A Simple Method for Inducing Masculinization of Zebrafish Stocks Using 17α-Methyltestosterone.

Severely skewed sex ratios in zebrafish stocks can pose significant hurdles for line propagation and sperm cryopreservation. To overcome female-biased sex ratios in stocks derived from imported sperm samples, the Zebrafish International Resource Center has implemented routine supplementation of larval food with 17α-methyltestosterone to skew gonadal sex differentiation toward masculinization. Resulting stocks averaged 80% males.

Zebrafish breeding in the laboratory environment.

The zebrafish, Danio rerio, has become a major model organism used in biomedical studies. The widespread use of Danio rerio in research laboratories requires a comprehensive understanding of the husbandry of this species to ensure efficient propagation and maintenance of healthy and genetically diverse colonies. Breeding is a key element in zebrafish husbandry.

Transmission, diagnosis, and recommendations for control of Pseudoloma neurophilia infections in laboratory zebrafish (Danio rerio) facilities.

The microsporidium Pseudoloma neurophilia represents a considerable challenge for laboratory zebrafish (Danio rerio) facilities. In 2010, P. neurophilia infections were diagnosed in zebrafish from 74% of the facilities that submitted fish to the Zebrafish International Resource Center (ZIRC) pathology service, and this organism remains the most commonly diagnosed pathogen in submitted fish.