Zebrafish: A Vital Species for Research

Zebrafish tanks are designed to create the best conditions for rearing and breeding zebra danios in several settings, including labs and research centers. At Iwaki Aquatic, we offer the finest range of Zebrafish tanks that are made to offer a safe and controlled environment. With our tank, you can ensure high survival rates and healthy fish development. Some of the notable features of our tanks include adjustable water flow, easy access for monitoring your fish, optimal solids removal with rear baffle design, locking lid, and efficacious separation of adult fish from their eggs, among several others. Whether you are running a lab or a large research facility, our selection of Zebrafish tanks makes your husbandry easy and efficient.

Zebrafish have earned their place as one of the most utilized model organisms in biology and genetics. Below are the factors that make them invaluable in the scientific community:

Surprisingly, Zebrafish share about 70% of their genes with humans. This genetic resemblance enables researchers to study human diseases, including cardiovascular, neurological, and developmental disorders, using Zebrafish as proxies.

A single Zebrafish can lay hundreds of eggs weekly. These eggs develop outside the mother’s body and are transparent, making it easy for scientists to study developmental processes in real-time. The entire embryonic development occurs within 48-72 hours, offering quick insights into biological functions.

Compared to mammals used in research, Zebrafish are cost-effective. They require less space, consume less food, and reproduce prolifically, making them ideal for large-scale studies.

Zebrafish have a complex nervous system, making them suitable for studying brain functions and diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and autism. Researchers can induce genetic mutations in Zebrafish to replicate these conditions, allowing for drug testing and understanding disease mechanisms.

Their transparent embryos allow researchers to observe heart development and blood flow. Zebrafish are also capable of regenerating heart tissues, offering hope for breakthroughs in regenerative medicine.

Zebrafish models are instrumental in studying tumor formation and metastasis. Scientists can inject human cancer cells into Zebrafish embryos to observe how cancer spreads and test potential treatments.

Given the rising demand for Zebrafish in laboratories, optimizing their health and environment has become crucial. This is where companies like Iwaki Aquatic step in, providing innovative solutions for Zebrafish care.

• Water Filtration Systems: Zebrafish thrive in clean, oxygen-rich water. Advanced filtration systems ensure the removal of harmful toxins, maintaining water quality at optimal levels.
• Temperature Control: Maintaining a consistent temperature of 28°C is critical for Zebrafish health. Automated temperature control systems help in creating a stable environment, minimizing stress on the fish.
• Feeding Automation: Proper nutrition is essential for Zebrafish breeding and growth. Automated feeding systems ensure the fish receive the right quantity and quality of food at regular intervals.
• Monitoring Systems: Advanced monitoring tools track water parameters, such as pH, in real-time. Any deviation triggers alerts, allowing quick corrective actions.

Breeding Zebrafish is relatively simple, but achieving high-quality results requires attention to detail:

• Conditioning: Feeding adult Zebrafish a protein-rich diet prepares them for breeding.
• Spawning Setup: A breeding tank which separates males from females with a mesh bottom prevents adults from eating the eggs and allows for easy egg collection.
• Egg Collection: Eggs should be collected within 24 hours and transferred to a separate tank for incubation.

Zebrafish diets should include live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and artemia, along with high-quality commercial pellets or flakes.

Iwaki Aquatic’s zebrafish tanks have a patented design which effectively removes waste and debris from the tank bottom automatically. Their systems also include a combination of mechanical and biological filtration to ensure a balanced aquatic ecosystem.

The rising use of Zebrafish in laboratories raises ethical questions about their care and handling. Businesses in this domain must adhere to stringent ethical guidelines to ensure humane treatment.

• Regulatory Standards: Organizations such as AAALAC (Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care) provide standards for Zebrafish care.
• Reducing Stress: Minimizing handling and maintaining stable environmental conditions are crucial for reducing stress in Zebrafish.
• Sustainable Practices: Overharvesting Zebrafish from their natural habitats can threaten wild populations. Ethical sourcing and captive breeding programs are vital for sustainability.