Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026
06:55
A Versatile Mounting Method for Long Term Imaging of Zebrafish Development
Published on: January 26, 2017
Versatile Dual Mounting Enables Larval Zebrafish Imaging Across Microscope Configurations
Hannah Murphy1, Laura Fontenas2
1Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute Neuroscience Graduate Program, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL, USA.
Bio-Protocol
|June 17, 2026
Summary
This new protocol allows researchers to image larval zebrafish from both dorsal and ventral views without remounting. This dual-orientation mounting method enhances flexibility and reproducibility in live imaging experiments.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Microscopy Techniques
Background:
- Larval zebrafish are conventionally mounted laterally for standardized imaging.
- This method limits optical accessibility and requires remounting for different microscope configurations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel mounting protocol for larval zebrafish.
- To enable dual-orientation (dorsal and ventral) optical access without remounting.
Main Methods:
- Utilized common laboratory consumables to create a dual-configuration mounting platform.
- Established a hydrophobic seal for easy inversion of mounted samples.
- Preserved lateral sample positioning in agarose.
Main Results:
- Developed a protocol allowing seamless transitions between upright and inverted microscopes.
- Eliminated the need for specimen remounting between different microscope setups.
- Ensured consistent anatomical positioning and experimental continuity.
Conclusions:
- The protocol provides flexible, reproducible, and minimally handled live imaging of zebrafish.
- Applicable to experiments requiring adaptable imaging geometry and high reproducibility.
- Facilitates reliable identification and longitudinal tracking of biological regions of interest.
