Zebrafish in the tropical One-North

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Research
• Aquatic Animal Models
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Zebrafish were initially ornamental fish in Singapore before gaining prominence in scientific research.
• By the early 1990s, zebrafish became integral to Singapore's scientific research landscape.
• The past decade saw a significant increase in research groups utilizing zebrafish.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the establishment and growth of zebrafish as a research model in Singapore.
• To identify challenges in culturing zebrafish under local conditions.
• To highlight the research focus of Singapore's zebrafish scientific community.

Main Methods:

• Review of historical scientific adoption.
• Analysis of facility establishment and operational challenges.
• Survey of local research interests.

Main Results:

• The Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB) launched a zebrafish facility in 2004 at Biopolis.
• Overcoming local environmental challenges was crucial for high-density zebrafish cultures.
• A diverse range of research interests exists within the Singaporean zebrafish community.

Conclusions:

• Zebrafish have become a vital research model in Singapore's burgeoning biomedical sector.
• Successful implementation involved addressing specific challenges in local husbandry.
• The zebrafish community in Singapore is active and diverse in its research pursuits.