Zebrafish are among the most widely used laboratory animals, and improving their welfare requires understanding their social needs, pain responses, and environmental requirements.
Zebrafish have become essential research models precisely because they are vertebrates with complex biology, but this status as vertebrates also means they have welfare needs that must be addressed. Social isolation, which is common in research settings due to experimental requirements, causes measurable distress in zebrafish. The development of zebrafish-specific welfare guidelines represents important progress, but implementation varies significantly between institutions. Good zebrafish welfare requires investment in appropriate tank systems, social housing protocols, and refined experimental methods.