Zebrafish have become one of the most important model organisms in biomedical research. Their rapid development, genetic tractability and transparent embryos offer scientific advantages, but their welfare needs are often overlooked.
Zebrafish welfare is an underregulated area of laboratory animal welfare. The common assumption that fish feel less than mammals has led to lower husbandry standards and less welfare investment than in rodent facilities. But adult zebrafish are vertebrates with functional pain systems, and their welfare affects both animal interests and research validity — stressed fish produce different data. Improving zebrafish welfare means investing in facility design, water quality management, appropriate social housing and anaesthesia protocols for procedures.