Chamber Volume Requirements for Reproduction of the ZebrafishDanio rerio

Abstract

Abstract The zebrafish or zebra danio Danio (=Brachydanio) rerio has recently become a major vertebrate model for the study of developmental biology, neurobiology, and molecular genetics. As a result, most research universities have now invested considerable resources in the construction of large zebrafish facilities. A key element in the design of these facilities is maximizing the efficiency of available space. Here we report on the effects of aquarium chamber volume on the reproduction of zebrafish, with the objective of identifying the minimal volume required for normal egg production. Six adults (two males and four females) were tested in chamber volumes of 500, 400, 300, 200, and 100 mL. Results were compared with those from a control volume of 3.5 L. Eggs were removed from the test chambers after spawning and incubated in petri dishes at 28°C. Total egg production, percent of eggs hatching, and larval length at 96 h postfertilization were used to evaluate breeding success. Compared with the control, egg production was not significantly affected by reduced aquaria volumes of 500, 400, and 300 mL. However, mean egg production from a test volume of 200 mL was only 48% of the control egg production (P < 0.05), and at a test volume of 100 mL, egg production was reduced to 26% of the control value (P < 0.005). Percent egg hatch and 96-h larval length were not affected at any test volume.