Elevated circular behavioral apparatus for anxiety assessment and exploratory behavior testing in mice and rats, featuring non-reflective acrylic construction and easy cleaning protocols.
CE MarkedBAA available
Scientist guidance
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Director of Science · ConductScience
Ask Louise about Zero Maze fit, setup, configuration, or quote prep.
The Zero Maze is a behavioral testing apparatus designed for assessment of anxiety-related behaviors and exploratory activity in rodents. Constructed from non-reflective matted acrylic, this elevated circular platform provides an alternative to the elevated plus maze for measuring thigmotactic behavior.
The Elevated Zero Maze is an elevated ring-shaped runway with the same amount of area devoted to adjacent open and closed quadrants. It is very similar to the elevated plus maze, but with the center region of the elevated plus maze removed. It has been pharmacologically validated with various anxiolytic drugs.
The design is created with an elevated circular platform with two walled, enclosed portions as well as two open portions, allowing for clear interpretations of murine behavior. Because mice tend to avoid open-spaced areas, the animals will preferentially spend more time in the enclosed walled area.
Our Zero Maze is compatible with all major video tracking and analysis packages including our complete tracking and analysis package ConductVision, Noldus Ethovision XT, and ANY-Maze.
How It Works
The Zero Maze operates on the principle of approach-avoidance conflict, where rodents exhibit natural thigmotactic behavior (preference for wall contact) when placed in an elevated, partially exposed environment. The circular design creates alternating open and closed sections, with animals typically spending more time in closed areas that provide wall contact and shelter.
Anxiety levels are quantified by measuring the ratio of time spent in open versus closed sections, along with entries into open areas and overall locomotor activity. The elevated position (40cm height) adds an aversive component that enhances the anxiety-provoking nature of the open sections. Unlike traditional plus maze designs, the continuous circular pathway eliminates the central square, preventing animals from remaining in a neutral zone and forcing choice behaviors between protected and exposed areas.
Features & Benefits
Non-reflective matted acrylic construction
Eliminates visual artifacts and light reflections that could confound behavioral responses or interfere with video tracking systems.
Odorless material composition
Prevents olfactory cues from influencing animal behavior, ensuring consistent baseline conditions across test sessions.
Species-specific sizing
Optimized dimensions for mouse and rat models provide appropriate spatial scaling for natural exploratory behaviors.
40cm wall height
Standardized elevation creates consistent aversive stimulus while preventing animal escape during testing procedures.
Circular continuous pathway
Eliminates center square effects found in plus maze designs, forcing active choice behaviors between open and closed areas.
Easy ethanol cleaning protocol
Rapid decontamination between subjects using standard 70% ethanol maintains hygienic conditions and prevents cross-contamination.
Available color options
Multiple color choices (black, blue, clear, grey, white) allow optimization for video contrast and tracking system compatibility.
Door modification options
Customizable door configurations enable protocol variations and specialized experimental designs requiring controlled access points.
Add-ons and modifications
Add-on
Fits
Size
Price
Doors (<4)
Mouse or Rat
$100
Additional Height of Walls
Mouse
40cm wall height
$200
Additional Height of Walls
Rat
50cm wall height
$250
Add any of these to your quote request.
Sizes by model
Measurement
Mouse
Rat
Diameter
50 cm
100 cm
Track width
5 cm
10 cm
Wall height
20 cm
30 cm
Stand height
61 cm
61 cm
Notes
Acrylic
With or without raised floor edge (lip), please request
No Odors
Easy clean with 70% Ethanol
Mouse: Matted for non reflective surfaces
Rat: Matted for non-reflective surfaces
Shipping weight
6.06 lb
Shipping box
L: 65.0 cm
W: 36.0 cm
H: 27.0 cm
Research record
Use these values in methods sections and data records.
Behavioral test
Elevated zero mazeMMO:0000298
Species
MouseNCBITaxon:10090
RatNCBITaxon:10116
Outcome measures
Distance traveledCMO:0001443
These IDs come from the Measurement Method Ontology (MMO), NCBI Taxonomy and the Clinical Measurement Ontology (CMO).
clear elevated zero maze for rats (100 cm diameter, 10 cm track width, 30 cm wall height, 61 cm stand height; Maze Engineers, Skokie, IL, USA; cat. no. CS-958390-02-CLEAR)
If your maze was customized, report your own measurements.
Feature
This Product
Typical Alternative
Advantage
Platform Design
Continuous circular pathway without center square
Plus maze designs often include central neutral zones
Forces active choice behaviors between protected and exposed areas without neutral zone dwelling.
Construction Material
Non-reflective matted acrylic
Standard acrylic or plastic materials may have reflective surfaces
Prevents light artifacts and visual disturbances that could confound behavioral responses.
Species Configurations
Dedicated mouse and rat sizing with optimized entry dimensions
Single-size designs may not optimize spatial scaling
Species-appropriate dimensions ensure natural exploratory behaviors and consistent anxiety responses.
Color Options
Five color choices including black, blue, clear, grey, and white
Limited color options in standard models
Enables optimization for video contrast and tracking system compatibility across different laboratory setups.
Customization Options
Door modifications and additional wall height available
Fixed configurations limit protocol flexibility
Allows protocol customization for specialized experimental designs and research requirements.
Cleaning Protocol
Easy cleaning with standard 70% ethanol
Some materials require specialized cleaning agents
Simple decontamination procedures maintain consistent baseline conditions between test sessions.
The Zero Maze offers a continuous circular design that eliminates center square effects while providing species-specific sizing and customization options. The non-reflective matted acrylic construction with multiple color choices optimizes video tracking compatibility and reduces environmental confounds.
Model
Size
SKU
Listed price
Status
Shipping box
Mouse
Diameter 50 cm · Track width 5 cm · Wall height 20 cm · Stand height 61 cm
CS-958390-01-CLEAR (+4)
$1,890.00
Available
65.0 × 36.0 × 27.0 cm
Rat
Diameter 100 cm · Track width 10 cm · Wall height 30 cm · Stand height 61 cm
CS-958390-02-CLEAR (+4)
$2,290.00
Available
65.0 × 36.0 × 27.0 cm
Neuroscience
Assessment of anxiety-like behaviors by measuring time spent in open versus closed arms of the elevated circular platform.
Behavioral Pharmacology
Evaluation of anxiolytic and anxiogenic drug effects on exploratory behavior and thigmotactic responses.
Learning and Memory
Investigation of spatial navigation patterns and exploration strategies in anxiety-provoking environments.
Anxiety and Depression
Phenotypic characterization of transgenic animal models for anxiety disorders and stress-related behaviors.
Addiction Research
Assessment of withdrawal-induced anxiety behaviors and stress responses in substance dependence models.
Neurodegeneration
Monitoring anxiety-related behavioral changes in neurodegenerative disease models throughout disease progression.
Practical Tips
Calibration
Check that the platform sits level on its 61 cm stand before each testing session.
Why: Consistent elevation maintains the aversive stimulus necessary for anxiety-related behavioral responses.
Maintenance
Inspect acrylic surfaces for scratches or damage that could create visual artifacts during video tracking.
Why: Surface imperfections can interfere with automated behavioral analysis and introduce measurement variability.
Best Practices
Allow 30-60 minutes for animal acclimation to the testing room environment before behavioral assessment.
Position video cameras directly overhead to capture the entire circular pathway without blind spots.
Why: Complete visual coverage ensures accurate tracking of transitions between open and closed sections.
Troubleshooting
If animals show excessive freezing behavior, reduce ambient lighting or provide longer acclimation periods.
Why: Excessive fear responses can mask subtle anxiety-related behaviors and reduce protocol sensitivity.
Safety
Monitor animals continuously during testing to prevent falls and ensure immediate intervention if needed.
Why: The elevated platform requires safety oversight to protect animal welfare during behavioral assessment.
Best Practices
Randomize the starting position within closed sections to prevent position bias effects.
Why: Consistent starting positions can create learned associations that confound natural exploratory patterns.
Maintenance
Store the apparatus in a dust-free environment and cover when not in use to maintain surface clarity.
Why: Clean surfaces are essential for accurate video tracking and consistent visual conditions across test sessions.
Setup Guide
Assembly and Positioning
Assemble the circular platform on its 61 cm stand in a quiet testing room with consistent lighting conditions.
Environmental Control
Ensure room temperature is maintained at 22-24\u00b0C with minimal background noise and visual distractions.
Camera Setup
Position video recording equipment to capture the entire maze area from above for behavioral tracking analysis.
Pre-test Cleaning
Clean all surfaces thoroughly with 70% ethanol and allow to air dry completely before each testing session.
Acclimation Period
Allow animals to acclimate to the testing room for 30-60 minutes prior to behavioral assessment.
Subject Placement
Place the animal in a closed section facing away from the open area to begin the testing session.
Data Collection
Record behavioral parameters including time spent in open/closed sections, entries, and locomotor activity patterns.
What’s in the Box
Zero Maze platform assembly (typical)
Wall sections and barriers (typical)
Assembly hardware and mounting brackets (typical)
User manual with protocol guidelines (typical)
Cleaning and maintenance instructions (typical)
Warranty
ConductScience provides a standard one-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, with technical support available for protocol optimization and troubleshooting.
Compliance
ARRIVE GuidelinesCommonly referenced in behavioral neuroscience studies using standardized anxiety testing protocols with the Zero Maze apparatus.
NIH Guidelines for Animal ResearchSupports animal welfare standards for behavioral testing through standardized protocols and minimal stress procedures.
IACUC Protocol StandardsDesign features facilitate compliance with institutional animal care protocols for anxiety behavior assessment studies.
References
Background reading relevant to this product:
1.Alicia A. Walf et al. (2007) “The use of the elevated plus maze as an assay of anxiety-related behavior in rodents” Nature Protocolsdoi:10.1038/nprot.2007.44
2.Ann-Katrin Kraeuter et al. (2018) “The Elevated Plus Maze Test for Measuring Anxiety-Like Behavior in Rodents” Methods in molecular biologydoi:10.1007/978-1-4939-8994-2_4
3.Norberto Cysne Coimbra et al. (2017) “Critical neuropsychobiological analysis of panic attack- and anticipatory anxiety-like behaviors in rodents confronted with snakes in polygonal arenas and complex labyrinths: a comparison to the elevated plus- and T-maze behavioral tests” Brazilian Journal of Psychiatrydoi:10.1590/1516-4446-2015-1895
4.Rafael Cicconi Arantes et al. (2013) “Mathematical methods to model rodent behavior in the elevated plus-maze” Journal of Neuroscience Methodsdoi:10.1016/j.jneumeth.2013.04.022
The Zero Maze (Elevated Zero Maze) is a circular variation of the Elevated Plus Maze, eliminating the ambiguous center zone. It consists of alternating open and enclosed quadrants arranged on a circular elevated track.
Q
How does the Zero Maze work?
A
Rodents freely explore the circular track divided into two open and two enclosed quadrants. Time spent in open versus enclosed sections measures anxiety-like behavior, with the circular design removing the center-square scoring ambiguity of the plus maze.
Q
What research applications use the Zero Maze?
A
The Zero Maze provides an unambiguous measure of anxiety-like behavior for anxiolytic drug screening. Its continuous design eliminates center-dwell artifacts, making it preferred for precise anxiety quantification in pharmacological studies.
Have a question about this product?
Each paper below used this product. Under each title is the paper’s own sentence naming the equipment it used.
Grace O. Davis, Siyi Ma, McKenna Kernan et al. · Preprint on bioRxiv · 2026
From the methods
Mice were placed into the into the elevated zero maze arena (Maze Engineers, 50 cm diameter, 5 cm track width) under low light conditions (4-6 lumens).
Aya Osman, Nicholas L. Mervosh, Ana N. Strat et al. · Brain, Behavior, and Immunity · 2023
From the methods
To further assess anxiety-like behavior, mice were placed in the center of an open arm of an elevated zero maze (Maze Engineers) and allowed to move freely for 5 minutes.
Dajin Cho, Kyle O'Berry, Ingrid Camila Possa-Paranhos et al. · The Journal of Neuroscience · 2023
From the methods
Before the start of the elevated zero maze test (EZM; MazeEngineers) mice were allowed 30 min to acclimate to the new environment of the behavioral testing room.
The same license also scores standard tests such as the open field, the elevated plus maze, the Y-maze and the Morris water maze. Results export as CSV files.
The Zero Maze is a anxiety assay built around continuous open-versus-closed exploration without the center-zone ambiguity of plus-maze designs. Interpretable data depend on matching the apparatus geometry, subject species, trial structure, and scoring rules to the behavioral construct under study. 1
Anxiety-like exploration protocols depend on stable geometry, consistent trial timing, and pre-defined scoring rules. Without those controls, open-zone time can be shifted by motivation, locomotion, light level, odor, cue salience, or handling rather than the intended behavioral construct. 1
This methods section summarizes setup, endpoint definitions, common confounds, sample output, adjacent assays, and reporting details needed to evaluate Zero Maze results alongside the product specifications. 1
§ 2
Methods
2.1 Procedure
Anxiety-like exploration with standardized setup, trial timing, and endpoint extraction.
Pre-test setup
1.Define construct: Pre-register whether the study uses Zero Maze for anxiety behavior, screening, cohort comparison, or apparatus validation.
2.Calibrate apparatus: Verify elevated circular annulus with alternating open and enclosed quadrants, visibility, lighting, surface condition, cue placement, and camera field of view before animals enter the room.
3.Set scoring rules: Define open-zone time, omissions, exclusions, latency cutoffs, and event thresholds before acquisition starts.
4.Control carryover: Use consistent cleaning, handling, acclimation, and inter-trial timing so odor, stress, and fatigue do not become hidden treatment variables.
Trial sequence
1.Start trial: Place the subject at the protocol-defined start location and begin synchronized video or event logging.
2.Record behavior: Capture open-zone time, path order, latency, dwell time, and relevant zone or arm events throughout the trial.1
3.Apply endpoint rules: Score only committed entries or events that meet the pre-defined body-position and timing criteria.
4.End and reset: Stop at the maximum duration, completion criterion, or humane endpoint, then clean and reset the apparatus.
5.Export QC: Review tracking loss, outlier latency, immobility, omissions, and apparatus notes before group-level analysis.
Critical methodological constraints
Lighting. Document lighting because it can shift open-zone time independent of the intended construct.
Height exposure. Keep height exposure stable across cohorts and sessions.
Locomotor activity. Audit locomotor activity before interpreting group differences.
Edge risk. Report edge risk when it changes engagement, exploration, or measurable trial completion.
Center-free geometry. Flag center-free geometry during QA because it often explains apparent assay failure.2
2.2 Measurement & Analysis
Core Zero Maze endpoints for behavioral interpretation and apparatus quality control.
Open-zone time
Anxiety-like exploration
Open-zone time is the primary endpoint for this page and should be paired with latency and quality-control flags.1
Entry latency
Latency and initiation
Entry latency helps distinguish task performance from motivation, freezing, fatigue, or handling effects.
Transition count
Spatial or zone strategy
Transition count captures how the subject solved the task, not only whether it reached the endpoint.
Freezing time
Engagement control
Freezing time identifies omissions, low exploration, sensor dropouts, or species-specific non-response.
Falls or tracking loss
Quality-control flag
Falls or tracking loss should be reviewed before exporting final group summaries.
+ Additional metrics: trial duration, zone dwell, event count, path efficiency, tracking confidence, exclusions, and session-level notes.
2.3 open-zone time ratio (analysis)
A compact percentage summary for Zero Maze output.
Formula: open-zone time / (open-zone time + closed-zone time) x 100. Interpret with latency, engagement, and confound checks before making construct-level claims. 1
§ 3
Results
3.1 Sample apparatus output
Representative Zero Maze output for methods review and endpoint interpretation.
Table 1 · Per-animal Zero Maze scoring output
Animal
Group
Open-zone time
Entry latency
Transition count
Summary
ZM-001
Control
92 s
8 s
18
30.7%
ZM-002
Control
86 s
7 s
16
28.7%
ZM-003
Treatment
132 s
5 s
24
44.0%
ZM-004
Treatment
145 s
4 s
27
48.3%
Synthetic example for illustration only. Replace with tracked output screenshots or exported data when product media are available.
§ 4
Discussion
Limitations of the paradigm, methodological caveats, and current directions.
4.1 Common confounds
Variables that can shift Zero Maze results apart from the effect under study.
Lighting
Lighting can change apparent Zero Maze performance without reflecting the intended behavioral construct.
Height exposure
Height exposure can change apparent Zero Maze performance without reflecting the intended behavioral construct.
Locomotor activity
Locomotor activity can change apparent Zero Maze performance without reflecting the intended behavioral construct.
Edge risk
Edge risk can change apparent Zero Maze performance without reflecting the intended behavioral construct.
Center-free geometry
Center-free geometry can change apparent Zero Maze performance without reflecting the intended behavioral construct.
4.2 Construct validity caveats
Zero Maze is strongest when endpoint definitions, apparatus settings, and exclusion rules are specified before testing. Treat a single summary metric as a screening signal, then confirm interpretation with latency, engagement, comparator assays, and quality-control review. 1
4.3 Special considerations
When should I choose Zero Maze?
Choose Zero Maze when the research question matches continuous open-versus-closed exploration without the center-zone ambiguity of plus-maze designs. and the lab can control lighting, height exposure, and trial timing.
What setup variables should be specified before testing?
Specify species, cohort size, apparatus dimensions, lighting, tracking method, automation level, cleaning workflow, endpoint definitions, and exclusion criteria before data collection begins.
What makes the data interpretable?
Interpretation is strongest when the apparatus configuration, trial timing, scoring thresholds, confound controls, and comparator assays are documented together with the primary endpoint.
4.4 Current directions
Quarterly editorial review of emerging Zero Maze methodology. Q2 2026
Methods
Endpoint standardization
Define open-zone time, latency, exclusions, and engagement flags before comparing cohorts.
Emerging
Automated scoring
Camera and event-log workflows can reduce observer burden and improve consistency when zone definitions and event thresholds are validated.
Methods
Comparator batteries
Zero Maze should link to adjacent maze, motor, or motivation assays when interpretation depends on controls.
Emerging
Integrated method reporting
Apparatus dimensions, protocol fit, tracking compatibility, and endpoint definitions should be reported together so results are easier to reproduce.
§ 5
Background references
10 selected methods and validation studies of the Zero Maze, from any lab.
Dudchenko PA. An overview of the tasks used to test working memory in rodents. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2004;28(7):699-709.doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2004.09.002
Shoji H, et al. Comprehensive behavioral test battery for mice. Curr Protoc Mouse Biol. 2012;2:153-187.Find source
Vorhees CV, Williams MT. Assessing spatial learning and memory in rodents. ILAR J. 2014;55(2):310-332.Find source
Lalonde R. The neurobiological basis of spontaneous alternation. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2002;26(1):91-104.doi:10.1016/S0149-7634(01)00041-0
Walf AA, Frye CA. The use of the elevated plus maze as an assay of anxiety-related behavior in rodents. Nat Protoc. 2007;2(2):322-328.doi:10.1038/nprot.2007.44
Pellow S, Chopin P, File SE, Briley M. Validation of open:closed arm entries in an elevated plus-maze as a measure of anxiety in the rat. J Neurosci Methods. 1985;14(3):149-167.doi:10.1016/0165-0270(85)90031-7
Crawley JN, Goodwin FK. Preliminary report of a simple animal behavior model for the anxiolytic effects of benzodiazepines. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 1980;13(2):167-170.doi:10.1016/0091-3057(80)90067-2
File SE, Wardill AG. Validity of head-dipping as a measure of exploration in a modified hole-board. Psychopharmacologia. 1975;44(1):53-59.Find source
Walsh RN, Cummins RA. The Open-Field Test: a critical review. Psychol Bull. 1976;83(3):482-504.doi:10.1037/0033-2909.83.3.482
Brown RE, Corey SC, Moore AK. Differences in measures of exploration and fear in MHC-congenic C57BL/6J and B6-H-2K mice. Behav Genet. 1999;29(4):263-271.Find source
