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ORAL PRESENTATION / SÖZLÜ SUNUM

Tracking Systems in Zebrafish: Current Trends in Pharmacology and Toxicology

Farah Gonul AYDIN¹ Yasin PAK Furkan KUTLU
2,*
3

¹Ankara University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Pharmacology
and Toxicology, TÜRKİYE
2 Ankara University, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Veterinary Pharmacology and
Toxicology, TÜRKİYE
3 Ankara University, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Veterinary Genetics, TÜRKİYE

*Correspound Author: vetyasinpak@gmail.com

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) has increasingly become a widely used aquatic model organism
in pharmacology and toxicology research in recent years. Its genetic similarity to humans,
rapid developmental cycle, transparent embryos, and low maintenance cost have made it a
preferred species in experimental studies, particularly due to its advantages in behavioral
testing. However, observational methods alone are insufficient for obtaining reliable and
reproducible data, and therefore advanced tracking systems that allow behavioral
parameters to be digitized have gained importance. The present study was prepared with the
aim of systematically reviewing the current literature on zebrafish tracking technologies and
compiling the available findings. A review of the literature demonstrates a clear technological
progression in this field. In the early stages, simple two-dimensional camera systems were
employed to measure basic parameters such as swimming speed, distance, and orientation,
yet these approaches did not adequately capture vertical or depth-related behaviors.
Subsequently, stereo camera and mirror-based three-dimensional systems were developed,
which enabled more detailed assessments of vertical locomotion, particularly in paradigms
used to investigate anxiety, stress, or neurotoxicity, such as the novel tank diving test. More
recently, artificial intelligence-based algorithms have been integrated into these systems,
making it possible to automatically analyze multiple individuals simultaneously, thereby
allowing for the study of social interaction and shoaling behaviors. In addition, both open-
source software solutions (e.g., ZebraTrack) and commercial platforms (e.g., ZebraLab) have
been widely reported in the literature. While the former provide cost-effective and accessible
options for researchers, the latter offer enhanced efficiency and standardization in
experimental workflows. This trend indicates that tracking technologies have advanced in
terms of both accessibility and reproducibility. In conclusion, the literature review reveals that
zebrafish tracking systems have evolved from simple 2D approaches to advanced 3D
analyses and AI-assisted multi-individual monitoring platforms. The purpose of this review is
to present the principles, advantages, and limitations of these technologies in a comparative
manner, thereby serving as a bibliographic reference for researchers in the fields of
pharmacology and toxicology. The poster to be presented at the congress will illustrate these

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