Primary Assay — Rat
Morris Water Maze
Rattus norvegicus
Originally developed for rats (Morris, 1984). Larger pool (150-180 cm diameter). Rats are stronger swimmers and show more robust spatial learning than mice, making this the gold standard for hippocampal memory research.
Quantitative Output
Measured Parameters
Every parameter is automatically tracked frame-by-frame in the ConductVision pipeline for Rattus norvegicus.
| Parameter | Unit | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Escape latency | s | Time to find hidden platform |
| Path length | cm | Distance swum to platform |
| Swim speed | cm/s | Motor control measure |
| Quadrant time (probe) | % | Target quadrant preference |
| Platform crossings | count | Spatial precision during probe |
| Heading angle | degrees | Initial swim direction relative to platform |
References
Citations for Morris Water Maze
- Morris R. (1984). Developments of a water-maze procedure for studying spatial learning in the rat. J Neurosci Methods, 11(1), 47-60. PMID: 6471907
- Brandeis R, Brandys Y, Yehuda S. (1989). The use of the Morris Water Maze in the study of memory and learning. Int J Neurosci, 48(1-2), 29-69. PMID: 2684886
Compatible Equipment
Hardware for Rat Research
Open Field Maze (rat size)
OFT locomotion and anxiety
Elevated Plus Maze (rat)
Anxiety screening
Morris Water Maze (150-180 cm)
Spatial learning
Radial Arm Maze (8-arm)
Reference and working memory
Operant Conditioning Chamber
Reinforcement learning, addiction
Social Interaction Arena
Social behavior
Y-Maze (rat)
Spontaneous alternation
Passive Avoidance Chamber
Aversive memory
PPI Startle Chamber
Sensorimotor gating
Related Assays
Other Rat Primary Assays
03
Open Field Test
Rattus norvegicus
Same principle as mouse OFT but with larger arena (typically 100×100 cm). Rats produce richer behavioral repertoires inc…
03
Elevated Plus Maze
Rattus norvegicus
Larger version for rats (50 cm arm length). Rats show more robust open arm avoidance than mice, making this the preferre…
03
Radial Arm Maze
Rattus norvegicus
Eight-arm maze radiating from a central platform. Separate assessment of reference memory (which arms are baited) and wo…
Run Morris Water Maze on ConductVision
Our team will configure the protocol, camera rig, and analysis pipeline for your rat facility.
