The use of the zebrafish as a model in fish aquaculture research

Only a decade has passed since the publication of volume 29 of this Fish Physiology series in 2010 where, for the first time, it was devoted to a single species: the zebrafish (Danio rerio). In that volume, it was considered as a model for human disease and environmental toxicology. Things have changed since then and now this chapter reviews the increasing use of zebrafish also as a model organism for fish aquaculture research. After an introduction to the biology, ecology and life cycle of the zebrafish, the most suitable protocols for rearing zebrafish are presented as well as euthanasia procedures compatible with current ethical regulations. Next, commonly used zebrafish strains and transgenic lines are presented and new gene-editing and live-imaging techniques are discussed. The following sections deal with major research topics with potential translational applications to aquaculture. First, studies carried out on different aspects of environmental responses, including stress and coping styles, immunology, toxicology and nociception, are examined. Next, current studies performed in zebrafish to improve aquaculture nutrition and diet development are reviewed. The latest findings on zebrafish reproduction, including different aspects of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axis and sexual development, are also presented. The chapter identifies some knowledge gaps regarding the use of zebrafish as a model for fish aquaculture research and identifies some areas worth further exploring.