Analysis of behavioral variables across domains and strains in zebrafish: Role of brain monoamines

Abstract Important neurochemical variations between strains or linages which correlate with behavioral differences have been identified in different species. Here, we report neurochemical and behavioral differences in four common zebrafish wild-type strains (blue shortfin, longfin stripped, leopard and albino). leo zebrafish have been shown to display increased scototaxis in relation to the other strains, while both nacre and leo zebrafish show increased geotaxis. Moreover, leo displayed increased nocifensive behavior, while nacre zebrafish showed increased neophobia in the novel object task. lof zebrafish showed decreased turn frequency in both the novel tank and light/dark tests, and habituated faster in the novel tank, as well as displaying increased 5-HT levels. leo zebrafish showed decreased brain 5-HT levels and increased 5-HT turnover than other strains, and nacre had increased brain DA levels. Finally, specific behavioral endpoints co-varied in terms of the behavioral and neurochemical differences between strains, identifying cross-test domains which included response to novelty, exploration-avoidance, general arousal, and activity.