ConductVision Zebrafish Package
$1,990 per yearA 5-year license is $3,990 in total.
The ConductVision license for zebrafish tests. It also scores shoaling, the T-maze, the Y-maze and mirror biting.
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Zebrafish Tap Test
SKU ME-4882
$4,990.00
Unit: Each
IncludesStandard Care
Multi-chamber system for automated tap-elicited startle response testing in zebrafish, featuring 2×4 array design with software-controlled stimulus delivery and behavioral tracking integration.
CE MarkedBAA available
Scientist guidance
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Director of Science · ConductScience
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Key Specifications
Full details →- Model fit
- Zebrafish
- SKU family
- ME-4882
- Shipping box
- 43.2 × 38.0 × 27.9 cm
- Ordering
- Online checkout and quote request available
- Category
- Behavioral Mazes
- Build notes
- Confirm accessories, station layout, and support needs before purchase
The Zebrafish Tap Test provides a controlled neurobehavioral assessment platform for evaluating startle response and habituation in zebrafish models. The system features a 2×4 array of individual testing chambers (6cm diameter, 9cm height) with automated tap stimulation controlled through ConductScience software integration. Each chamber accommodates individual fish testing with opaque dividers to prevent visual interference between subjects.
The apparatus enables systematic investigation of tap-elicited startle responses, a well-established paradigm for studying non-associative learning, sensorimotor processing, and neurotoxicological effects in zebrafish. Integration with tracking software allows synchronized stimulus delivery and behavioral recording, supporting quantitative analysis of C-start responses and habituation patterns across multiple subjects simultaneously.
How It Works
The tap test exploits the zebrafish C-start escape response, a stereotyped motor pattern triggered by acoustic or vibrational stimuli. When a mechanical tap is delivered to the testing chamber, it generates both acoustic and vibrational components that activate the fish's Mauthner neurons and associated escape circuits. This produces a characteristic C-shaped body bend followed by rapid forward propulsion.
The system delivers controlled tap stimuli through automated solenoids integrated with ConductScience software, allowing precise manipulation of stimulus intensity, duration, and interstimulus intervals. Repeated tap presentations enable measurement of habituation - the progressive decrease in response amplitude with stimulus repetition, reflecting non-associative learning processes.
Behavioral responses are captured through integrated tracking systems that record movement patterns at 6 frames per second. The combination of standardized stimulus delivery and quantitative movement tracking provides objective measures of startle amplitude, response latency, and habituation kinetics across multiple subjects simultaneously.
Features & Benefits
2×4 chamber array design
Enables simultaneous testing of up to 8 zebrafish with individual stimulus control for increased experimental throughput and reduced variability
6cm diameter chambers with 9cm height
Provides optimal space for natural swimming behavior while constraining movement for consistent startle response measurement
Automated solenoid tap control
Delivers standardized mechanical stimuli with precise timing control for reproducible startle response elicitation
Opaque chamber dividers
Eliminates visual interference between subjects to prevent confounding effects from conspecific observation
Software-controlled stimulus patterns
Allows programmable tap sequences and interstimulus intervals for flexible habituation paradigm design
ConductVision integration
Provides synchronized behavioral tracking at 6 frames per second with automated analysis of C-start responses
Noldus EthoVision compatibility
Enables behavior-dependent stimulus triggering through Noldus Baton integration for conditional response protocols
20mm water depth specification
Maintains optimal swimming conditions while ensuring consistent acoustic transmission properties for reliable stimulus delivery
Add-ons and modifications
| Add-on | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Tap Arenas (8) | $4,990 | Number of Arenas: 2×4 array. Individual Arena: 6cm diameter, 9cm height. Separators (12cm height). Tap controlled by Conductor, 8 independent controls |
Add any of these to your quote request.
Research identifier
This ID comes from NCBI Taxonomy. Use it in data records and methods sections.
- Species
- Zebrafish
NCBITaxon:7955
Chamber Array
- 2x4 array
Chamber Diameter Options
- 50 mm or 60 mm
Water Depth
- 20 mm
Simultaneous Testing Capacity
- up to 8 fish
Recording Rate
- 6 times per second
Water Type
- deionized water mixed with sea salts
Divider Type
- opaque-white dividers
Includes Automated Solenoid
- True
Acclimatization Period
- 10 minutes to 24 hours
Behavioral Construct
- Startle Response
- Habituation
- Non-associative Learning
- Sensorimotor Processing
Automation Level
- fully-automated
Color
- opaque-white
Species
- Zebrafish
Dimensions
- 90 mm
Research Domain
- Addiction Research
- Behavioral Pharmacology
- Developmental Biology
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Testing Capacity | Up to 8 fish simultaneously in 2×4 array | Single chamber or 2-4 chamber systems are more common | Higher throughput reduces time investment and increases statistical power for behavioral studies. |
| Stimulus Control | 8 independent automated solenoids with software control | Manual tapping or single stimulus source systems | Eliminates operator variability and enables precise stimulus timing across all chambers. |
| Chamber Design | 6cm diameter with opaque dividers and standardized 20mm depth | Variable chamber sizes without visual isolation | Optimized dimensions prevent visual interference while allowing natural swimming behavior. |
| Software Integration | ConductVision and Noldus EthoVision compatibility | Limited or proprietary software options | Flexible integration with existing lab analysis workflows and equipment. |
| Recording Rate | 6 frames per second tracking | Lower frame rates or manual observation methods | Sufficient temporal resolution to capture rapid C-start responses while minimizing data storage requirements. |
| Acclimatization Flexibility | 10 minutes to 24 hours accommodation | Fixed or limited acclimatization periods | Adapts to different experimental protocols and stress-sensitive paradigms requiring extended habituation. |
This system combines high-throughput testing capacity with precise stimulus control and flexible software integration. The standardized chamber design and automated operation provide consistent conditions for reliable zebrafish startle response assessment across multiple subjects simultaneously.
Neuroscience
Investigating sensorimotor gating deficits and habituation patterns in zebrafish models of neurological disorders through standardized acoustic startle paradigms.
Behavioral Pharmacology
Screening psychoactive compounds for effects on startle response amplitude and habituation using zebrafish as a behavioral model system.
Toxicology
Assessing neurotoxic effects of environmental contaminants and industrial chemicals on startle reflex sensitivity and learning capacity in zebrafish.
Developmental Biology
Characterizing age-dependent changes in startle response maturation and habituation learning throughout zebrafish development.
Addiction Research
Evaluating ethanol and drug exposure effects on acoustic startle responses and associative learning processes in zebrafish addiction models.
Neurodegeneration
Monitoring progressive changes in startle response and habituation as behavioral endpoints in zebrafish models of neurodegenerative diseases.
Practical Tips
Calibration
Verify tap stimulus delivery consistency across all 8 chambers using a vibration meter or accelerometer before beginning studies.
Why: Stimulus variability between chambers can introduce systematic bias in response measurements.
Maintenance
Clean chambers thoroughly between experiments with appropriate disinfectants and rinse completely to prevent chemical residue effects.
Why: Residual compounds from previous experiments can alter fish behavior and confound results.
Best Practices
Randomize fish placement across chambers and counterbalance chamber usage to control for positional effects.
Why: Subtle environmental differences between chamber positions may influence baseline behavior or response sensitivity.
Data Quality
Monitor water temperature and maintain consistency within ±1°C across all chambers during testing sessions.
Why: Temperature variations significantly affect zebrafish locomotor activity and startle response amplitude.
Troubleshooting
If individual chambers show reduced response rates, check solenoid mounting and stimulus transmission through the chamber walls.
Why: Loose mounting or dampened stimulus delivery can result in insufficient stimulus intensity for reliable response elicitation.
Best Practices
Allow adequate time between successive stimulus presentations to prevent response fatigue during habituation protocols.
Why: Rapid stimulus repetition can cause muscle fatigue rather than true habituation, confounding learning measurements.
Safety
Ensure all electrical connections are properly sealed and use appropriate GFCI protection around water-filled chambers.
Why: Electrical safety is critical when operating automated systems near aqueous environments.
Data Quality
Record ambient lighting conditions and maintain consistency across sessions, as lighting affects baseline activity levels.
Why: Lighting variations can alter stress levels and swimming patterns, affecting the magnitude and consistency of startle responses.
Setup Guide
System Assembly
Assemble the 2×4 chamber array with opaque dividers ensuring proper spacing and alignment of individual 6cm diameter chambers.
Software Integration
Connect the tap control system to ConductScience software and verify communication with all 8 independent solenoid controls.
Chamber Preparation
Fill chambers with 20mm depth of prepared water (deionized water with appropriate sea salt concentration) and allow temperature equilibration.
Fish Placement
Transfer individual zebrafish to chambers and allow acclimatization period of 10 minutes to 24 hours depending on experimental protocol.
Stimulus Calibration
Configure tap parameters including stimulus pattern, number of taps per interval, and interstimulus intervals through the software interface.
Recording Setup
Initialize tracking software and verify camera positioning for optimal detection of C-start responses across all chambers.
Protocol Execution
Execute automated testing protocol with synchronized stimulus delivery and behavioral recording across all active chambers.
What’s in the Box
- 2×4 chamber array assembly
- 8 individual testing chambers (6cm diameter)
- Opaque chamber dividers
- Automated solenoid tap system
- Chamber mounting hardware
- Software integration cables
- User manual and protocols (typical)
- Calibration reference materials (typical)
Warranty
ConductScience provides a standard 1-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, with technical support for software integration and protocol optimization.
Compliance
OECD Guidelines for Testing of ChemicalsCommonly used in zebrafish behavioral testing protocols that follow OECD guidelines for neurotoxicity assessment.
ARRIVE GuidelinesSupports standardized reporting of zebrafish experiments through controlled stimulus delivery and quantitative behavioral measurements.
Q
What stimulus parameters can be controlled for habituation studies?
A
The system allows control of stimulus pattern (number of taps within intervals), interstimulus intervals, and individual chamber activation. Integration with ConductScience software enables programming of complex stimulus sequences for habituation paradigms.
Q
How is behavioral response quantified and recorded?
A
Responses are tracked at 6 frames per second through integrated tracking software. The system records C-start amplitude, response latency, and movement patterns with automated analysis capabilities through ConductVision integration.
Q
What water conditions are required for testing?
A
Chambers require 20mm water depth using deionized water mixed with appropriate sea salt concentrations. Water temperature should be maintained at standard zebrafish holding conditions (26-28°C).
Q
Can the system accommodate different experimental designs?
A
Yes, the modular design supports various protocols including acute exposure studies, developmental assessments, and pharmacological screening with independent control of each chamber's stimulus delivery.
Q
What acclimatization period is recommended?
A
Acclimatization periods range from 10 minutes to 24 hours depending on experimental requirements. Longer periods may be needed for stress-sensitive protocols or after transport.
Q
How does the system integrate with existing lab software?
A
The apparatus integrates with ConductScience software and is compatible with Noldus EthoVision through Baton control, allowing behavior-dependent stimulus triggering and comprehensive data analysis.
Q
What maintenance is required for optimal performance?
A
Regular cleaning of chambers between experiments, verification of solenoid function, and periodic calibration of stimulus delivery timing ensure consistent performance throughout studies.
Q
Can different age groups of zebrafish be tested?
A
The 6cm chamber diameter accommodates juvenile through adult zebrafish. Stimulus parameters may need adjustment based on developmental stage and size differences.
Have a question about this product?
Score these tests with ConductVision
ConductVision is our video-tracking software. Record your sessions on video, and it reports the measures listed below.
What it measures in each test
Acoustic Startle
- C-Bend Latency
- C-Bend Magnitude
- Habituation Rate
- Prepulse Inhibition
Habituation
- Response Magnitude
- Habituation Rate
- Dishabituation Response
- Inter-Stimulus Interval
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