is assessed by measuring the fish's ability to consistently choose the arm associated with the favorable environment over multiple trials. The modular design allows for counterbalancing of reward locations and systematic manipulation of environmental cues to isolate specific aspects of spatial cognition and memory formation.
Features & Benefits
T-shaped bifurcating design with 50 cm central arm
Provides sufficient swimming distance for natural approach behavior while creating clear choice points for spatial decision-making.
Removable transparent door at starting zone
Allows controlled release timing and standardized trial initiation across all test subjects.
Removable opaque partitions (4.5 cm×30 cm)
Enables systematic manipulation of visual cues to isolate different aspects of spatial memory and navigation.
Deep water chambers (30 cm×30 cm×30 cm)
Creates naturalistic environmental preferences that motivate consistent choice behavior in repeated trials.
Modular acrylic construction
Facilitates easy cleaning, sterilization, and reconfiguration for different experimental paradigms.
Customizable environmental enrichment options
Supports diverse experimental designs by allowing researchers to create specific habitat preferences and reward contexts.
Standardized arm dimensions (20 cm×10 cm choice arms)
Ensures consistent spatial relationships and swimming distances for reliable behavioral measurements across studies.
Sizes by model
| Measurement | Zebrafish Bifurcating T Maze |
|---|---|
| Size | Starting zone (30 cm×10 cmx15 cm) separated from the rest of the maze by a transparent removable door.; Long (50 cm×10 cm) arm; Two short (20 cm×10 cm) arms; Two removable opaque partitions (4.5 cm×30 cm) for each short arm; Removable deep water chambers (30 cm×30 cm x 30cm) |
- Starting zone (30 cm×10 cmx15 cm) separated from the rest of the maze by a transparent removable door
- Long (50 cm×10 cm) arm
- Two short (20 cm×10 cm) arms
- Two removable opaque partitions (4.5 cm×30 cm) for each short arm
- Removable deep water chambers (30 cm×30 cm x 30cm)
- One of two chambers, used as reservoir, contained artificial grass, shells, stones and coloured marbles that offered a favourable habitat for the fish. These supplies are not included
Shipping weight
- 21.0 lb
Shipping box
- L: 43.2 cm
- W: 38.0 cm
- H: 27.9 cm
| Feature | This Product | Typical Alternative | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Choice Arm Configuration | Two 20 cm×10 cm choice arms with removable deep water chambers | Fixed shallow chambers or simple left/right corridors | Removable chambers enable flexible experimental design and stronger environmental preferences for reliable choice behavior. |
| Visual Cue Control | Removable 4.5 cm×30 cm opaque partitions for each choice arm | Fixed visual barriers or no partition system | Precise control over spatial cue availability allows isolation of different memory components and systematic cue manipulation. |
| Starting Zone Control | 30 cm×10 cm×15 cm zone with removable transparent door | Open start areas or manual fish placement | Standardized trial initiation and controlled release timing improve data reliability and reduce handling stress. |
| Environmental Enrichment | Customizable habitat materials including artificial grass, shells, stones, and colored marbles | Limited or no environmental modification options | Multiple enrichment options create stronger preference gradients and enable diverse experimental paradigms. |
| Modular Construction | Acrylic components with removable partitions and chambers | Fixed one-piece designs or limited modularity | Easy cleaning, sterilization, and protocol adaptation for different research questions within the same apparatus. |
This apparatus offers superior experimental control through its modular design, removable visual barriers, and configurable environmental chambers. The combination of standardized trial initiation and flexible cue manipulation enables precise behavioral assessment across diverse experimental paradigms.
Neuroscience
Investigating spatial memory formation and recall in zebrafish models of neurological disorders by measuring choice accuracy and learning curves over multiple trials.
Behavioral Pharmacology
Evaluating the effects of neuroactive compounds on learning and memory by comparing maze performance before and after drug treatment.
Learning and Memory
Studying the acquisition and retention of spatial information by training zebrafish to associate specific arms with favorable environments.
Developmental Biology
Assessing cognitive development across different life stages by comparing maze performance in juvenile versus adult zebrafish.
Toxicology
Screening for neurotoxic effects of environmental contaminants by measuring changes in spatial learning abilities following exposure.
Addiction Research
Investigating reward-seeking behavior and place preference by using environmental enrichment in choice chambers as reinforcement stimuli.
Practical Tips
Calibration
Establish baseline choice preferences by running initial trials without environmental enrichment in the deep water chambers.
Why: Identifies any inherent spatial biases that need to be controlled for in subsequent learning trials.
Maintenance
Replace environmental enrichment materials every 2-3 weeks or when algae growth becomes excessive.
Why: Fresh materials maintain consistent visual and chemical cues while preventing biofilm formation that could alter behavior.
Best Practices
Allow 10-15 minutes of habitat exploration in the rewarded chamber after each correct choice.
Why: Extended access to preferred environment strengthens spatial memory formation and maintains motivation across trials.
Troubleshooting
If fish show persistent arm preference despite reward switching, increase visual contrast between environmental cues.
Why: Enhanced cue salience helps overcome spatial biases and promotes attention to environmental features.
Data Quality
Record both choice latency and time spent in each zone to capture different aspects of spatial behavior.
Why: Multiple behavioral measures provide more comprehensive assessment of learning and memory processes.
Safety
Monitor water temperature continuously during long experimental sessions to prevent thermal stress.
Why: Temperature fluctuations can alter swimming behavior and confound spatial learning measurements.
Best Practices
Conduct habituation trials with all doors and partitions removed before beginning formal testing.
Why: Familiarization with the apparatus layout reduces anxiety-related behaviors that could mask learning effects.
Maintenance
Check all removable components for secure fit before each testing session to prevent escape or injury.
Why: Loose partitions or doors compromise experimental control and pose safety risks to test subjects.
Setup Guide
Unpack and Inspect
Remove all acrylic components from packaging and inspect for cracks or damage. Verify presence of starting zone, long arm, two short arms, removable partitions, and deep water chambers.
Assemble Maze Structure
Connect the starting zone to the long arm, then attach the two short arms to form the T-configuration. Ensure all joints are watertight and aligned properly.
Install Removable Components
Position the transparent door at the entrance to the starting zone and place opaque partitions as needed to control visual access to choice chambers.
Configure Choice Chambers
Attach deep water chambers to desired choice arms and add environmental enrichment materials as specified by your experimental protocol.
Fill with Water
Fill the maze system with conditioned aquarium water to appropriate depths, ensuring the starting zone and arms have sufficient depth for normal swimming behavior.
Equilibrate Water Conditions
Allow water temperature and chemistry to stabilize for at least 30 minutes before introducing test subjects.
Conduct Habituation Trials
Perform initial habituation sessions with test fish to acclimate them to the apparatus before beginning formal experimental trials.
What’s in the Box
- Starting zone (30 cm×10 cm×15 cm)
- Long central arm (50 cm×10 cm)
- Two short choice arms (20 cm×10 cm each)
- Two removable deep water chambers (30 cm×30 cm×30 cm)
- Removable transparent door
- Two removable opaque partitions (4.5 cm×30 cm each)
- Assembly hardware (typical)
- User manual with protocol guidelines (typical)
Warranty
ConductScience provides a standard one-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, with technical support for setup and protocol optimization.
Compliance
ARRIVE GuidelinesCommonly used in behavioral studies that follow standardized reporting guidelines for animal research methodology and experimental design.
IACUC Protocol StandardsSupports behavioral testing protocols subject to institutional animal care and use committee oversight for zebrafish research.
References
Background reading relevant to this product:
1.Charles V. Vorhees et al. (2006) “Morris water maze: procedures for assessing spatial and related forms of learning and memory” Nature Protocols doi:10.1038/nprot.2006.116
2.Rudi D'Hooge et al. (2001) “Applications of the Morris water maze in the study of learning and memory” Brain Research Reviews doi:10.1016/s0165-0173(01)00067-4
3.Muhammad Zulfadhli Othman et al. (2022) “Morris water maze: a versatile and pertinent tool for assessing spatial learning and memory” EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS doi:10.1538/expanim.21-0120
4.Christopher D. Barnhart et al. (2015) “Using the Morris Water Maze to Assess Spatial Learning and Memory in Weanling Mice” PLoS ONE doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0124521
Protocol and background
Introduction
The Zebrafish Bifurcating T-Maze is often used as a behavioral screening test. The maze is an adaptation of the conventional T-Maze used in the assessment of spatial learning and memory. Just like the conventional T-Maze, the Zebrafish Bifurcating T-Maze also provides the subject with two choices. The aquatic maze usually uses deep water chambers at the ends of the choice arm of which one is designed to provide a more favorable environment. Opaque partitions are usually used to block the views of these chambers to prevent influence on the maze performance. The T-Maze is useful in the evaluation of the effects of drugs, aging, and anxiety on cognition and other behavioral performances.
Among non-vertebrate models, the Zebrafish are evolutionarily closer to humans. Their genetic similarity to humans and the availability of forward genetic phenotype screening make them ideal for research. Further, their maintenance and housing are much easier than other animal models. In the Zebrafish Bifurcating T-Maze, the drug or non-drug treated fish is tested for their ability to learn and remember the arm that leads to the favorable environment. The simple test allows rapid assessment of the cognitive and memory phenotypes.
Other apparatus that use the zebrafish model include the Zebrafish Y-maze, the Zebrafish Three Chamber Choice, and the Zebrafish Place Preference Test. (For more Zebrafish testing apparatus and equipment click here).
Apparatus & Equipment
The Zebrafish Bifurcating T-maze is an acrylic aquatic tank shaped like a capital ‘T.’ The long start arm (50 x 10 cm) bifurcates into two shorter choice arms (20 x 10 cm). The start arm has a 30 x 10 cm start zone that is separated from the rest of the maze by a removable transparent door. The ends of each choice arm are equipped with removable, deep water chambers of dimension 30 x 30 cm. Either of the chambers can be turned into a reservoir by addition of artificial grass, colored marbles, etc. Additionally, a 4.5 x 30 cm removable, opaque partitions can be placed beginning of the short arms to prevent viewing of the two chambers.
Training Protocol
The subjects should be housed in tanks that are maintained at a constant temperature and pH value. It is advisable that these conditions be maintained throughout the sessions to avoid unnecessary harm or stress to the fish. It is also important to keep the water aerated and the quality of water maintained at an acceptable level. Automated tracking and video software, such as the Noldus Ethovision XT, placed on the ceiling above the tank allows tracking and recording of the behaviors and movements of the fish. Between each subject empty the tank and thoroughly rinse it before next use.
Pretraining
Prior to T-Maze trials, habituate the fishes to the environment to minimize novelty and handling stress. Allow the subjects to explore the maze for 1 hour every day on a 2-trials per day basis. Perform habituation trials for at least 3 days starting with a large group and gradually reducing the group size as the days progress. Gradual reduction of group sizes during habituation training reduces acute social stress when the subject performs the T-Maze task individually.
T-Maze Training
Begin the training session by isolating the fish in the start zone tank for 5 minutes. Open the door of the start tank after the 5 minutes have elapsed, and close it once the subject has entered the start arm. Allow the subject at least 5 to 10 minutes to reach either of the choice chambers. Once the subject has reached a chamber, let it stay in it for at least 20 seconds before placing it back in its home tank. Perform a second trial after 3 hours. Perform a final trial after 24 hours have passed.
Investigation of the role of nAChRs in learning and memory
Data Analysis
The data collected from the Zebrafish Bifurcating T-Maze can include
- Time spent in each arm
- Total distance
- Mean speed
- Turn angle
- Running time
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
The Zebrafish Bifurcating T-Maze is an adaption of the successful conventional T-Maze used in the assessment of learning and memory. The apparatus is simple, inexpensive and easy to construct. The clear apparatus allows visualization of the subjects as they perform in the maze. The removable chambers at the ends of the choice arms allow easy adaptation of the maze for other investigations. Further, these end chambers allow researchers to create different environments that either favorable or unfavorable to the fish to test different paradigms. The opaque staggered barriers enable blocking the view of the environment to prevent the environments from influencing the choice of the fish. The start box allows the introduction of start delays. The T-Maze task is ideal for as a behavioral screening test to evaluate the pharmacological responses of the fishes. The task can also be used in the assessment of hippocampal functions, age-related cognitive decline, anxiety, and conditional-learning.
Limitations
The T-Maze is a single-point two-choice maze thus it has a higher rate of success possibility as the probability of the subject choosing the correct arm is by default 50%. The performance of the fishes may be affected by disturbing external stimuli such as noise, vibration, and visual stimuli. Handling, habituation and rearing environments can also have an impact on the performance. Undue stress and anxiety can result in incorrect results and observations. It is vital to maintain constant tank temperature and other environmental factors during the test to avoid unnecessary influences on the performances. Care should also be taken to consider the health of the fishes.
Summary & Key Points
- Zebrafish Bifurcating T-Maze task is simple, rapid and inexpensive.
- Zebrafish Bifurcating T-Maze is extensively used as a behavioral screening test.
- Zebrafish Bifurcating T-Maze can be used in the study of hippocampal functions, age-related cognitive decline, and
- The start zone allows the introduction of start delays.
- The removable choice arm chambers can be set-up to create favorable or unfavorable environments.
- Zebrafish serve as an ideal organism model due to their similar genetic structure to humans and their genetic tractability and the availability of forward genetic phenotype screening.
References
Braida, D., Ponzoni, L., Martucci, R., Sparatore, F., Gotti, C., &Sala, M. (2014). Role of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) on learning and memory in zebrafish. Pschopharmacology, 231 (9), 1975-85.
Yu L, Tucci V, Kishi S, Zhdanova IV (2006). Cognitive aging in zebrafish. PLoS One. 1:e14.
From the Maze Engineers documentation for this apparatus.
Q
What is the optimal water depth for adult zebrafish testing?
A
Maintain water depth between 5-10 cm in the maze arms to allow natural swimming behavior while preventing jumping. The deep water chambers should be filled to their full 30 cm depth to create the environmental preference gradient.
Q
How do I counterbalance reward locations across subjects?
A
Randomize which choice arm contains the deep water chamber and enrichment across subjects, ensuring equal numbers of left and right reward placements to control for spatial biases.
Q
What trial duration and inter-trial interval should I use?
A
Individual trials typically last 2-5 minutes or until choice is made. Use inter-trial intervals of 5-10 minutes to allow for apparatus cleaning and minimize stress between trials.
Q
How many trials are needed to assess learning?
A
Most protocols use 10-20 trials per day across 3-5 testing days. Learning curves typically emerge after 15-20 total trials in neurologically intact adult zebrafish.
Q
Can this apparatus be used with juvenile zebrafish?
A
Yes, but consider scaling water depth and potentially using smaller environmental cues. Juveniles may require longer habituation periods and different reward stimuli than adults.
Q
How do I clean the apparatus between subjects?
A
Drain completely and rinse all surfaces with conditioned water. For between-group cleaning, use mild aquarium-safe disinfectant followed by thorough rinsing to prevent chemical carry-over effects.
Q
What environmental enrichment materials work best?
A
Natural materials like small stones, shells, and aquarium plants are effective. Colored marbles provide strong visual contrast. Avoid materials that could be ingested or alter water chemistry.
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