Zebrafish
The zebrafish is one of the most popular model organisms for research. A combination of numerous characteristics makes it so attractive to scientists that it is the second most commonly used vertebrate in animal experiments at the Max Planck Society, after the mouse.
- Latin: Danio rerio, a small fish measuring up to 5 cm in length from the carp family (Cyprinidae)
- Lives in slow-flowing or stagnant waters
- Exceptional tissue regeneration abilities
- A useful model organism due to its transparent oocytes.
Animal welfare
The zebrafish in our aquariums are wild fish species and genetically modified fish strains (GMF). The majority of these shoaling fish are bred in-house and raised from eggs to adulthood. Due to their transparent anatomy as embryos and their physiological regenerative capacity, these zebrafish are particularly well suited to being model organisms for basic research. They have the amazing ability to regenerate nerve pathways completely after spinal cord injuries. The aim is to use these findings for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases in humans.
More information can be found here.
Contact
Core Facility In vivo Model Systems
Johannes Bachmann
Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin
Kussmaulallee 2
91054 Erlangen, Germany
