Zebrafish
Zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Zebrafish (pronounced: /ˈziːbəˌfɪʃ/), also known as Danio rerio in scientific circles, is a tropical freshwater fish belonging to the minnow family (Cyprinidae) of the order Cypriniformes. Native to South Asia, it is a popular aquarium fish, frequently sold under the trade name zebra danio (and thus often called a "tropical fish" although both tropical and subtropical).
Etymology
The name "zebrafish" comes from the five uniform, pigmented, horizontal, blue stripes on the side of the body, which are reminiscent of a zebra's stripes. The species name, "rerio", is derived from the Latin word 'rere', meaning 'to wander', which is a reference to the species' native habitat in the rivers of India.
Anatomy
Zebrafish are characterized by their distinctive horizontal stripes that run along the length of their bodies. Adult females will display a silver belly filled with eggs. Males are torpedo shaped and are more streamlined than females.
Use in Research
Zebrafish are a common and useful model organism for studies of vertebrate development and gene function. They have a number of advantages for research, including a fully sequenced genome, rapid development, and transparent embryos that allow for easy observation of developmental processes.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Zebrafish
- Wikipedia's article - Zebrafish
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