Laboratory Fish in Biomedical Research: Biology, Husbandry and Research Applications for Zebrafish, Medaka, Killifish, Cavefish, Stickleback, Goldfish and Danionella Translucida

Fish, especially zebrafish, are the fastest-growing segment of the research population due to their advantages in biology and technology. Laboratory Fish in Biomedical Research provides comprehensive information on husbandry, maintenance, welfare, and experimental protocols for various freshwater species.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 474 pages
Publication date: 06 September 2021
Publisher: Elsevier Science Publishing Co Inc

The remarkable growth of fish, particularly zebrafish, has emerged as a significant trend within the research community. These remarkable creatures offer a multitude of advantages, both in terms of biology and the various technologies that can be applied to them. As a result, they have found widespread use in numerous research fields. Laboratory Fish in Biomedical Research: Biology, Husbandry, and Research Applications for Zebrafish, Medaka, Killifish, Swordtail Fish, Cavefish, Stickleback, Goldfish, and Danionella Translucida serves as a vital resource in addressing the growing demand for acquiring cutting-edge knowledge regarding the husbandry, maintenance, welfare, and experimental protocols of the most commonly studied freshwater species under standardized laboratory conditions.

Zebrafish, often referred to as Danio rerio, have gained immense popularity as a model organism in biomedical research. Their small size, rapid reproduction, transparency, and ease of maintenance make them ideal for studying various biological processes, such as development, genetics, behavior, and disease. Zebrafish studies have contributed to our understanding of cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, cancer, and other human health conditions.

One of the key advantages of zebrafish is their short lifespan, which allows for multiple experimental cycles within a relatively short period. This enables researchers to conduct rapid genetic screens, identify genetic mutations, and study the effects of environmental factors on development and disease. Zebrafish embryos are also transparent, making it possible to observe cellular processes and organ development in real-time using imaging techniques such as confocal microscopy and electron microscopy.

In addition to their biological advantages, zebrafish are also well-suited for technological applications. They have been used to develop new drugs, test the safety of chemicals, and study drug metabolism. Zebrafish have a relatively small genome, which makes it easier to identify and manipulate genes, making them valuable tools for genetic engineering and personalized medicine.

Another popular freshwater fish species used in research is the medaka, also known as Oryzias latipes. Medaka are small, colorful fish that are easy to breed and maintain in laboratory conditions. They have a short lifespan, which allows for multiple experimental cycles within a year. Medaka studies have been instrumental in understanding various aspects of biology, including genetics, behavior, physiology, and disease.

Killifish, also known as Fundulus heteroclitus, are small, freshwater fish that are widely used in genetic research. They have a rapid reproductive cycle, which allows for large numbers of offspring to be produced in a short period. Killifish studies have been particularly useful in understanding the genetic basis of various traits, such as coloration, behavior, and disease resistance.

Swordtail fish, also known as Xiphias gladius, are popular aquarium fish that have also been used in research. They have a long lifespan, which allows for long-term studies of aging and disease. Swordtail fish studies have contributed to our understanding of cardiovascular health, behavior, and reproductive biology.

Cavefish, also known as Astyanax mexicanus, are small, blind fish that are found in deep, dark caves. They have adapted to survive in extreme environmental conditions and have unique physiological and genetic characteristics that make them valuable for research. Cavefish studies have been particularly useful in understanding the evolution of adaptation, sensory systems, and disease resistance.

Stickleback fish, also known as Trachichthyidae, are small, bony fish that are found in freshwater habitats. They have a long evolutionary history and have adapted to a wide range of environmental conditions. Stickleback fish studies have been instrumental in understanding the genetic basis of adaptation, speciation, and ecological interactions.

Goldfish, also known as Carassius auratus, are popular aquarium fish that have also been used in research. They have a long lifespan, which allows for long-term studies of aging and disease. Goldfish studies have contributed to our understanding of cardiovascular health, behavior, and social interactions.

Finally, Danionella translucida, also known as the zebrafish larva, is a small, transparent organism that is commonly used in research. It has a short lifespan, which allows for multiple experimental cycles within a year. Danionella translucida studies have been instrumental in understanding various aspects of biology, including development, genetics, behavior, and disease.

In conclusion, fish, particularly zebrafish, have emerged as a rapidly growing segment of the research population due to their numerous advantages in terms of biology and technology. Laboratory Fish in Biomedical Research: Biology, Husbandry, and Research Applications for Zebrafish, Medaka, Killifish, Swordtail Fish, Cavefish, Stickleback, Goldfish, and Danionella Translucida serves as a valuable resource in acquiring cutting-edge knowledge regarding the husbandry, maintenance, welfare, and experimental protocols of the most commonly studied freshwater species under standardized laboratory conditions. Zebrafish, with their short lifespan, transparency, and ease of maintenance, have become a model organism in biomedical research, contributing to our understanding of various biological processes and human health conditions. Other freshwater fish species, such as medaka, killifish, swordtail fish, cavefish, stickleback, goldfish, and danionella translucida, have also played significant roles in genetic research, aging studies, and disease research. The continued development of innovative technologies and experimental protocols will further enhance our understanding of fish biology and their applications in various research fields.

Weight: 750g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780128210994