Fiber Optic-Based Photostimulation of Larval Zebrafish

The perturbation of neural activity is a powerful experimental approach for understanding brain function. Light-gated ion channels and pumps (optogenetics) can be used to control neural activity with high temporal and spatial precision in animal models. This optogenetic approach requires suitable methods for delivering light to the brain. In zebrafish, fiber optic stimulation of agarose-embedded larvae has successfully been used in several studies to control neural activity and behavior. This approach is easy to implement and cost-efficient. Here, a protocol for fiber optic-based photostimulation of larval zebrafish is provided.