Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 8, 2026

Behavioral Assessment of Visual Function via Optomotor Response and Cognitive Function via Y-Maze in Diabetic Rats
Published on: October 23, 2020
A semi-automatic and quantitative method to evaluate behavioral photosensitivity in animals based on the optomotor
Megumi Matsuo1, Yoriko Ando2, Yasuhiro Kamei2,3
1Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Japan Women's University, Tokyo 112-8681, Japan.
Abstract:
The optomotor response (OMR) is a locomotor behavior of animals that is induced by moving repetitive visual stimuli. This characteristic helps animals particularly when stabilizing and maintaining position in schools and herds. Here, we developed a simple but sensitive method for quantifying the OMR using medaka (Oryzias latipes) as a model. This method, which simply requires video-recorded behavior, free tracking software, and a generic spreadsheet program, enables the evaluation of spectral sensitivity by researchers with little knowledge about the behavioral characteristics of the test animal or of the OMR. Based on a manual method, we reported previously that wild-type and red-colorblind medaka exhibited an OMR up to λ=830 and 740 nm, respectively. However, the present method, which quantifies the OMR according to three parameters (starting time, duration, and total distance of swimming) that are calculated based on a series of x-y coordinates of the moving fish, supported that conclusion and further indicated that both strains perceive light at even longer wavelengths. This low-cost, quantitative, and semi-automatic method would widen the opportunities to unveil behavioral photosensitivity in animals of interest.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Related Concept Videos
Automatic Processing and Automatic Social Behavior
What is Behavior?
Animal Mitochondrial Genetics
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Tonicity in Animals
Tonicity in Animals

