Environment and Husbandry

Behind the Scenes of Zebrafish Research

Zebrafish are freshwater fish that belongs to the minnow family (Cyprinidae) native to South Asia and can be found in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. Since they are aquatic organisms it is vital that their water environment, housing, and husbandry are kept within the recommended parameters. Most importantly, the source of the water used to supply the fish systems is critical and must be carefully considered prior to establishment (Lawrence & Mason, 2012).

These are detailed in The Laboratory Zebrafish

• pH – stable within 6.8-8.5
• Salinity – stable up to 0-5 g/L
• Alkalinity – stable between 50-150 mg/L
• Hardness – stable between 75-200 mg/L
• Total ammonia nitrogen – 0 mg/L
• Nitrite – 0 mg/L
• Nitrate – up to 200 mg/L
• Dissolved oxygen – no less than 4 mg/L
• Carbon dioxide – no more than 20 mg/L
• Light/Dark – 14hrs/10hrs
• Temperature – stable within 24-30°C

A majority of these parameters need to be continuously monitored.

Biofiltration systems are also required and their advantages and disadvantages vary based on the system. The common systems are trickling media, moving bed bioreactors, and fluidized bed.

Size and space of the tanks should also be considered with the number of zebrafish that can be housing in each tanks.