ConductVision Zebrafish Package
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The ConductVision license for zebrafish tests.
Zebrafish Y Maze Flow Modification
SKU ME-4853
$1,090.00
Unit: Each
Y-shaped acrylic maze system with integrated flow control for zebrafish spatial learning and chemical preference studies, featuring differential arm dimensions and precise flow rate regulation.
CE Marked
Scientist guidance
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Director of Science · ConductScience
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Key Specifications
Full details →- Model fit
- Zebrafish
- SKU family
- ME-4853
- Sizing
- Zebrafish: 25 cm long, 8 cm wide and 15 cm high
- Ordering
- Online checkout and quote request available
- Category
- Behavioral Mazes
- Build notes
- polyethylene, transparent acrylic
The Zebrafish Y Maze Flow Modification is a specialized aquatic behavioral apparatus designed for spatial learning and memory assessment in zebrafish. This transparent acrylic system features a Y-shaped configuration with differential arm dimensions: an 18 cm starting arm (10 cm width) and two 30 cm goal arms (5 cm width each), all standing 20 cm in height. The apparatus incorporates integrated flow control capabilities through 1 cm diameter polyethylene tubing and a flow meter positioned at the intake opening, enabling precise manipulation of water currents for choice-based behavioral paradigms.
The system supports both acute and chronic exposure protocols, accommodating flow rates from 0.4 cm/sec for chemical aversion studies (denatonium benzoate at 2.5nM) to 3 cm/sec for alcohol preference testing (concentrations ranging from 0.125-0.85% v/v). Designed for standard 7 cm water depth operation within a 50 cm opaque enclosure, this apparatus enables controlled investigation of spatial navigation, chemical preference, and learning behaviors in zebrafish under precisely regulated hydrodynamic conditions.
How It Works
The Y maze operates on the principle of spatial choice behavior assessment through controlled hydrodynamic cues. Fish are introduced into the starting arm and must navigate to one of two goal arms, with their choices influenced by differential flow rates and chemical gradients. The integrated flow system uses gravity-fed water cylinders connected to polyethylene tubing, creating controlled current patterns that can carry chemical stimuli or serve as spatial navigation cues.
Behavioral quantification relies on tracking fish movement patterns, arm entry frequency, and time spent in each zone. The flow meter enables precise control of stimulus delivery, while the transparent acrylic construction allows for video tracking and automated behavioral analysis. The differential arm dimensions (wider starting arm, narrower goal arms) create a natural decision point that facilitates clear choice quantification.
Testing protocols typically involve 5-minute sessions following a 3-day training period (10 minutes daily), allowing for both acute response measurement and learning curve analysis. The controlled flow environment eliminates confounding variables while providing reproducible stimulus presentation across trials.
Features & Benefits
Differential arm geometry (18cm x 10cm start arm, 30cm x 5cm goal arms)
Creates natural decision points and facilitates clear spatial choice quantification through geometric constraints
Integrated flow control system with 1cm diameter polyethylene tubing
Enables precise chemical stimulus delivery and current-based spatial cues with reproducible flow patterns
Flow meter positioned at intake opening
Provides accurate flow rate monitoring and calibration for consistent stimulus presentation across trials
Transparent acrylic construction with 20cm height
Allows for comprehensive video tracking and behavioral analysis while preventing fish escape
Gravity-fed water delivery system
Eliminates pump vibrations and electrical interference while providing stable, consistent flow delivery
Variable flow rate capability (0.4-3 cm/sec)
Accommodates different experimental paradigms from subtle chemical gradients to robust preference testing
50cm opaque enclosure compatibility
Eliminates external visual cues and vibrations for controlled behavioral assessment conditions
Standardized 7cm water depth operation
Minimizes stress while ensuring adequate swimming space for natural behavioral expression
Research identifier
This ID comes from NCBI Taxonomy. Use it in data records and methods sections.
- Species
- Zebrafish
NCBITaxon:7955
Sizes by model
| Measurement | Zebrafish |
|---|---|
| Size | 25 cm long, 8 cm wide and 15 cm high |
Notes
- 25 cm long, 8 cm wide and 15 cm high
Tubing Diameter
- 1 cm diameter polyethylene tubing
Water Depth
- 7 cm
Enclosure Height
- 50 cm tall opaque plastic enclosure
Flow Rate 1
- 0.4 cm/sec (for denatonium benzoate experiment)
Flow Rate 2
- 3 cm/sec (for alcohol experiment)
Testing Duration
- 5 minutes per session
Training Period
- 10 minutes daily for 3 consecutive days
Alcohol Concentrations
- 0.5% (v/v) acute, 0.125-0.5% (v/v) chronic, 0.85% dispensed
Denatonium Concentration
- 2.5nM
Includes Flow Meter
- positioned at intake opening
Behavioral Construct
- spatial learning
- spatial memory
- choice behavior
- spatial navigation
- chemical preference
- decision making
Automation Level
- semi-automated
Material
- polyethylene
- transparent acrylic
Species
- Zebrafish
Dimensions
- Starting arm: 18 cm, Goal arms: 30 cm each x Starting arm: 10 cm, Goal arms: 5 cm each x 20 cm
Research Domain
- Addiction Research
- Behavioral Pharmacology
- Developmental Biology
- Learning and Memory
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flow Control Integration | Integrated flow system with dedicated meter and tubing (0.4-3 cm/sec range) | Most Y-mazes lack flow control capabilities | Enables dynamic chemical delivery and current-based behavioral paradigms not possible with static systems |
| Arm Geometry Design | Differential dimensions (18cm x 10cm start, 30cm x 5cm goals) | Standard models often use uniform arm dimensions | Creates natural decision bottlenecks and facilitates clearer choice quantification |
| Chemical Delivery Precision | Gravity-fed system with integrated flow metering | Manual delivery methods or no chemical capability | Provides reproducible stimulus presentation with minimal mechanical interference |
| Multi-Protocol Compatibility | Supports both 0.4 cm/sec (chemical aversion) and 3 cm/sec (preference) protocols | Single-purpose designs with limited flow ranges | Accommodates diverse experimental paradigms within a single apparatus |
| Environmental Control | 50cm opaque enclosure with vibration isolation | Basic enclosures without comprehensive isolation | Eliminates confounding variables for more reliable behavioral measurements |
This system combines traditional Y-maze spatial testing with advanced flow control capabilities, enabling dynamic chemical stimulus delivery and current-based navigation studies. The differential arm geometry and integrated flow metering provide enhanced experimental control compared to static behavioral chambers.
Neuroscience
Assessment of spatial working memory and navigation abilities in zebrafish models of neurodevelopmental disorders or neurotoxicity studies.
Behavioral Pharmacology
Evaluation of drug effects on spatial choice behavior and learning performance using controlled flow-based reward or aversion paradigms.
Toxicology
Investigation of chemical effects on spatial cognition and decision-making behavior through controlled exposure via differential flow rates.
Learning and Memory
Quantification of spatial memory formation and retention in zebrafish through repeated choice trials with flow-guided cue presentation.
Addiction Research
Analysis of alcohol preference behavior and conditioned place preference using controlled ethanol delivery through differential arm flow systems.
Developmental Biology
Characterization of spatial learning emergence during zebrafish development using age-appropriate flow conditions and testing durations.
Practical Tips
Calibration
Calibrate flow rates before each experimental session using the integrated meter, as temperature and tubing condition can affect delivery accuracy.
Why: Flow rate consistency is critical for reproducible chemical gradients and behavioral responses
Maintenance
Flush the entire tubing system with clean water between different chemical protocols to prevent cross-contamination.
Why: Residual chemicals can create false gradients and compromise subsequent experimental results
Best Practices
Allow fish to acclimate in the starting arm for 30 seconds before initiating flow to establish baseline behavior.
Why: Initial stress responses can mask genuine spatial and chemical preference behaviors
Data Quality
Record both arm entry frequency and time spent in each zone to capture complete behavioral profiles.
Why: Entry patterns and dwelling times provide complementary information about decision-making and preference strength
Troubleshooting
If fish avoid all arms, reduce flow rate and verify water temperature matches housing conditions.
Why: Excessive flow or temperature differences can create stress-avoidance rather than genuine spatial choices
Safety
Use only research-grade chemicals at specified concentrations and ensure proper disposal of test solutions.
Why: Chemical safety protocols protect both researchers and experimental subjects from potential toxicity
Best Practices
Randomize goal arm assignments across trials to prevent positional bias in behavioral measurements.
Why: Systematic arm preferences unrelated to experimental variables can confound spatial learning assessments
Setup Guide
System Assembly
Assemble the Y-shaped acrylic maze and verify all joints are watertight. Install 1 cm diameter polyethylene tubing at intake and outflow points.
Flow System Connection
Connect elevated water cylinders to the tubing system and install the flow meter at the intake opening. Test gravity-fed flow delivery.
Enclosure Setup
Position the maze within the 50 cm tall opaque plastic enclosure on Styrofoam sheets to eliminate external visual cues and vibrations.
Water Filling
Fill the maze with water to exactly 7 cm depth using temperature and pH-controlled water matching fish housing conditions.
Flow Calibration
Calibrate flow rates using the integrated meter: 0.4 cm/sec for chemical studies or 3 cm/sec for preference testing protocols.
Illumination Setup
Install overhead lighting for clear observation while maintaining consistent illumination across all maze arms.
Video System Integration
Position tracking camera for automated behavioral analysis and verify clear visualization of all maze zones.
Protocol Validation
Conduct test runs with flow delivery and timing protocols to verify system performance before experimental sessions.
What’s in the Box
- Y-shaped acrylic maze assembly
- Polyethylene tubing set (1 cm diameter)
- Flow meter with mounting hardware
- Tubing connectors and fittings
- Setup and protocol manual
- Opaque enclosure panels (typical)
- Styrofoam vibration isolation sheets (typical)
Warranty
ConductScience provides a standard one-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, along with technical support for setup and protocol optimization.
Compliance
IACUC Guidelines for Aquatic ResearchSupports behavioral studies in zebrafish requiring institutional oversight for animal welfare and experimental design approval
AAALAC Standards for Aquatic Animal CareUsed in research facilities requiring accredited animal care programs for zebrafish behavioral studies
NIH Guidelines for Research Involving ZebrafishFacilitates behavioral research protocols in federally-funded studies requiring compliance with vertebrate animal research standards
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.Jennifer Alamed et al. (2006) “Two-day radial-arm water maze learning and memory task; robust resolution of amyloid-related memory deficits in transgenic mice” Nature Protocols doi:10.1038/nprot.2006.275
Q
What flow rates are optimal for different experimental paradigms?
A
Use 0.4 cm/sec for chemical aversion studies with denatonium benzoate (2.5nM) and 3 cm/sec for alcohol preference testing (0.125-0.85% v/v). Flow rates should be calibrated using the integrated meter before each session.
Q
How long should training and testing sessions be?
A
Standard protocol involves 10 minutes daily training for 3 consecutive days, followed by 5-minute testing sessions. This allows for learning establishment without excessive stress or habituation.
Q
What water depth is required for optimal performance?
A
Maintain exactly 7 cm water depth to minimize stress while ensuring adequate swimming space. Water should match housing tank temperature and pH conditions.
Q
Can the system accommodate automated tracking?
A
Yes, the transparent acrylic construction and standardized dimensions are compatible with video tracking systems for automated behavioral analysis and movement quantification.
Q
How is chemical stimulus delivery controlled?
A
The gravity-fed system with integrated flow meter enables precise delivery of chemical stimuli through the goal arms, with concentrations and flow rates calibrated for specific experimental requirements.
Q
What measures prevent external interference during testing?
A
The 50 cm opaque enclosure eliminates visual cues, while Styrofoam sheets reduce vibrations. The gravity-fed system eliminates electrical pump noise.
Q
How does this system compare to traditional Y-mazes?
A
Unlike static mazes, this system provides dynamic stimulus delivery through controlled flow, enabling chemical gradient studies and current-based spatial cues not possible with standard designs.
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Examples of tests it scores
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Zebrafish Y Maze Flow Modification
$1,090.00
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