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

Altemara, M., Baur, B., Varga, Z. M.

Abstract

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 researchers and facility staff, and the adoption of a standardized reference diet. Current literature lacks comprehensive data and often overlooks crucial factors such as housing density and space requirements for fish development. Collaborative efforts between researchers and facility managers are essential for acquiring accurate husbandry data and minimizing pathogen risks. Standardizing descriptive language and parameter lists in publications and enhancing communication between facilities can improve research quality. Action items proposed include better communication of incoming fish information, standardization of pathogen monitors, transparency in husbandry practices, and fostering a spirit of collaboration among organizations. The summit emphasized the importance of increased PI awareness about husbandry, testing existing standardized diets, forming consortia to oversee diet standardization, creating unified repositories and forums, and conducting evidence-based husbandry studies.