pi_tailtrack: A compact, inexpensive and open-source behaviour-tracking system for head-restrained zebrafish

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Bioengineering
• Zebrafish research

Background:

• Accurate quantification of animal behavior is essential for correlating neural activity with behavioral outputs.
• Head-restrained larval zebrafish are a key model organism for studying neural circuits and behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and describe an affordable, high-performance imaging and tracking system for head-restrained larval zebrafish.
• To enable real-time behavioral analysis compatible with functional microscopy techniques.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a Raspberry Pi computer, Pi NoIR camera, and open-source software for real-time image processing.
• Implemented tail segmentation and skeletonization algorithms for over 100 Hz tracking of larval zebrafish.
• Designed a system for precise, long-term quantification of swimming behavior.

Main Results:

• The system successfully achieved real-time, high-frequency tracking of larval zebrafish tail movements.
• Demonstrated the capability to precisely quantify swimming behavior for extended periods.
• The developed system is compatible with functional microscopy for correlating neural activity and behavior.

Conclusions:

• This system provides a simple yet effective solution for quantifying the behavior of head-restrained larval zebrafish.
• The low cost (340€) makes this system accessible for many research laboratories.
• Facilitates detailed analysis of swimming behavior, crucial for understanding neural control of movement.