ConductVision Zebrafish Package
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Zebrafish Larvae Y Maze
SKU ME-4812
$1,390.00
IncludesStandard care
Specialized Y-maze apparatus for assessing spontaneous alternation behavior and spatial learning in zebrafish larvae, featuring fluorescent backlighting and temperature control.
CE MarkedBAA available
Scientist guidance
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Director of Science · ConductScience
Ask Louise about Zebrafish Larvae Y Maze fit, setup, configuration, or quote prep.
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Key Specifications
Full details →- Model fit
- Zebrafish
- SKU family
- ME-4812
- Sizing
- Larvae Y Maze: Start arm length 50 mm · Width 5 mm
- Ordering
- Online checkout and quote request available
- Category
- Behavioral Mazes
- Build notes
- Confirm accessories, station layout, and support needs before purchase
The Zebrafish Larvae Y Maze is a specialized behavioral apparatus designed for evaluating spontaneous alternation behavior (SAB) and spatial learning in zebrafish larvae. This apparatus features two starting arms (50mm length each) and two goal arms (25mm length) terminating in swimming pools (1950mm² each), with 120° arm angles optimized for larval navigation patterns.
The system incorporates fluorescent backlighting and heating from below to maintain optimal testing conditions at 28°C in E3 medium. With 5mm wide corridors and 10mm depth, the apparatus is precisely dimensioned for larval zebrafish locomotion while enabling high-resolution video tracking of choice behaviors and spatial navigation patterns.
How It Works
The Y-maze exploits zebrafish larvae's innate tendency toward spontaneous alternation behavior, where animals naturally avoid recently visited locations. This behavior reflects spatial working memory function, as larvae must remember their previous choices to demonstrate alternation patterns above chance levels.
During testing, larvae are placed in the start arm and allowed to navigate freely toward goal arms. The apparatus design with 120° arm angles and specific dimensional ratios optimizes choice points while minimizing bias. Fluorescent backlighting enables high-contrast video tracking of subtle larval movements, while temperature control at 28°C maintains physiological conditions optimal for zebrafish behavior.
Data analysis focuses on consecutive choice patterns, with alternation percentages calculated from trial sequences. The 25mm² intersection area provides sufficient decision space while maintaining spatial constraints that encourage clear directional choices toward the 1950mm² goal pools.
Features & Benefits
Fluorescent backlighting system
Provides high-contrast illumination for precise video tracking of subtle larval movements and trajectory analysis
Temperature control at 28°C
Maintains optimal physiological conditions for zebrafish larvae behavior and reduces temperature-induced stress artifacts
Waterproof construction
Enables reliable operation in aquatic testing environments with easy cleaning and maintenance protocols
120° arm angles with 50mm start arms
Optimizes spatial decision-making while minimizing directional bias and providing clear choice points for behavioral analysis
5mm corridor width and 10mm depth
Precisely dimensioned for larval zebrafish locomotion while constraining movement for consistent behavioral measurements
1950mm² goal pools
Provides sufficient swimming space for natural exploration behavior while maintaining clear spatial boundaries for choice recording
User-friendly cover design
Facilitates easy larvae placement and removal while preventing escape during testing protocols
Sizes by model
| Measurement | Larvae Y Maze |
|---|---|
| Start arm length | 50 mm |
| Width | 5 mm |
| Depth | 10 mm |
- Arm corridors: 25mm, intersection 25mm2
- Pool size: E/F: 1950mm2 pools
- Arm angles 120°
Start Arm Length
- 50 mm
Main Arm Length
- 50 mm
Goal Arm Length
- 25 mm
Corridor Width
- 5 mm
Corridor Depth
- 10 mm
Intersection Area
- 25 mm²
Goal Pool Area
- 1950 mm²
Number of Arms
- 4
Number of Pools
- 2
Operating Temperature
- 28°C
Medium Type
- E3 medium
Adaptation Period
- 10 minutes
Test Duration
- 10 minutes
Total Protocol Time
- 20 minutes
Recommended Sample Size
- 20 larvae per trial
Features
- ['fluorescent backlight', 'heated from below', 'waterproof', 'user-friendly cover']
Behavioral Construct
- Spontaneous alternation behavior
- Spatial working memory
- Choice behavior
- Spatial navigation
- Exploratory behavior
Automation Level
- semi-automated
Species
- Zebrafish
Research Domain
- Behavioral Pharmacology
- Developmental Biology
- Learning and Memory
- Neurodegeneration
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
Compatible Tracking Software
- ConductVision
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arm Length Configuration | 50mm start arms with 25mm goal arms | Adult versions typically feature 100-150mm arms | Optimized dimensions match larval swimming capabilities and reduce testing duration |
| Illumination System | Integrated fluorescent backlighting | Basic overhead lighting or no specialized illumination | Enables high-contrast video tracking of subtle larval movements |
| Temperature Control | Heated base system maintaining 28°C | Room temperature operation or external heating | Maintains optimal zebrafish physiological conditions throughout testing |
| Pool Design | 1950mm² goal pools with waterproof construction | Smaller pools or non-aquatic endpoints | Accommodates natural swimming exploration while maintaining clear spatial boundaries |
This apparatus provides larval-specific dimensional optimization with integrated environmental control systems. The combination of fluorescent backlighting and temperature regulation offers enhanced experimental control compared to basic behavioral chambers.
Developmental Neuroscience
Assessing spatial learning and memory development in zebrafish larvae across different developmental stages to characterize cognitive maturation patterns.
Behavioral Pharmacology
Evaluating drug effects on spontaneous alternation behavior and spatial choice patterns in larval zebrafish models of neurological disorders.
Neurotoxicology
Screening environmental contaminants and pharmaceutical compounds for developmental neurotoxicity using standardized spatial navigation assays.
Learning and Memory
Investigating memory consolidation and spatial working memory in zebrafish larvae through consecutive choice monitoring and alternation pattern analysis.
Neurodegeneration
Modeling early cognitive deficits in zebrafish disease models through assessment of spatial navigation impairments and choice behavior alterations.
Practical Tips
Calibration
Verify temperature stability across all apparatus areas using multiple measurement points before each testing session.
Why: Temperature gradients can create behavioral artifacts and affect larval swimming patterns.
Maintenance
Clean fluorescent backlighting surfaces weekly to prevent algae buildup and maintain optimal contrast.
Why: Reduced illumination quality compromises video tracking accuracy and behavioral data quality.
Best Practices
Allow 10-minute adaptation periods in start arms before recording choice behaviors.
Why: Initial exploration behavior differs from steady-state alternation patterns and can skew results.
Data Quality
Record both choice direction and swimming velocity to identify stressed or abnormal larvae.
Why: Movement parameters provide additional behavioral validation beyond simple choice patterns.
Troubleshooting
If larvae remain in start arms, verify medium depth and temperature match home tank conditions.
Why: Environmental mismatches can cause stress-induced behavioral suppression.
Safety
Use battery backup for heating systems during extended testing sessions.
Why: Temperature fluctuations during testing can compromise larval welfare and data validity.
Setup Guide
Unpack and Inspect
Remove apparatus from packaging and inspect for damage, ensuring all arms, pools, and cover components are present and intact.
Temperature Calibration
Connect heating system and allow apparatus to reach 28°C, verifying temperature stability with external thermometer before adding medium.
Medium Preparation
Fill apparatus with E3 medium to specified depth (10mm), ensuring even distribution across all arms and goal pools.
Lighting Setup
Activate fluorescent backlighting system and verify uniform illumination across all testing areas for optimal video tracking contrast.
Camera Positioning
Mount camera directly overhead to capture entire apparatus, focusing on intersection area and goal pool entrances for trajectory analysis.
Baseline Testing
Conduct test runs with known larvae samples to verify tracking software calibration and behavioral response patterns.
What’s in the Box
- Y-maze apparatus with integrated heating system
- Fluorescent backlighting unit
- User-friendly cover assembly
- Temperature control system
- User manual and protocol guide (typical)
- Power adapter and cables (typical)
Warranty
ConductScience provides a standard 1-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, with comprehensive technical support for setup and protocol optimization.
Compliance
OECD Guidelines for Fish TestingSupports standardized behavioral assessment protocols commonly used in developmental neurotoxicity screening studies.
ARRIVE GuidelinesApparatus design facilitates compliance with animal research reporting standards for behavioral study methodology.
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.Herbert Schwegler et al. (1990) “Hippocampal mossy fibers and radial-maze learning in the mouse: A correlation with spatial working memory but not with non-spatial reference memory” Neuroscience doi:10.1016/0306-4522(90)90139-u
Protocol and background
Apparatus and Equipment
The larval Y-Maze apparatus comprises of four arms and two pools. Both the start and the main arms are 50 mm in length, while both the goals arms are 25mm in length. These corridor lengths significantly allow the Zebrafish larvae to display their exploration and learning behavior.
All the corridors are 5 mm wide with a depth of 10 mm. The interlocking intersections have an area of 25 mm². Each goal arm leads to a separate pool which is 1950 mm².
The larval Y-maze apparatus is equipped with a fluorescent backlight. In addition to the illumination, the apparatus can be heated from below. Both of these factors facilitate the observation of the fine behavioral patterns of the Zebrafish larvae. Not only this, the light and heat can also be utilized in the re-enforcement stimuli experiments.
The entire chamber is watertight and comes with an easy-to-use cover that can seal the pools.
Training Protocol
Pre-Training for Zebrafish Larvae Y-Maze
This protocol is identical to the Zebrafish larvae T maze. Before the start of the experiment, the larval Y-maze is pre-filled with an E3 medium which is carefully brought to larvae to a favorable temperature of 28°C. The experimental subject is transferred to the starting arm of the apparatus 10 minutes prior to the experiment while keeping the intersection between the starting and the main arm closed using a translucent tube. The ideal sample size is 20 larvae per trial; however, the apparatus size is customizable if there’s a need to handle a larger sample.
After 10 minutes of the adaptation period, the tube is removed to open up the apparatus’s corridor between the starting and the main arms. It allows the larvae to explore the path towards the goal arm. The main objective of the test is to quantify the latency in entering the goal arms and the number of larvae making successful entries within the first 10 minutes of the trial.
The time is recorded using a stopwatch containing two buttons; one records the number of larvae entering the goal arm and the other records the time taken by each larva to reach the goal. In case any larva returns to the main arm or enters the second goal arm after a prior successful goal arm entry, only the first entry will be counted.
For automated tracking, Noldus EthoVision XT can be used for the recording of larvae movement and activity. Since this high-tech automatic video tracking system possesses the facility to measure the elongation and mobility of the larvae, it can efficiently track and record the number of larvae entering the goal arm. This recording is also valuable is revalidation and reconfirming of the facts and test results in the future.
The total time taken for the test is 20 minutes (including the 10 minutes of adaptation time in the apparatus). Once the test is complete, the larvae and E3 medium should be removed from the larval T-Maze. The apparatus should be disinfected before the commencement of another experiment.
Evaluation of Spontaneous Alternation Behavior
Larval Y-Maze apparatus can be used to evaluate the spontaneous alternation behavior in Zebrafish larvae. The number of consecutive turn directions contributes to the SAB score.
Evaluation of Forced Turn Trials
The larval Y-Maze apparatus is also effective in conducting the forced turn trials on Zebrafish larvae. The arms can be conveniently closed to force the subjects to move towards the desired corridor.
Evaluation of Cognitive Functions
SAB experiments using larval Y-Maze apparatus are essential in observing the early cognitive functions like memory and learning in Zebrafish larvae. This learning is imperative to develop the navigational skills that are essential for survival.
Strengths and Limitations
Strengths
Strengths
Zebrafish Larval Y-Maze apparatus provides an unprecedented facility to observe the mnestic capabilities possessed by Zebrafish during the early developmental stages. The larval Y-maze apparatus is also used to observe and elucidate the search pattern pursued by Zebrafish larvae for food and shelter.
A remarkable benefit of backlighting in larval Y-maze apparatus allows the tracking of fine behavior in Zebrafish larvae such as Spontaneous Alternation Behavior (SAB), as well as the close study of locomotive skills in this species.
This novel apparatus promises a highly practical utility for a wide range of experiments to probe mnestic studies on different developmental stages of Zebrafish larvae.
Limitations
The manual recording of time is prone to errors. However, this limitation can be eliminated by using an automatic video tracking system such as Noldus EthoVision XT, which provides a flawless method to track and record the animal’s movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the size of the apparatus?
-
- Yes! We can modify the apparatus as need be
- What color backlights do you provide?
- We provide a fluorescent backlight that is included in the order. If you need special bulbs such as IR, there will be a small revision to the quote but it will not be significant (approx $100)
Is the chamber watertight?
-
-
- Yes!
-
Conclusions
- Spontaneous alternation behavior test is widely used for mnestic studies.
- Larval T-Maze apparatus comprises of two starting arms and two goal arms; with each goal arm accompanying a separate swimming pool.
- It can also be used to evaluate memory development in Zebrafish larvae by promoting and enforcing decision making.
- The apparatus is watertight with a fluorescent backlight.
References
Best, J. D., Berghmans, S., Hunt, J. J., Clarke, S. C., Fleming, A., Goldsmith, P. and Roach, A. G. (2008). Non-associative learning in larval zebrafish. Neuropsychopharmacology 33, 1206-1215.
Stefan Yu Bögli, Melody Ying-Yu Huang. (2016). Spontaneous alternation behavior in larval zebrafish. Journal of Experimental Biology; 220: 171-173. Doi: 10.1242/jeb.149336
Dember, W. N. and Richman, C. L. (2012). Spontaneous alternation behavior: Springer Science & Business Media.
Dember, W. N. and Fowler, H. (1958). Spontaneous alternation behavior: Psychological Bulletin 55, 412.
Lalonde, R. (2002). The neurobiological basis of spontaneous alternation: Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews 26, 91-104.
From the Maze Engineers documentation for this apparatus.
Q
What is the optimal age range for zebrafish larvae testing in this apparatus?
A
The apparatus is designed for larvae at 5-7 days post-fertilization when swimming behavior is established but before complex schooling behaviors develop. Consult product datasheet for specific developmental stage recommendations.
Q
How many consecutive trials are needed to establish reliable alternation patterns?
A
Typically 8-10 consecutive choice trials are required to calculate meaningful alternation percentages, with chance performance at 50% and significant alternation above 60-65% depending on statistical criteria.
Q
Can the apparatus accommodate different medium types besides E3?
A
The waterproof construction allows various aquatic media, though E3 medium at 28°C represents standard conditions. Alternative media should maintain similar ionic strength and pH for consistent behavioral responses.
Q
What video tracking software is compatible with the backlighting system?
A
The apparatus is compatible with Noldus EthoVision XT and other tracking systems capable of high-contrast analysis. Fluorescent backlighting provides optimal conditions for automated trajectory detection.
Q
How does arm angle geometry affect behavioral outcomes?
A
The 120° arm configuration minimizes turning bias while providing clear spatial choices. Alternative angles may introduce directional preferences that could confound alternation behavior analysis.
Q
What cleaning protocols are recommended between test sessions?
A
Rinse with distilled water and mild detergent, followed by thorough rinsing with system medium. Allow temperature equilibration before introducing new test subjects to maintain consistent conditions.
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