Fish

A new research tool for use in sharks and rays: Relevance of reproductive hormone levels in the skin of small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula) (2025)

The present study marks a significant step forward in validating the use of skin biopsies for measuring reproductive steroid hormones in sharks. Given the conservation concerns surrounding many chondrichthyan species and the growing emphasis on adhering to the 3R principles...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Biological Sampling & Physiological MeasurementAnimal Type: Fish, Shark & Ray

Citation: Carbajal, A., Lobato, I. G., Agustí, C. et al. 2025. A new research tool for use in sharks and rays: Relevance of reproductive hormone levels in the skin of small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula) (2025). Animals 15(5), 762.

Advancing zebrafish husbandry: takeaways from the 2024 husbandry workshop and husbandry summit (2024)

The 2024 Zebrafish Husbandry Workshop and Summit held during the World Aquaculture Society Meeting in San Antonio focused on key areas for improving zebrafish husbandry research. Discussions highlighted the need for comprehensive literature on husbandry, better communication and collaboration between...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Housing, Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Fish, Zebrafish

Citation: Altemara, M., Baur, B., Varga, Z. M. 2024. Advancing Zebrafish Husbandry: Takeaways From the 2024 Husbandry Workshop and Husbandry Summit. Zebrafish 21(6), 418–422.

Using a length-weight relationship based on wild lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus L

The use of lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus L.) as cleaner fish in Atlantic salmon aquaculture has emerged as a promising solution to combat the issue of sea lice infestation, as they have proven effective under the right conditions. The aquaculture industry,...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: Fish, Other Fish

Citation: Østerø, S. L., Toro, J. D., Homrum, E. í et al. 2024. Using a length-weight relationship based on wild lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus L.) for estimation of body condition of lumpfish in salmon cages. PLOS ONE 19(11), e0310924.

Novel euthanasia technique for zebrafish using electric shock in standard group housing aquaria

Zebrafish are widely used in research, accounting for approximately 50% of all laboratory fish across Europe. Due to their rapid reproduction and aging, effective and practical euthanasia methods are necessary for managing large stocks. This study investigated whether adult zebrafish...

Year Published: 2025Topics: EuthanasiaAnimal Type: Fish, Zebrafish

Citation: Saarinen, U., Sundell, E., Sneddon, L. et al. 2025. Novel euthanasia technique for zebrafish using electric shock in standard group housing aquaria. Scientific Reports 15(1), 3011.

Life beyond a jar: Effects of tank size and furnishings on the behaviour and welfare of Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens)

Globally, Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens) continue to be sold and kept in small, barren jars or tanks, with little concern for their welfare. This study aimed to examine the impact of housing size and furnishings (i.e. live plants, refuges)...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Environmental Enrichment, HousingAnimal Type: Fish, Other Fish

Citation: Clark-Shen, N., Tariel-Adam, J., Gajanur, A. et al. 2024. Life beyond a jar: Effects of tank size and furnishings on the behaviour and welfare of Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens). Animal Welfare 33, e62.

Zebrafish maintenance conditions affect behavioral and biochemical biomarkers: A possible interfering factor on the research results

Over the years, scientific research with fish models has grown at a rapid pace, and issues such as animal welfare are becoming increasingly important in various areas of animal husbandry and experimentation. Here, we evaluated whether Danio rerio behavior is...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Fish, Zebrafish

Citation: Amaral, F. U. I., Pompermaier, A., Almeida, P. A. de et al. 2024. Zebrafish maintenance conditions affect behavioral and biochemical biomarkers: A possible interfering factor on the research results. Zebrafish.

Structural enrichment promotes natural behaviour and welfare of captive gilthead seabream broodstock

The intensification of aquaculture practices in the last decade can compromise the welfare of farmed fish. However, one strategy to be considered to improve the welfare of captive fish is the implementation of structural enrichment in the rearing environment. The...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Fish, Other Fish

Citation: Oliveira, A. R., Cabrera-Álvarez, M. J., Soares, F. et al. 2024. Structural enrichment promotes natural behaviour and welfare of captive gilthead seabream broodstock. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 275, 106289.

Effects of handling and surgical implant on juvenile wild trout: Physiological and behavioral impact

Fish involved in telemetry studies are usually handled, anaesthetized, and subjected to internal tag implantation, all of which have the potential to disrupt the fish's physiology, migratory patterns, food-seeking behavior, growth, and survival. As fish tagging is a widespread standard...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Biological Sampling & Physiological Measurement, HandlingAnimal Type: Fish, Trout

Citation: Makaras, T., Stankevičiūtė, M. 2024. Effects of handling and surgical implant on juvenile wild trout: Physiological and behavioral impact. Journal of Fish Biology 105(1), 265–278.

Effects of housing density on anxiety-like behavior of zebrafish in the plus maze with ramp

Population density in experimental animals is a crucial factor in maintaining the wellbeing of the organisms. Inadequate housing conditions can compromise the validity and reliability of research results, making comparisons between studies difficult. In sociable species such as zebrafish (Danio...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Stocking DensityAnimal Type: Fish, Zebrafish

Citation: Pessoa, R., Motta, C., Araujo-Pessoa, E. et al. 2024. Effects of housing density on anxiety-like behavior of zebrafish in the plus maze with ramp. Behavioural Processes 222, 105114.

Heart and shoal: Social cues and oxytocin receptors impact stress recovery in the zebrafish

In many species, social interactions decrease behavioral, hormonal, and neural responses to environmental stressors. While “social buffering” and its mechanisms have received considerable attention in mammals, we know less about the phenomenon in fish. The nonapeptide oxytocin regulates social behavior...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Social Housing & CompanionshipAnimal Type: Fish, Zebrafish

Citation: Wilson, L. C., Riordan, A., Nussbaum, A. et al. 2024. Heart and shoal: Social cues and oxytocin receptors impact stress recovery in the zebrafish. Physiology & Behavior 283, 114613.