Social Preference Tests in Zebrafish: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The use of animal models in biology research continues to be necessary for the development of new technologies and medicines, and therefore crucial for enhancing human and animal health. In this context, the need to ensure the compliance of research with the principles Replacement, Reduction and Refinement (the 3 Rs), which underpin the ethical and human approach to husbandry and experimental design, has become a central issue. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is becoming a widely used model in the field of behavioral neuroscience. In particular, studying zebrafish social preference, by observing how an individual fish interacts with conspecifics, may offer insights into several neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. The main aim of this review is to summarize principal factors affecting zebrafish behavior during social preference tests. We identified three categories of social research using zebrafish: studies carried out in untreated wild-type zebrafish, in pharmacologically treated wild-type zebrafish, and in genetically engineered fish. We suggest guidelines for standardizing social preference testing in the zebrafish model. The main advances gleaned from zebrafish social behavior testing are discussed, together with the relevance of this method to scientific research, including the study of behavioral disorders in humans. The authors stress the importance of adopting an ethical approach that considers the welfare of animals involved in experimental procedures. Ensuring a high standard of animal welfare is not only good for the animals, but also enhances the quality of our science.

Zebrafish as an Animal Model for Testing Agents with Antidepressant Potential

“…[ 64,85] Novel object approaching Zebrafish is fearful of the novel object and spends time near the wall of the arena (thigmotaxis).…”

“…This study consists of two phases: during the first phase, a single subject habituates in a new tank and during the second phase, the so-called interaction phase, a group of fish is introduced into the tank (alternatively, a recorded video can serve as a social stimulus). The principal parameter measured in the social preference test is the time spent by the observed fish in areas close to the social stimulus [ 64 ]. Therefore, both the shoaling test and the social preference test could serve as simple tools to investigate mechanisms of neuropsychiatric diseases that are associated with an impairment of social interactions.…”

Validation of the three-chamber strategy for studying mate choice in medaka

“…Medaka is a shoaling species and some studies investigated shoaling preference using real fish [ 10 , 40 ]. Generally, a three-chamber test could assess the tendency to approach and interact with conspecifics, which is the first and essential step in various social behaviours, not only mating, but also shoaling and fighting [ 41 , 42 ]. Thus, although they are ready for mating, medaka in the three-chamber apparatuses might associate with mates for reasons other than a reproductive purpose.…”

Fishmeal Replacement with Hermetia illucens Meal in Aquafeeds: Effects on Zebrafish Growth Performances, Intestinal Morphometry, and Enzymology

“…The cyprinid zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a widely used animal model in biomedical research [38][39][40], and several authors have proposed this freshwater fish as a suitable model for aquaculture nutrition research [41][42][43][44][45]. Among others, key factors of the spread of zebrafish as an animal model are its small size, simple management requirements, high fecundity, fast growth, and short life cycle [46].…”