WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • MARCH 2026 31 and cost-effectiveness have made it indispensable in studies ranging from developmental biology to cancer and neurodegenerative diseases (Szychlinska and Gammazza, 2025). Zebrafish develop rapidly, with major organ systems forming within 24 hours post-fertilization and larvae swimming actively by 72 hours (Kimmel et al., 1995). Analysis of vertebrate development in real time is made possible by this rapid embryogenesis. Zebrafish are also very fecund; females produce hundreds of eggs every week, which makes large-scale screening and statistically significant tests possible. Synchronous staging and observation are made possible by their external fertilization and translucent embryos (Lieschke and Currie, 2007). These characteristics, which offer scalability that other vertebrate models cannot match, have made zebrafish a favorite model for high-throughput drug discovery, genetic manipulation, and developmental biology research (Sengupta et al., 2025). Genetic Similarity to Humans Zebrafish are a useful model for biological research because of their significant genetic resemblance to humans. The zebrafish genome contains roughly 84% of the genes linked to human disorders, and over 70% of human genes have at least one zebrafish ortholog (Mushtaq et al., 2025). Accurate modelling of numerous human diseases, such as cancers, neurological diseases, and cardiovascular diseases, is made possible by this genetic conservation. Genome-editing techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9 are useful for researching gene function, disease processes, and possible treatments since they may induce specific mutations (Hwang et al., 2013). Transparent Embryos: A Microscope into Development Because zebrafish embryos are optically transparent by nature, developmental processes can be observed in real time without causing any harm. By enabling live imaging of organogenesis, including the formation of the heart, brain, and arteries, this special characteristic has revolutionised developmental biology (Bao et al., 2025). Using light or fluorescence microscopy, researchers may monitor morphogenetic events, lineage specification, and individual cell motions. The visualisation of cellular behaviour and gene expression patterns is further improved using fluorescent reporter lines. Dynamic studies of illnesses and drug reactions in the early phases of embryogenesis are made easier by this transparency. Unlike most other model organisms, D. rerio offers a potent insight into vertebrate biology. Rapid Development and High Fertility Zebrafish are ideal for timesensitive and high-throughput research because of their quick embryonic development and prolific reproduction. Major organ systems such as the brain, heart, and somites begin to form during the first 24 hours after fertilization, and by 72 hours the larvae are motile and displaying sensory responses (Kimmel et al., 1995). Because adult females can lay 200–300 eggs a week, statistically sound investigations can use high sample sizes. External fertilisation and high fecundity allow for synchronized embryo collection, which is necessary for pharmacological, developmental, and genetic screening procedures (Sengupta et al., 2025; Lieschke and Currie, 2007). Ease of Genetic Manipulation Advanced methods like CRISPR/Cas9, morpholino antisense oligonucleotides, and transgenesis can be used to manipulate zebrafish genetically. These techniques enable temporal control of gene expression as well as precise gene knockouts and knock-ins. Stable transgenic or mutant lines can be created by researchers to simulate a number of human illnesses, such as diabetes, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, and several types of cancer. These models greatly speed up scientific discoveries by enabling functional genomics research, pathway analysis, and in vivo drug testing (Mushtaq et al., 2025). Regenerative Capabilities Damaged tissues, including the heart muscle, spinal cord, retina, and fins, can be miraculously repaired by zebrafish. They are now a key model in regenerative medicine research because of this characteristic. In order to develop therapeutic strategies for human tissue repair, research has concentrated on discovering the enhancers and molecular pathways that propel this regeneration (Begeman, 2025). FIGURE 2a. Historical Timeline of zebrafish in research FIGURE 2b. Historical Timeline of zebrafish in research (CONTINUED ON PAGE 32)
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