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ZebRack: A budget-friendly mobile system for short-term zebrafish housing
Pauline Sallaberry-Pincheira1, Aarón Villanueva1, Leonardo E Valdivia2
1Center for Integrative Biology, Facultad de Ciencias, Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad Mayor, Chile.
Cells & Development
|March 7, 2026
Summary
ZebRack is an affordable, open-source housing system for zebrafish (Danio rerio) that enables autonomous maintenance and breeding. This mobile, modular system provides a cost-effective solution for research and education, promoting wider accessibility.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Aquatic Animal Models
- Bioengineering
Background:
- Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are crucial model organisms in developmental biology.
- High costs of commercial housing limit accessibility for resource-constrained research and education.
- Need for affordable, functional zebrafish housing solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- Introduce ZebRack, an open-source, budget-friendly mobile zebrafish housing system.
- Facilitate autonomous maintenance and breeding for short-term periods.
- Enhance accessibility of zebrafish research and education.
Main Methods:
- Designed a modular 15-tank setup (2.8-l tanks) for under US$900.
- Integrated recirculating water filtration (mechanical, biological, chemical) and adjustable flow rates.
- Incorporated precise temperature control with submersible heater and optional AC, plus an electric photoperiod system.
Main Results:
- ZebRack demonstrated robust performance in a field trial, enabling daily embryo production.
- Validated thermal stability and breeding efficiency in a real-world setting.
- System proved modular, portable, and easy to set up, ideal for limited spaces.
Conclusions:
- ZebRack offers a cost-effective, flexible solution for zebrafish husbandry.
- Open-access design promotes global adoption and equitable access to zebrafish research.
- The system enhances current infrastructure for both research and teaching purposes.
